How do you punch better with your left hand?

[check hook]

I got a buddy in the gym who I help with pad work, etc and he can't really punch with his left for ****, he can throw straight punches with some pop, but his hooks are so weak and look so amateurish. He fights in the southpaw stance because of this, even though hes an orthodox fighter.

I've tried getting him to work on strengthening the left arm, hitting with it more and in general getting him to use it more to do everyday tasks to work the muscles more, but not much has changed.

Whats the science behind getting some technique and power in your left if you've hardly ever used it?

Any help would be appeciated.

focus on technique first. forget the power (for now). Make sure the punch is coming from the chin and he turns the shoulder and body into it and he finishes with the palm facing him.


Like this:



notcie PBF's elbow is parralel to the ring, his left was glued to his face and the punch came in short and his lead leg is outside of Hatton's lead. He also turns his punches well = extra snap. Notice the palm facing inwards.

[Tripoli Tornado]

Practice makes perfect, get urself in the gym boxing, wake up earlie and shadow box, do extra training at night shadow boxing. Practice makes perfect, dont forget it.

[Klemman]

When throwing a left hook from an orthadox stance, be sure that he's pushing off of his back (right) leg, and shifting his weight in to his left. Then turn his left heel out (think of squashing a bug or putting out a cig.) while driving his left ball of foot into the ground.

That should turn his hips. Then accelerate the shoulders as he throws the punch. The arm itself is just along for the ride for most of the punch. Keep it loose and relaxed. At the moment of impact, tighten everything up and drive into the target.

Depending on what you are hitting, or your intent.. either drive your fist into your target, or pop it, relax, and let your fist come back to your chin.