Tai chi and baguazhang balance yielding/making space with vigorous counter-attacks.
Your aim is not to take turns, or fight.
Your aim is to finish the attacker off swiftly and decisively.

This means being present, being alert, and taking advantage of every opportunity.
You cannot space out.

A good time to train your countering skills is when 'playing the attacker'.
If you are convincing, the defender is positively challenged.
You train your attacking and counter-attacking skills simultaneously... every time you play the attacker.
Focus.