Become Fighter
Timing the counter kick: Kickboxing guide
Hit the opponent as they step in or as they start their own attack.
Counter kicks land when the opponent is committed to something else. The best moments are as they step in, as they start a punch or just after they miss. Their weight is moving and they are not ready to defend.
A counter is not a faster kick. It is a better-timed one. You see the cue, choose the answer in advance and throw when the cue appears.
Key points
- Counter on the step: a low kick to the lead thigh as they come forward.
- Counter on a jab: slip or step off, then kick the body they have just opened.
- Counter on a miss: when they reach and fall short, the exposed target is the leg or the ribs.
- Pick one cue and one answer to practise. Do not try to react to everything.
- Always return to guard after the counter. A single clean hit is not worth a big return.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Guessing the moment. Wait for one clear cue. A counter thrown early is just an attack and a gift to their timing.
- Backing away before kicking. Stand your ground and strike as they arrive. Backing up adds distance you cannot cross.
- No guard on the return. Cover your head with the lead hand as the leg comes back.
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 Range and timing module of Kickboxing foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Range and timing
- The teep as a range tool: Kickboxing guide
- Distance management: Kickboxing guide
- Feints and rhythm changes: 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.