Counterpunching drill
Slip and four-punch blitz
Connects a defensive read to a fast, balanced counter combination and a responsible finish.
By DrillGrid Admin
Purpose
Connects a defensive read to a fast, balanced counter combination and a responsible finish.
Setup
- Pair two boxers as A and B with gloves
- Begin at the distance required by the sequence, agree cooperative technical contact, and let Boxer A feed or present targets while Boxer B performs the action
- Keep the floor clear and match speed to the less experienced boxer
Run it
- Set Boxer A as the feeder or target holder and Boxer B as the working boxer; begin at a controlled technical pace.
- Partner throws a slow lead jab. Boxer slips to the outside and immediately returns a 4-punch combination (2-3-2-3) at maximum speed.
- Reset in stance after each clean repetition. Work for 2 min work / 1 min rest, switch roles halfway where appropriate, and stop the round if shape or control breaks down.
Coach checks
- Keep the shoulders loose and 'heavy'; tension in the traps acts as a brake on punch speed.
- The 'retraction' is faster than the 'extension'; pull the hand back to the guard faster than it was thrown.
- Speed and power remain low enough for both boxers to keep shape, sight and a clean reset.
Scale it
- Easier: rehearse one action at a time at half speed with a predictable feed.
- Harder: make the feed semi-random, then require a clean exit or defensive recovery after scoring.
Common faults
- Rushing the sequence before the first action is balanced - build the rhythm at technical pace.
- Admiring the score or standing on the centre line - recover the guard and finish with position.
Amateur relevance
Fast, clean scoring actions followed by an obvious recovery make the work visible to amateur judges and reduce the chance of being caught during the return.
Use it
Use this in the main technical block for two or three short rounds after the movement warm-up. It suits advanced boxers when the feed, speed and contact are scaled to experience.