The Hook

If its silent approach is anticipated, the hook can be sidestepped, but hook operators (who are -never- seen even in part) are very good at what they do and should the hook's attentions be evaded for too long it will be replaced shortly with "the Guido" and his friend "the blackjack."

In traditional (especially Warner Brothers) animation, the hook's efficiency is such that the unwanted on-stage presence usually keeps singing and dancing, briefly, even as the hook carries them off in a gust of wind. Some moments later, the erstwhile performer's hat and baton will clatter to the ground as the MC is already introducing the next act.

My mother had a few stories about the hook that she used to tell me as a small child, and I'd like to relate my favorite of these to you. You see, it seems one time my great-uncle, who wa-- URK! --

In his 1979 autobiography "They Call Me Assassin", Raiders safety Jack Tatum explains in some detail his methods, which many described as "dirty". One of his most common techniques, he called The Hook.

As he describes: "The Hook is simply flexing your biceps and trying to catch the receiver's head in the joint between the forearm and the upper arm. It's like hitting with the biceps by using a headlock type of action. The purpose of the Hook was to strip the receiver of the ball, his helmet, his head, and his courage."

This was one of many reasons why Tatum was universally disliked, except by Raiders fans. Such a "technique" is now illegal in the NFL (and just about anywhere else).

And by the way, the book is a chilling look into football and is a good read. I found it at a garage sale for 50 cents a few weeks ago.