have a question... I have problems with throwing counter punches, because I'm affraid to get hit with left or right jab's....
Timing gave some good advice to this but ill see if I can help you get over your problem.
I think this is a problem you will come over in sparring. Next time you spar make a mental note to yourself that you will try to counter a punch whenever you can, if you get hit it doesnt matter, 9/10 times you wont get knocked down by a jab. Take the oppertunities you see, bruce lee used to say if you see the opening go with your instincts and go for it.
I think you will get over it in time as long as you keep practicing, remember dont be scared of getting hit, a jab wont knock you out but a nice rear hook to your opponents chin will
Another lil tip is to tap down your opponents jab with your mitt (so your hand is on top of theirs) and then jab them, this works great with fighters in the opposite stance.
Ill leave this with one quote that has seen me through sparring sessions against very good opponents:
The coward and the hero both feel the same way, its what the hero does that makes the difference, the hero has the dicipline and courage to do what needs to be done but the coward, he runs
Throwing and landing those counterpunches with the risk of getting jabed will make you a hero, sitting there and being afraid to throw shots will make you a coward (sorry fot the cruddy example :P ) next time your sparring ask yourself, what am I?
hope it helps, if you need anything else just ask
take care guys