Overthinking counters?

[Earl-Hickey]

Anyone else had this problem?

Since I decided to become primarily a counterpuncher I have slowly gone downhill.

I think too much about counters and am starting to leave it too late.

It's forcing me to have to abandon my gameplan and come forward letting my hands go, chasing points.

any advice?

[T.Horton]

honestly bro, i think you need the right coach to take you through the proper drills. it shouldn't be so much you thinking as it is an automatic reaction. like you and your opponent are dancing - with your fists. do you know what I am trying to say?

[707puncher]

Your issue is that you have made up your mind to be a counterpuncher, don't do that. Counterpunching can be part of your gameplan, but don't base your entire arsenal on trying to catch someone slipping. Work on all parts of your boxing game, offense, defense, counterpunching, etc. If you keep looking for the counter, you will eventually be figured out by more experienced boxers, and they will adjust to your style. If you feel like letting your hands go, then just do it, if it comes naturally, don't hold back.

I've tried the counterpunching only "style" and it doesn't work if it is the ONLY thing that you're trying to do. You gotta mix it up to be successful, because the guy in the other corner may be a defensive boxer, which will give you problems since you both don't go forward, meaning someone will have to push the offense.

[Ray Corso]

Are you a Pro? An Amatuer? How many fights have you fought, who trains you? Ray.

[New England]

being a counterpuncher doesnt neccessarily mean you have to always act second. if you're waiting to see what he's throwing it might be too late if his hands are fast enough. you can act preemptively to try and make sure he's throwing something you'll be expecting and able to counter. use feints.

set him up to throw the shots you're looking to counter. if he's coming over the top of your jab you can pull a jab away or paw it out there on purpose to try and beat him to the punch your own right hand.



i'll also say this : most of hte great "counterpunchers" would lead during portions of their fights.

your fast ball is going to look that much faster if you're throwing the change up every once in a while.
maybe your conscious effort to counterpunch is something your opponents are picking up on. if you're stepping to them with the jab, when they're expecting you to be laying back and looking for counterpunches it will keep them guessing.

GL, britain

[New England]

Are you a Pro? An Amatuer? How many fights have you fought, who trains you? Ray.

you've got to figure that he's not going to be asking questions here if he's a professional or top level amateur

take a guess about his level of experience, and give him some advice if you think you can help him.

[THE REED]

you've got to figure that he's not going to be asking questions here if he's a professional or top level amateur

take a guess about his level of experience, and give him some advice if you think you can help him.

lol.......

[Dickie Smalls]

if you focus too much on evading your opponent's punches; you won't counter effectively. practice shifting back on your back foot - and leaning - and springing forward so you get used to it and it's second nature to you. it depends on what counter-fighting style you want to use, like Mayweather's or Marquez's. do you lean back? (it's a good idea if you're tall for your division) or do you duck to avoid punches? if you duck; practice bobbing and weaving (refer to Mike Tyson) and picture your opponent throwing different kinds of punches and where he will be open. when you are bobbing side to side, shift your weight from one foot to the other every time you move your head to the side of your opponent (KEEP YOUR CHIN DOWN).

e.g. when you bob to the left, you have options: left hook (to the head or body) or left uppercut. If your opponent throws a right hand while you're on his right (your left); you have a good opportunity to counter him with your left. if you choose to hook; keep your right hand up on your face and pull your upper body to the right (using hip thrust) and stomp down on your right heel. you should pull your right shoulder back before letting go with the hook.

try to make your body generate power like a whip (as i said in the handspeed thread) and lighten up because you lose your ability to counter quickly when you're too tense/focussed on what your opponent is doing. just relax and snap your punches out when you see the opportunity. you'll be too late to the opening if you're tense. can't stress that enough. your fist is the tip of a whip

[NVSemin]

Anyone else had this problem?

I had this problem. Just throw more punches

[DIB42]

How long ago did you start being a counter puncher? Of course its going to be difficult and weird at first, especially if its an entire style switch. Just keep working at it, and remember when sparring you're not trying to "Win" so don't abandon your game plan cause its not working, just try harder and make adjustments. If it were a fight and you were getting worked over, i'd concider tossing the gameplan aside, but if you're just sparring then you should be learning, you're not learning if you're not working on what you're supposed to.