Become Fighter
Hooks into kicks: Kickboxing guide
Use the lead hook to turn your hips and load the rear kick.
A lead hook already rotates your hips toward the rear side. That rotation is exactly what the rear kick needs. Throw the hook and the kick is half-loaded before the leg leaves the floor.
The hook also draws the guard around to the side of the head, which opens the body for the kick. This is one of the most natural and powerful chains in kickboxing.
Key points
- Throw the hook and let the hips turn. Do not reset the stance before the kick.
- The kick goes to the level the guard just left: body if the hand went high.
- Pivot on the lead foot as the hook lands. The kick comes straight from that pivot.
- Keep the rear hand on your chin through the hook.
- Land in your stance. The kick is not the end of the combination unless you choose it.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Resetting the stance between hook and kick. Treat them as one movement. The hook's rotation is the kick's wind-up.
- Dropping the rear hand. Keep it on the chin throughout. A hook that leaves the rear side open gets countered.
- Kicking on a flat standing foot. Pivot the heel toward the target as in the normal round kick.
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 Kick and punch combinations module of Kickboxing foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Kick and punch combinations
- Landing the kick and punching through: Kickboxing guide
- Changing levels with kicks: Kickboxing guide
- Broken rhythm and doubling up: Kickboxing 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.