Combinations
Two-stage counter (countering the counter)
FlowParry → (light) Left jab → Right cross
Two-stage counter (countering the counter) means parrying the opponent's punch, drawing their return with a short left jab, and slipping the power right cross in as they fire back. You don't stop at one counter. Defending, hitting back and timing their return all become one sequence. Use it when the opponent is also looking to counter, and turn their plan against them.
| Type | Combinations |
|---|---|
| Notation | 1-2 |
| Number of punches | 2 |
| Footwork and defense | Parry |
| Goals | Defense-to-Offense Techniques, Counterpunching Techniques, Setup-and-Power Techniques |
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Two-stage counter (countering the counter): step by step
- Parry the opponent's punch. Don't let your hand travel far from the front of your face.
- Right after the parry, throw a short left jab, just enough to touch their face.
- Watch for the opponent to fire back in reaction to the short jab.
- Time the power right cross to slip in as their return comes out.
- Bring both hands back beside your chin and return to your guard.
Two-stage counter (countering the counter): key points
- The short left jab isn't there to land and hurt. It's bait to make the opponent fire back. Throw it lightly, just enough to touch, and draw out their reaction.
- Time the power right cross to the opponent's motion of firing back. The moment they throw a hand is also the moment their face is open.
- Link the parry, the bait jab and the power right cross as one flow. If you stop partway, you miss the timing of their return.
Two-stage counter (countering the counter): common mistakes
- Driving the short left jab in hard. It doesn't work as bait, the opponent tightens their defense and doesn't fire back.
- Throwing the right cross after the short jab without watching for their return. You punch with nothing to time it to, and you only hit their guard.
- Pulling your right fist way back before the right cross. The wind-up shows and you're too late for their return.
Two-stage counter (countering the counter): how to practice
- In shadowboxing, run through it in order: parry, short left jab, a short pause waiting for the opponent's return, right cross. Check that your guard doesn't break down while you wait.
- On the heavy bag, touch the bag lightly with a short left jab, then land a right cross as the bag swings back. Treat the bag coming back as the opponent's return.
Moves in this technique
Related techniques
By goalDefense-to-Offense TechniquesCounterpunching TechniquesSetup-and-Power 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.