Derek Panza shows you how to land the perfect left hook

Learning to fight is like Learn to lift weights – It’s best to start with the basics. One of these basics in the fight game is the left hook. Kickboxing great and trainer Derek Panza shared time to give tips on how to properly throw the left hook, which he described as his "personal favorite punch."

“I fight from a conventional fighting stance, which means my left side is facing forward,” Panza explained. He mentioned that he is naturally left-handed, which makes this shot better for him.

“It’s a little bit of cheating with the left hook.”

There are two correct ways to throw the left hook. Some trainers teach their fighters to throw the punch with their palm down. Others advocate the palm facing you when throwing the punch. Which is the best? Panza actually likes both positions, but the one he uses depends on the distance he is from the opponent.

“When I'm at close range or mid-range or mid-range, my left hook position is palm facing in," said the three-time world kickboxing champion. He went on to explain that his forearm is bent in this position, which works well for him.

“My hand is more stable.”

The palm-down strike is more advantageous for Panza when he needs to throw a looping left hook from further away. At the end of the day, he suggested trying both and seeing what would be most comfortable for you, but the inward-facing palms might be best for new student-athletes who are unfamiliar with the stroke.

"Initially, I would suggest starting with the palm because it is more stable."

Regardless of what position you're working with, Panza also emphasized using a stationary target like a wall pocket when learning the shot.

"The timing and distance is the complex part. The easy part is just training yourself," Panza said. Watch the entire video to learn more about the left hook and how to throw it correctly. To see all of Panza's ten-minute technique lessons, subscribe Muscle & Fitness YouTube Channel.