Mastering Counters and Advanced Techniques in Thai Boxing Personal Training Sessions
- jamie03066
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
18.11.2025
Tonight marked the seventh hour of my private client’s Thai Boxing personal training course. Each session brings new challenges and progress, and this one was no exception. We focused on two key areas: developing counters to various attacks and introducing more advanced techniques. This combination sharpens reflexes and broadens the skill set, essential for anyone serious about Muay Thai.
Thai Boxing Personal Training: Tonight's Lesson
Here’s a detailed look at how we structured the session and what we covered.
1. Starting with Free-Sparring to Assess Current Skills
We began with a few minutes of free-sparring. This warm-up is crucial because it reveals where my client stands in terms of timing, distance, and reaction speed. It’s also a great way to loosen up muscles and get into the right mindset for the session.
Free-sparring allows me to observe natural tendencies and identify areas that need improvement. For example, I noticed my client was slightly hesitant when defending against kicks, which helped me tailor the next drills.
2. Focused Sparring Rounds on Counters
To build effective counters, we moved into a series of 3-minute sparring rounds. Each round was restricted to a specific type of attack from me, and my client had to respond immediately with the appropriate counter. This drill forces quick thinking and reinforces muscle memory.
The rounds were:
Counters to jabs only
The jab is fast and often used to set up combinations. My client practiced slipping or parrying the jab and immediately returning with a straight punch or low kick.
Counters to teeps only
The teep (push kick) can disrupt balance and distance. We worked on catching or evading the teep and countering with a quick jab or a round kick to the opponent’s body.
Counters to jab/cross combinations only
This combination is common and powerful. My client learned to block or slip the jab, then counter the cross with an elbow or a hook punch.
Counters to round kicks only
Round kicks target the legs, body, or head. We drilled checking the kick with the shin and immediately responding with a counter punch or clinch.
Counters to the clinch only
The clinch is a close-range fight. My client practiced breaking the clinch, controlling the opponent’s arms, and delivering knees or elbows.
This focused approach helped my client develop confidence in reading attacks and reacting with precision.
3. Training Advanced Techniques on Focus Mitts
After the sparring rounds, we shifted to focus mitt work to practice two advanced techniques: the superman (or cobra) punch and the spinning elbow.
The Superman Punch with Round Kick Set-Up
The superman punch is a deceptive strike that uses a jumping motion to generate power. To make it more effective, I taught my client a round kick set-up:
First, throw a full round kick to the opponent’s body or leg.
Follow immediately with a 45-degree angle round kick.
This sequence camouflages the superman punch because the opponent expects another kick.
Instead, the fighter drives the knee upward and launches the punch over the top.
This technique relies on timing and disguise, making it difficult to predict and block.
The Spinning Elbow
The spinning elbow is a powerful strike that can catch an opponent off guard. We practiced setting it up with either a jab or a horizontal elbow to create openings. The key points are:
Rotate the body quickly while keeping balance.
Aim the elbow at the opponent’s head or collarbone.
Use the momentum from the spin to add force.
This move requires control and precision to avoid leaving oneself open to counterattacks.
4. Why These Drills Matter for New Private Clients
For those starting Thai Boxing personal training, mastering counters and advanced techniques early on builds a strong foundation. Counters teach you to read your opponent and react effectively, which is just as important as offensive skills. Advanced moves like the superman punch and spinning elbow add variety and unpredictability to your arsenal.
By focusing on specific attacks and counters in sparring, you develop faster reflexes and better timing. The mitt work reinforces technique and power in a controlled environment.
5. Tips for Practicing These Techniques on Your Own
Record your sparring sessions to analyse your counters and spot weaknesses.
Practise shadowboxing with emphasis on slipping and countering punches and kicks.
Use focus mitts or pads with a partner to drill advanced strikes like the superman punch and spinning elbow.
Work on balance and footwork to maintain control during spinning or jumping techniques.
Stay relaxed during sparring to improve reaction speed and avoid telegraphing your counters.
Wrapping Up
Tonight’s session reinforced how essential it is to blend defensive skills with advanced offensive techniques in Thai Boxing personal training. By drilling counters to specific attacks and practicing complex strikes, my client is building a well-rounded skill set that will serve well in both training and competition.
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