Sparring Counters from a World Champion Kickboxer

Slip & Parry the Jab, Counter with a Jab

Defend the incoming jab by slipping your head slightly outside (taking a little step to the side) and parrying it inward with your rear hand. Be sure to parry with the heel palm of your hand not your fingertips. Immediately return a sharp jab of your own down the center. Perfect for creating angles while disrupting your opponent’s rhythm.

Slip & Parry the Cross, Counter with a Liver Shot

Slip to the outside of the cross while parrying it across your body. The parry is not necessary if you have good reflexes so in the beginning parry it to increase your reaction time. Roll your shoulder away to protect your chin. Close the distance and dig a lead hook to the liver. This counter punishes committed punches and slows your opponent down.

Facecover & Deflect the Cross, Counter with a Cross

Keep your defense tight with a facecover to deflect a strong cross. As soon as the punch lands on your guard, fire your own cross down the pipe. A classic shell-style counter.

Facecover & Deflect the Jab, Counter with a Lead Uppercut

Use a tight face cover to absorb or redirect the jab, then come up the middle with a lead uppercut. Remember to defend with the same hand as your opponent. This works well when you’re being pressured with jabs and want to counter from a high guard. (A high guard is when your fists are above your eyes, more common in Muay Thai and my preferred guard)

Check the Rear Leg Kick, Counter with a Power Cross

Check the rear kick by raising your lead leg and pulling your toes up, then drive your rear foot into the ground and fire a straight cross. It’s a direct, powerful counter that catches your opponent mid-transition.

Just a little drill that Brandon I do! I encourage you to "play" spar this way to build your reaction time without fear of being knocked out.

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Coach Laura
2x Undefeated World Kickboxing Champion