What are the primary targets for a rear body hook?

The rear body hook typically targets the spleen, which corresponds to the left-side ribs of an orthodox opponent, or the solar plexus.

What are common mistakes to avoid when throwing a rear body hook?

Common errors include throwing it as a lead punch, lacking knee bend, forgetting to pivot the rear foot, and hunching forward, which exposes the fighter to a counter uppercut.

What drills are recommended for practicing the rear body hook?

Recommended drills include a slip-and-counter drill with a partner, heavy-bag work for three rounds after a slip, and mitts where the catcher slips a jab to allow a response to the body shield.

punchesadvanced

Rear Body Hook

In Short

The rear body hook targets the spleen or solar plexus and is often set up by a head-line jab or by slipping inside an opponent's lead hand. Key mechanics include pivoting the rear foot, keeping the elbow at body height, and maintaining a high lead hand to avoid telegraphing the punch.

The rear-hand hook to the body — typically targeted at the spleen (left-side ribs of an orthodox opponent) or the solar plexus. Less common than the lead body hook because the longer arc telegraphs heavily, but devastating when set up by a head-line jab or after slipping inside an opponent's lead hand. Famous example: Ricky Hatton's signature finishing punch through 2005-2008.

Key points

▸Rear-foot pivot drives the punch.
▸Elbow stays at body height — same as a lead body hook.
▸Aim at the left-side ribs of an orthodox opponent.
▸Use after a slip outside the jab — the opponent's body opens.
▸Lead hand high inside throughout.

Common mistakes

✗Throwing it as a lead — too long, easily countered.
✗No knee bend — produces a soft chest shot.
✗Forgetting the rear-foot pivot — wraps around the opponent rather than driving into the ribs.
✗Hunching forward — exposed to a counter uppercut.

Drills

Slip-and-counter drill: partner throws jabs, you slip outside and land the rear body hook.
Heavy-bag: 3 rounds of rear body hook after a slip.
Mitts: catcher slips a jab past your head, you respond with rear body hook to the body shield.

Related techniques

Lead Body Hook Rear Hook Slip-Cross Liver Shot

Frequently Asked

What are the primary targets for a rear body hook?: The rear body hook typically targets the spleen, which corresponds to the left-side ribs of an orthodox opponent, or the solar plexus.
How should the rear body hook be set up?: It is effectively set up by a head-line jab or after slipping inside an opponent's lead hand, which opens up the opponent's body.
What are common mistakes to avoid when throwing a rear body hook?: Common errors include throwing it as a lead punch, lacking knee bend, forgetting to pivot the rear foot, and hunching forward, which exposes the fighter to a counter uppercut.
What drills are recommended for practicing the rear body hook?: Recommended drills include a slip-and-counter drill with a partner, heavy-bag work for three rounds after a slip, and mitts where the catcher slips a jab to allow a response to the body shield.