Fundamentals
Bait the counter, don't wait for it
Bait and counter
If you just wait for the opponent to punch, you don't know what's coming where, and your counter won't be on time. Leave just one spot in your guard open on purpose and get them to punch there. If you know where it's coming, you can meet it already prepared. This is for people who aim to counter but always react too late.
| Type | Fundamentals |
|---|---|
| Goals | Counterpunching Techniques |
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Bait the counter, don't wait for it: how to do it
- Leave just one spot in your guard open on purpose and show it.
- Keep your stance, knowing the opponent will punch there.
- When the punch comes to the spot you opened, time your prepared counter to it.
Bait the counter, don't wait for it: key points
- Just waiting for it doesn't work, because you don't know when or what is coming.
- Narrow the open spot down to one. If you decide where you'll let them punch, you can decide your counter in advance too.
Bait the counter, don't wait for it: common mistakes
- Just waiting for the opponent to punch. Your reaction is late and the counter doesn't arrive in time.
- Showing openings all over the place. You can't read where they'll punch, so you can't prepare to counter.
Bait the counter, don't wait for it: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, show one open spot in your guard, imagine the punch coming there, and time your counter to it. Repeat.
- In front of the heavy bag, throw a counter right after the move where you show the opening. Learn opening and countering as one set.
Related techniques
By goalCounterpunching 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.