Some things i plan and time, but often i just "let it flow". For instance, if he jabs often i will time it, duck and come over the top with a right hand but the punches after that often just go automatically; i don't really think during them. However, planning a combo has a few advantages: -You will be very fast and fluid -Technique is probably very good which also increases the power But the disadvantages: -You risk becoming predictable if you don't vary enough -He might not be open for the kind of punch you "planned" because you're not anticipating -A counterpunch could do more damage than normally because you can be too focused on "okay, now i will throw my lef... *BANG*. Especially for me because i rely a lot on reflexes, intercepting the punches and upper bodymovement. So what i usually do is i try to plan a few counters based on his habits, but that's about it. What about you?
I was thinking about this recently and it's strange, I think it's a bit of a mix. As the fight goes on, I start to notice more characteristics of his fight, so I plan it more. I do the same if I'm struggling. Otherwise it just seems to happen. Since I've tried to consciously plan attacks more often, though, I think I've improved a lot.
I don't think you really plan it. You start observing what your opponent is doing, what he's going for and what he's not, and it just comes to your mind what to string together, instinctively almost.
Sometimes I do, when I lure someone into something, or if I'm looking for a counter. Most of the time it just happens.
I havent had a fight yet, but for sparring, i don't plan too much. Usually, before a sparring session, i think of one or two combos i want to try out, then try to land them, just to see if they flow comfortably for me and how effective they are. but other then that, i just try to let everything come natural. I try to fight on instinct, by makeing the correct form and everything my instinct.
If given time.. I plan my punches. And more often then not its a matter of seeing what i believe to be a flaw, and throwing 2/3 punches before throwing the one that i think will expose the flaw.
Take what he gives you and follow up eg if right hand counter is on follow up wid a left hook etc. Also if i see a flaw in my opponents guard eg low right hand i wil throw a combo and finish on a left hook i feel that if there is a flaw when there is no pressure e few more shots wil make the chances of landing even higher.