Counter-Steering: What It Is and How to Apply It in Drift
By Dmitrii McCarthy
Counter-steering in drift: the technique that separates curiosity from skill
This article is currently available in Spanish. A native English version is coming soon. Short version: counter-steering means turning the wheel opposite to the slide while the rear loses traction. The front wheels point where you want to go, not where the car is currently pointing. Hands at 9-and-3, never 10-and-2. Timing has three phases: initiation (proactive small correction), sustaining (micro-corrections plus throttle), recovery (straighten wheel BEFORE the car straightens, never after — that's how tank-slappers happen).
We train this systematically in our BMW E36 328i with a locked diff and plenty of torque to break the rear loose — enough to initiate, not so much that mistakes compound. First controlled correction in your first 30-min class, smooth recoveries in 3-5 sessions, linked drifts in 8-12+. For the full breakdown and drills, see the Spanish version of this article or message us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
What is countersteering in drifting?
It is turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction to the corner while the car is sliding, so the front wheels point where you want to go. It is what keeps the slide alive, controlled and repeatable: without countersteer, a drift is an accidental spin.
Where do your hands go on the wheel for drifting?
At 9 and 3: left hand at 9 on the clock, right hand at 3. That position lets you turn lock to lock without releasing or repositioning. The 10 and 2 position from the old manuals is not enough for drifting. For beginners we recommend the shuffle (push-pull) technique: you never lose the reference of the wheel center.
How long does it take to master countersteering?
Three levels. You feel the first controlled correction in your first class: most students get it within the first 15 minutes on track. Smooth recoveries (exiting the drift without a tank-slapper) come within 3 to 5 sessions. Linked drifts with conscious throttle modulation take 8 to 12 sessions or more.
What is the most common countersteering mistake?
Overcorrection: applying more countersteer than the car needs. The car straightens too fast, regains grip abruptly and snaps to the opposite side — the tank-slapper. The fix is to always start with small corrections and add more if needed. The other classic is late timing: countersteer is applied when you FEEL the oversteer in your hips, not when you see it through the windshield.
Reading about it is one thing, driving it is another
Try it yourself: 30 min at the wheel, no experience needed. From 300 USD (≈477,000 ARS at the P2P dollar rate), Monday to Thursday. 1-on-1 instructor in a BMW E36 and a 50% deposit to book.
By Dmitrii McCarthy