countersintermediate

Catch and Cross

A counter where the rear hand catches the opponent's jab and the lead hand fires a counter cross... actually a counter jab through the opening, OR the rear hand catches and the lead hand throws a counter hook past their retracting lead arm. Lennox Lewis variant: catch with the rear hand, fire the rear cross around the catch.

Key points

  • Catch in the palm, not on the fingers.
  • The counter is timed to the moment of catch — same beat.
  • Eyes on the chest, not the glove.
  • Step off at an angle after the counter.

Common mistakes

  • Reaching for the catch — opens to a feint.
  • No counter — wasted action.
  • Catching with eyes on the glove.

Drills

  1. Partner drill: partner jabs at moderate speed; you catch and counter on every jab.
  2. Mitts: catcher throws jabs into your palm; you counter on the catch.

Related techniques