Become Fighter
Slip and counter: Boxing guide
Move the head off the line and return fire from the new angle.
A slip alone only avoids a punch. A slip with a counter wins the exchange. When you slip, your head moves off the centre line and your shoulder turns. That turn is already the first half of your return punch.
The counter should leave as the slip finishes, not after you have reset. Think of it as one movement: the head goes out, the hips load, and the hand fires back the other way.
Key points
- Slip by bending the knees and rotating the torso, not by leaning the head sideways.
- Slip outside the jab (towards your lead shoulder side) to line up the cross and the lead hook.
- Slip inside the cross to throw the lead hook or a body shot.
- Keep your eyes on the opponent's chest or chin while you move. Do not look away.
- Counter at once. A pause lets them throw the second punch.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Slipping too far and ending off balance. A slip is a few inches. If your head is over your knee, you went too far.
- Dropping the opposite hand while slipping. Keep the hand you are not countering with next to your jaw.
- Pausing between the slip and the counter. Use the rotation. The counter is the return half of the same movement.
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Counter punching module of Boxing fundamentals.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Counter punching
- Catch and return: Boxing guide
- Pull counter: Boxing guide
- Reading the jab: Boxing guide
- Check hook against the rush: Boxing guide
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.