Combinations
Simultaneous left jab counter (head off line)
FlowHead off line and Left jab at the same time
Simultaneous left jab counter (head off line) means moving your head just off the line of the opponent's left jab while throwing your own left jab, so yours wins. You do it with your chin tucked, so even if their jab lands, it hits the front of your face instead of the point of your chin. Keep your eyes on the opponent as you punch, and you set yourself up to land first in a jab exchange.
| Type | Combinations |
|---|---|
| Notation | 1 |
| Number of punches | 1 |
| Footwork and defense | Head off line |
| Goals | Counterpunching Techniques, Defense-to-Offense Techniques |
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Simultaneous left jab counter (head off line): step by step
- Tuck your chin and watch for the start of the opponent's left jab.
- Move your head slightly off the line of their jab.
- At the same moment, throw your own left jab straight to their face.
- When you finish, bring your left hand back in front of your face.
Simultaneous left jab counter (head off line): key points
- Keep your chin tucked. Accept that you might get hit, and set yourself so that if you do, it lands on the front of your face and not the point of your chin.
- A slight move of the head is enough. Move only as far as it takes to get off the line, and stay where your own jab can go out straight.
- Don't take your eyes off the opponent. Even as your head moves, keep your gaze on them.
Simultaneous left jab counter (head off line): common mistakes
- Moving your head too much. Your body tilts, your jab doesn't go out straight, and you don't win the exchange.
- Shutting your eyes or turning your face away as their jab comes. You lose sight of what they're doing and your timing is off.
- Punching with your chin up. Their jab is more likely to land on the point of your chin.
Simultaneous left jab counter (head off line): how to practice
- In shadowboxing, imagine a jab coming at your face and throw a left jab while moving your head slightly. Use a mirror to check that your chin stays tucked and your eyes stay forward.
- On the heavy bag, stand square to the bag and drive in left jabs while moving your head slightly to the outside. Keep checking that the head movement and the punch happen at the same time.
Moves in this technique
Related techniques
- Head off line (in simultaneous exchanges)Head off line
- Simultaneous left jab counter (catch)Catch＋1
- Simultaneous right cross counter (shoulder switch)Head off line＋2
- Simultaneous left jab counter (catch, then slip)CatchSlip＋1
- Don't close your eyes or turn awayKeep watching
- Three answers to the jabThree options
By goalCounterpunching TechniquesDefense-to-Offense Techniques
Left and right are written for orthodox (left foot forward). If you're southpaw, swap left and right as you read. How to read the notation
This is Japanese-style boxing: techniques as taught at a boxing gym in Japan. American or Mexican coaches may teach some of them differently.