Expert: Joe Hofer - 10/23/2007

Question
hey guys.
ive been boxing for a while now, im 16 years old weighin in at 66kg. I got quite abit of speed, good power and good footwork, but theres always room to learn and i want to improve my speed, power and become a better boxer.

mainly i want to improve on my speed to make myself good counter stiker as i am kind of lackin at it, i watch boxers like mayweather etc. and his ability to counter and guard himself is just awesome and i was wondering have you got any good techniques, drills etc that would help me become a better counter boxer?

to help you out
i havent got a job at the moment so i cannot go down to my gym so i will not be able to get help off of a coach down my gym until i do, so my own equipment that i own:

A bag
floor to ceiling ball
weights
skipping rope
a friend who is my spar partner when hes not busy
and most important my fists.

just one last thing before i finish would shadow boxing improve counterin, doing combos etc?

thanks for your time.

[Train Hard Fight Easy]  

Answer
To improve counter punching you should work with a partner and let him use punch mitts in an offensive manner allowing you to slip and counter.  Another good drill is to punch with a partner punching back after that person blocks first. This should be choreographed so that each person knows what the other is doing.

Thanks,

Joe