Become Fighter
Rolling under hooks: Boxing guide
Dip and circle beneath a hook, then come up with a counter.
Rolling under a hook takes the head beneath the punch in a U shape. You bend the knees, dip the head to the inside of the hook, and curve up on the far side. The hook passes overhead and you come up in position to counter.
The danger is dropping straight down, in which case you meet the opponent's knee or the next punch. Keep the guard up, watch the eyes, and keep the roll compact.
Key points
- Bend the knees and sit slightly, moving in a U shape under the hook.
- Keep the hands up while you roll, and the eyes on the opponent.
- Roll toward the outside of the punch so you come up in a position to counter.
- Rise through the legs and throw the counter on the way up.
- Roll only to the hook you can read. A late roll is a bad idea.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Dropping straight down. Curve the movement. A straight drop meets the uppercut or knee.
- Losing sight of the opponent. Keep your eyes up as you roll. If you lose sight, step away.
- Rolling every hook. Mix it with the block and step back. Rolling too much invites the uppercut.
Combinations that use it
- bx-under-2: Roll under, Cross
- bx-under-3-2: Roll under, Lead hook, Cross
- bx-under-3b-3: Roll under, Lead hook to the body, Lead hook
Related techniques
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Advanced defence module of Boxing fundamentals.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Advanced defence
- The shoulder roll: Boxing guide
- Philly shell positioning: Boxing guide
- Chaining defences: Boxing guide
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.