Become Fighter
Fighting a counter-kicker: Kickboxing guide
Against someone who waits for your kick, stop giving them one to counter.
A counter-kicker stays at range, keeps their guard tight and waits. When you throw a long kick, they check and return, or they step in with a punch while you are on one leg. They are patient and very disciplined.
To beat them, change what they are waiting for. Use feints, hands first and shorter kicks that do not leave you open. Make them lead.
Key points
- Do not throw a kick to open the exchange. Lead with the jab and step in with the hands.
- Use the feint. A fake kick makes them check, which opens the hands.
- Throw short, fast kicks from the lead leg rather than big rear ones.
- Combine the kick with a punch so the check does not stop everything.
- Make them move. Cut the ring and keep a steady pace so they cannot counter at leisure.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Throwing single big kicks. Single kicks are what they counter. Combine them or use a feint.
- Chasing in a straight line. Cut the ring on an angle. Straight lines walk into the counter.
- Getting frustrated. A counter-kicker wants you angry. Stay patient and work to a plan.
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 Style matchups module of Kickboxing foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Style matchups
- Fighting a pressure fighter: Kickboxing guide
- Orthodox against southpaw: Kickboxing guide
- K-1, full-contact and other rule sets: Kickboxing 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.