Drill 2 of 5 · 10 min
Step-In Smother Counter
Take away the kick's power range by stepping inside its arc and answering in the pocket.
How to practice
- Partner throws an outside low kick on a rhythm. Stand just inside kicking range.
- As they load the kick, step diagonally forward with your lead foot so the kick jams into your hip or lands flat.
- On the same step, throw your counter cross over their kicking shoulder.
- Reset and repeat, alternating which counter follows the step: cross, hook, or cross-hook.
- Have the partner vary the kick between low and body height so your read stays honest.
- Drill 3 rounds of 3 minutes at technical intensity with full resets between reps.
Coaching cues
Step toward the kicker, not away — range is safetyTime the step on their weight shift, not on the kick itselfKeep your chin down behind the shoulder as you counterExit at an angle after the counter, never straight back
Common mistakes
- Stepping in without a counter, eating a follow-up punch
- Waiting until the kick is already traveling before stepping
- Freezing after the counter and letting them re-establish kicking range
Video references
External YouTube references — third-party content, not affiliated.