Armwrestling Move #1: The Hook

The hook is the most common move in armwrestling. You are probably familiar with the hook, because it is the move that is used when armwrestling is portrayed in bars and elsewhere on TV. It is considered an "inside" move, meaning you are trying to beat your opponent's arm instead of his hand (as you do in a toproll). To be successful in a hook, you should be stronger than or at least equal to the strength level of your opponent. You need not have as good a bench press or squat as your opponent, because this strength counts very little in armwrestling. Instead, try to gauge your forearm and bicep strength against that of your opponent. If you believe that you are not as strong as him or her, try toprolling instead. If, on the other hand, you compare favorably to your opponent, you can really blast him in an impressive manner with the hook.

HOW IT IS PERFORMED
If you have ever armwrestled across a kitchen table, you have probably already used the hook. To perform the hook, curl your wrist as hard as you can. Now, get your body over your arm. Keep your arm close to your body. To get the pin, push down with your arm and body.

HOOK ROLLOVER IMAGES
We have recently added this rollover image with the hope that it will better illustrate the body movement required for a successful hook. Move your mouse over the image to use the rollover feature.

PICTURES
Below are several still pictures of the hook as well as additional tips and instruction on how to properly execute the hook. Be sure to scroll all the way down to the pictures at the bottom of the page. We have included them as well as a critique of the form being used in hopes that it will further your understanding of the move.

You can see that the wrestler on the right (barT) has his opponent (Jeff) in a hook. barT is pressing down with his body and his arm to get the pin.

This angle shows very well the way the body is used when executing the hook. Notice that barT's body is over his arm and he is pushing down with his body as much as he is with his arm.