Question 4 those starting 2 spar

if thats the case, its about time i got into boxing, as im almost 30.

 

doesnt matter your age and i only have good karma for you.

you're a friggin' star if you can overcome your fears and do this now - and you already know (from what you've posted) that it's not such a big deal after all.

you already feel like a million dollars and you deserve it. well done.

 

last post for me tonight

 

yep.. it sure as hell is a sport, where your gonna face something your unsure of.

and again your right, there is something about boxing, which is a confident booster.

 

iv been going to a gym for about 6 months and have sparred on about 10 occasions, im still very green, but i counter well, i can take a shot well, i dont feel confident slipping yet, iv done it a few times. i guess in the back of my mind its cos i think im gonna slip straight into an excellent left hook from my opponent

 

how about you john, what kind of "problems" did you have when first getting into sparring.?

 

Ive never tried to take anyone's heads off in sparring. Ive had a HW try to take mine off though, nerving moments considering im a LW. lol.

 

The first thing you realise is how things that look easy when watching boxing aren't.

Just trying to land a jab is not easy at first, the first couple of times you spar you realise the difficulty of finding your range. Landing a decent 1-2 wont come easily to begin with either....I remember the best way to begin to land combos is always by pawing the opponents jab to the side, fast lateral movement and sending punches from there. Basics at that point I know, but you wont land a right hand by reaching for a long time, trust me.

My movement has always been natural apparently. Since I first started sparring at 13 I was told my footwork was lovely, so I have never struggled there, though a lot do.

My advice in sparring when you are starting out is to focus on movement and developing a sense of range, develop your jab even if you are only hitting your opponents guard....and learn combos by countering to begin with, lateral movement and fast straights - setting little traps by deflecting jabs/straights with your guard to create openings.

 

Land a punch.

 

Punch anticipation is the biggest thing that I improved on after sparring a few times. Everything started to slow down at first it was just a blur it was almost like I was in a zone or something funny feeling but those that have boxed will know what I'm talking about.