I sometimes stand still during sparring. What should I do to replace this habit?

(24) oh oh scary oh oh shiver me timbers - YouTube

I was looking for Count Scary, "OHH, that's scary".

Maybe throw some punches and show some true aggression.

Get yourself in range and then make it happen.

I don't remember a time where it was ever prudent to stand still while you're throwing fists against somebody.

 

Listen to Rockin @dcarlota … my 0.2$ If you’re standing still you’re a target, if you’re moving your head and not punching it’s whack a mole! - don’t get patterned moving your head either, don’t do anything just to do “something” know why and what you’re looking for in advanced, stay JUST out of range make a quick plan and execute, don’t get into pointless shoot outs though and hope for the best it’s a thinking game - I don’t know anything though, I’m a novice know nothing.

 

This sounds like the old joke where the patient tells the doctor, ‘It only hurts when I laugh,’ and the doctor says ‘Don’t laugh.’

I mean the answer is obvious … move your feet.

How? Just do it.

An idea: Spend some rounds each day shadowboxing without actually throwing punches — just feint and move. Set up in front of the heavy bag and move in and out. Move your shoulders/hips like you’re throwing but don’t let your hands go, and make your rhythm ‘move, punch (and when doing this just the shoulder/hip motion), move.’

I always coached my guys, ‘Don’t wait for the receipt.’ Get in range, punch, step/slide out to the side. If the other guy is the aggressor, same thing … punch when he steps in and then move to the side.

As with anything, people mostly perform how they practice. If footwork isn’t emphasized when you’re practicing (shadowboxing, hitting bags, hitting mitts, whatever) then you aren’t going to move your feet when it’s live (sparring or fighting).

It’s also a good idea to vary the height your head is at by bending your knees before and after punching, bobbing or weaving. Find a rhythm that includes footwork and varying the plane your head is on and make that your default.