Rear Body Hook

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

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

Related techniques