When to Use
Use at very close range when the opponent's guard is tight and their elbows are tucked against their ribs, blocking conventional hooks. The 45-degree scooping angle slips under their elbow where hooks can't reach and uppercuts can't arc properly. Devastating from the peek-a-boo or crouch stance where you're already low and loaded.
Execution Steps
- From close range, dip slightly by bending both knees and lowering your center of gravity, loading your legs to drive the punch upward through the target with maximum force.
- Rotate your hips explosively while driving the fist upward at a 45-degree angle, generating power from the ground through the legs, into the hips, and through the shoulder in a kinetic chain.
- The punch should travel in a scooping motion under the opponent's elbow, sliding through the gap between their tucked arm and their ribcage to reach the chin or body from a defensively blind angle.
- Follow through toward the ceiling rather than outward to maintain the 45-degree trajectory — the upward angle is what makes this punch unique and what allows it to bypass the elbow guard.
- Snap both hands back to guard immediately after the punch lands, as the close range makes you vulnerable to return hooks and uppercuts if you admire your work.
Coaching Cues
"45-degree angle — between hook and uppercut."
"Scoop under the elbow."
"Drive from the legs."
"Close range only."
Pro Tips
- Mike Tyson used the shovel hook to devastating effect from his crouched peek-a-boo stance, scooping the punch up under opponents' elbows with explosive leg drive that generated knockout power from close range.
- Target the liver on the opponent's right side for maximum damage — the scooping angle of the shovel hook reaches the liver from below the elbow where it is most vulnerable and most painful.
- Set up the shovel hook by throwing a regular lead hook first to make the opponent tighten their guard laterally, then change the angle to 45 degrees and scoop underneath the elbow they just raised to block.
Conditioning Drills
- Landmine Press (angled): 3 sets of 12 reps each arm pressing at a 45-degree angle to mimic the scooping trajectory and build the specific shoulder-to-hip power chain used in the punch.
- Heavy Bag (close range): 4 rounds standing nose-to-bag throwing only shovel hooks from both sides, focusing on the 45-degree angle and driving each punch from the legs through the hips.
- Dumbbell Shovel Press: 3 sets of 15 reps each side with 10-15 lb dumbbells, pressing at 45 degrees to build the specific muscle memory and shoulder endurance for the scooping punch motion.
Gym Workout: Cross & Rotational Power
5 exercises · 25 min · Hit the gym and sharpen this technique
🥊 PRACTICE MODE
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Q1 of 3
Which of these is a common mistake when performing the Shovel Hook (45° Uppercut)?