Counter Jab

A jab thrown the instant the opponent throws a jab — meeting their lead hand in flight, the counter jab arrives at the opponent's chin while their head is still moving forward. The signature move of Larry Holmes and Wladimir Klitschko. Done correctly, the counter jab steals the round by neutralising the opponent's first scoring weapon.

Key points

• ▸Watch the opponent's lead shoulder — it rises a tenth of a second before the jab.
• ▸Fire your jab the moment their shoulder moves — your jab is longer if your lead foot is outside theirs.
• ▸Step the lead foot off-line as you throw — counter jab + slip.
• ▸Lead shoulder up, rear hand at temple.
• ▸Step out at an angle after the counter.

Common mistakes

• ✗Reacting too late — caught flush by their jab.
• ✗No step-off — caught by their follow-up cross.
• ✗Reaching forward to land — over-extends you onto their cross line.

Drills

1. Partner drill: partner throws single jabs at moderate speed; you counter-jab and step off.
2. Mitts: catcher jabs the mitt at your face; you counter-jab the mitt before it gets close.

Related techniques