Become Fighter
Drawing the counter: Boxing guide
Bait the reply you want, then beat it.
Drawing means leaving an opening on purpose, so the opponent takes it. Because you expected the reply, you are ready for it. You can slip it, block it or counter it as it comes.
This only works when you have read your opponent. If they respond to your dropped lead hand with a cross, you can drop the hand, slip the cross and hit them with the hook. If you have not seen that habit, you are just leaving yourself open.
Key points
- Give one small, safe opening. Never drop both hands.
- You must already know their usual reply from watching earlier exchanges.
- Have your counter ready before you give the bait.
- Stay in range where their counter falls short, or slip it.
- Once they learn the bait, stop using it and switch to something else.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Baiting without a read. Watch first. Baiting a fighter whose reply you do not know is simply getting hit.
- Dropping both hands. Offer one opening only. Keep a hand up for safety.
- Using the same bait twice. Switch it. A repeated bait becomes a trap against you.
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 Feints and set-ups module of Boxing fundamentals.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Feints and set-ups
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.