What stages might a boxer work through to develop their counter-punching skills?

Here is a basic outline to start with:

Blocks Only

• Lead Catch

• Rear Catch

• Lead Block

• Rear Block

• Lead Elbow

• Rear Elbow

Stage 1: Block and Single Punches

• Lead Catch + Jab

• Rear Catch + Cross

• Lead Block + Lead Hook

• Rear Block + Rear Hook

• Lead Elbow + Lead Uppercut

• Rear Elbow + Rear Uppercut

Stage 2: Block and Two Punches

• Lead Catch + Jab + Cross

• Rear Catch + Cross + Lead Hook

• Lead Block + Lead Hook + Cross

• Rear Block + Rear Hook + Lead Hook

• Lead Elbow + Lead Uppercut + Cross

• Rear Elbow + Rear Uppercut + Lead Hook

Stage 3: Block and Three Punches

• Lead Catch + Jab + Cross + Lead Hook

• Rear Catch + Cross + Lead Hook + Cross

• Lead Block + Lead Hook + Cross + Lead Hook

• Rear Block + Rear Hook + Lead Hook + Cross

• Lead Elbow + Lead Uppercut + Cross + Lead Hook

• Rear Elbow + Rear Uppercut + Lead Hook + Cross

Stage 4: Block and X Punches

• Any of the combinations above.

Anything more than three punches is unlikely to be practical. However, if the aim is to improve other areas, such as stamina, then more punches may be added.

The principle throughout is to punch with the same hand that is doing the blocking and to alternate the hands when throwing punches. This is a very basic principle that can be modified for further progress and for developing unpredictability.

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