I have a tendency to tilt my head a little bit to the right when I'm moving forward with the jab or circling left with the jab. Not sure why I do this. Guess it seemed "natural" when I first started. My coach has been on me about it for a while now, and when I'm conscious of it I'll try to keep my head straight. The problem is, a lot of times I don't even notice it until he points it out to me. When I try to fix it, I'll put a little pressure on the right side of my head with my right when I have my guard up to remind me to keep my head straight. Sometimes I forget though. I've thought about tapping the right the side of my head with my right hand to remind me like some people will tap the left side of their head with their left to remind them to keep their left hand up. Any other suggestions for what I can do to fix a bad habit that I know I have? Also, one of the guys I've sparred with told me that I turn my head too much with the punch when he hits me with hooks. It's to the point that my eyes are off of my opponent and my head is turned at almost a 90 degree angle to him when I "roll" with punch. I've always thought that this was a good way to take some of the power off the punch in the event that I do get hit, but it makes sense that it's a bad idea to look away from my opponent at any time. What should I do in this situation?
I would have to see what you are doing, as far as tilting your head. That may not be a problem, if you are moving your body, making the move on your feet. This will get you out of the way of a potential counter, while keeping your balance, so you can move and/or punch. The hook is the easiest, or should be the easiest, punch to block. Just pick up your right glove, and that glove should be right there. And you roll to your left to absorb it, and so you can follow it home with a hook of your own. If you are just rolling with it, without lifting that glove, you are kind of screwed out the gate.
I would say try to think about what you are doing until it becomes natural. I also have a horrible habit, but my habit is dropping my hands. I just try to think about what I'm doing before I actually do it.
You need to change these habits mentally...Work them out in your head while you are in front of the mirror, then maintain that mental energy and thought on the bags. Thinking about it, while you are sparring or fighting will get you hit. Train your mind before you get to that point.
