If you can't throw a strong counterpunch, you're not going to get far in boxing. In the ring, a counterpunch serves as a bridge between offense and defense, and an effective one will ensure that you reclaim the initiative in a fight of the sweet science.

 

 

 

And the initiative is something you must pursue with all your might.

 

 

 

 

As a result, counter punching is a weapon. It offers you power, control, and self-assurance. You've got a winner on your hands if you can perfect it.

 

 

 

Let's look at how to how to counterpunch in boxing (this also works for muay Thai, or any other type of mixed martial arts).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginner boxers aren't constantly focused on their opponent's hands. Instead, they look them in the eyes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The issue is that he isn't going to signal his next punch with his scornful eyes. So, if you want to see what freight train is coming next, what do you have to do? You keep an eye on his hands.

 

 

 

Allowing your opponent to take you in and hypnotise you with his gaze is a bad idea. Pay attention to his hands to see what happens next and to what your opponent throws, it may be a left hook, or a left jab but just keep an eye on it.

 

 

 

If you've never done this before, it'll feel as if you've had your eyes blindfolded.

 

 

 

 

 

 

An elite-level boxer will review footage of their opponents' fights and take notes before a contest. That way, they'll be able to notice small details that they might otherwise overlook.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An opponent, for example, may have a habit of dropping his hands before releasing a blow. It's a quirk, a twitch, whatever you want to call it. You can stop him if you know about it beforehand.

 

 

 

The issue is that you are unlikely to have access to your opponents' prior fights. Check out his fights if you can find them on DVD or if some of them are available online. Otherwise, you'll have to scribble notes in your head while in the ring with him. Keep an eye on him, check for any idiosyncrasies, and then use them against him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Backing up can be very easy, especially for rookie fighters. You might not be feeling that brave right now. You might not have a counterpunch in your arsenal, which makes you want to retreat even further.

 

 

 

 

However, try punching while reversing your direction. Consider visualising it. Isn't it true that you can't?

 

 

 

If you can't counterpunch while moving backward, don't. Maintain your position, don't give up, and fight!

 

 

 

This is something you can do in the gym. After that, punch. Then feign before punching. Weave before punching, and learn how to move your head. Rep this process as needed. Here, punches and combos are your best friends. Make use of them.

 

 

 

After that, consider the ring. Consider yourself in a fight where your opponent slams you with a six-punch combo. You might get away with the first five if you keep backing off, but the sixth will catch up to you. The last thing you need is dodging a flurry of punches, and only to be then caught with a right hook with more power than you can imagine.

 

 

 

If you're slipping the first two, you could counterpunch with the third.

 

 

 

 

 

 

All boxing is an art that you can take the kingdom with after you've perfected it. It doesn't require wizardry to pull off the counterpunch; it only needs a little nerve, confidence, skill, and practise. And once you get the hang of it, you'll discover a whole new world of boxing and strategy. Remember, the counter punching is your best friend. Use it wisely in the ring!