A Counterpunching Combination That Ends With a Whack!
Another long range counterpunching combination here, combining 3 skills in order to create an opening and more importantly capitalize on that opening. In order to become a better counterpuncher, don’t maintain a mindset where you ‘wait’ for punches to be thrown at you. The trick is to proactively ‘draw’ a punch from your opponent. There are many ways to achieve this, but one of the most reliable and safe is to throw a punch first! OK, here’s the combination, and I’ll explain a little more afterwards:
We assume that the opponent has moved into striking range. The jab will draw a response, usually a jab or right cross. The slip outside will take us outside (to the right of) the opponent’s long range shot AND will provide additional leverage for the long range right hook, turning it into a big shot!
When this counterpunching combination works, it looks great. It also delivers a serious message to the opponent, especially if that opponent has the nasty habit of raising the chin when they jab. Kaboom! Check out the article on boxing combinations to get more of an understanding of the technical theory behind building effective combinations. In the meantime, leave a question or comment below.
Cheers
Fran
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Hello Fran,
I am a martial artist and I want to improve my dodging. Any tips on making my reaction timing, ducking speed, bob and weave speed, all greater? I am not an offensive guy, I already have a few instant fight finisher attacks, I just need to dodge enough to gain time to decide which one will be the most effective. Also, blocking isnt the answer, it occupies my hands which would otherwise be busy.
Hi Dalsim. Thanks for the question. There are a couple of things there. You can improve your punching speed in a number of ways (click that link). The Tag Boxing footwork drill is also a great way to improve reaction times and the ‘feel’ for range. In terms of the body movements (slips, ducks rolling etc.) remember that they are proactive moves, so you don’t wait for the punch and try to react, you use feints to trigger the opponent then perform the move so that you are in effect predicting when shots come your way. Sign up for the free mobility drill videos if you haven’t already, they will help.
Hope this helps Dalsim
perfect, thanks.
Although, I was hoping for exersize to make the slips, ducks, rolls, all happen faster, do I just keep shadowing them or are there specific exersizes. I already use a 50 ft ducking rope. I constantly duck and touch shoulder to rope everytime I go up. My ducking is top notch but I still need the movements to be faster, smoother, more effective.
It’s just practice Dalsim. Repeating the skill over and over on the heavy bag, shadow boxing and sparring will improve the efficiency and therefore the speed. Keep working hard.
Dear Fran,
Thanks for your reply. I understand one month is too early to start sparring. We dont have a good coach in my city. So, it goes without saying I have to learn from sparring only. I read that tall guys must be attacked from inside. We have to feint and get in to hit them. Hope your video adderesses the same. Thank you again and keep doing this great work.
Hi Fran,
Not sure if this is the right blog to post my question, but I really need help from you. I am a newbie in boxing – Just been learning for the past one month. I have started sparring and to my bad luck, I am having a partner who is well built and taller than me. He has 2 years of exp and punches very hard. Is there any way to counter long range punches of these tall boys?? Thanks in advance and your blog is just great!!
Hey Lakshman
You’ve only been training/learning for a month, and this guy has 2 years? He should be taking it easy and not letting you know how hard he hits! Anyway, I’ve just filmed (today) a video on feinting, this will help. I’ll get it written up over the next few days. In the meantime, look at the articles on slipping punches, laybacks and ducks (all under the ‘Body Movement’ category). Use feints and body movements to draw the guy’s lead, then strike back with your own long range shots. You will catch up with this guy, but after only a month you are doing well being in there and competing. Well done and good luck. Keep checking on the content here, have a look at the articles under the ‘boxing combinations’ categories and these might help with some fresh ideas.
Take it easy