Hey guys, So I've just taken my first boxing lesson, extremely tough but I love it. I've used to train Muay Thai so I am familiar with some of the moves. When we sparred however, I just froze up and mostly defended only getting to throw a few 1,2s and jabs to the head and body. Not much success, but that's expected I know being my first lesson. My question to the guys that box here, what would you recommend to focus on in sparring at the early stages. Thanks in advance!
Good question, no doubt it will get a variety of answers. My advice is to keep your eyes on the sparring partner at all times. learn to be more relaxed and comfortable throwing/defending and taking punches. move around, keep breathing. Listen to the coaches and fighters yelling instructions. keep your head screwed on. landing punches requires timing, that comes with experience, don't be discouraged, be keen and have a good attitude and it will come to you with hard work. cover up and move on the inside if you can, throw flurries, you will find out what works for you in the beginning.
IMO, if you have a half-competent coach watching what you do, they should be the only one you should seek this advice from. Everyone's different, we all have different strengths and weaknesses and your coach might see you do one thing well, but something else poorly. So what I think needs more focus, isn't necessarily true for someone else. Otherwise, if you don't have the benefit of a seasoned coach - post a video and we will be happy to see what kind of feedback we can provide. Good luck and welcome.
What speechless said. (mr. 666 post count) Personally, I wouldn't let you spar after a day at a boxing gym.
Start with the jab. Most important punch in boxing. If they cant land their jab, the odds are that they wont land anything else. Start with singles, doubles and triples. Then block, catch, parry your opponents jab, then immediately return your own -- again return singles, doubles and triples. Thats a good start.
try and relax and breathe properly and as for punching I completely agree with Rodney.i have the kids in our boxing club throwing the jabs in 2s and 3s or slamming a single one in with their feet planted.also block and parry the jab, duck or one step back.
learn distance. first thing. then moving while maintaining your stance. Basic defense along with the jab. Once you get comfortable and learn to relax while maintaining the above, more advanced things will build on the foundation.
Clinching. You can practice most other aspects of boxing outside of sparring, but clinching is often overlooked and clinching is an important skill to have when you need it. Having a live body to clinch is a big +. Another thing, think out your counters or reactions and work on those too. Don't just block and stop, block and punch or block and move.
Thanks all for the feedback. I'm def not discouraged, I love being thrown in the deep end, its how I learn best. I'll prob work on the jab and distance and learn to relax and get comfortable. My coach seems pretty good, tough, but good. He does observe and watch you spar, and as a beginner he did ensure my sparring partners took it down several gears.
Focus on landing jabs and body shots and not getting hurt. Assuming you already know not to turn away, stick your chin up, keep your hands down, etc. Or just listen to your coach.
Breathing, maintaining eye contact and defending yourself. Once you relax and stop burning up nervous energy start working the jab... Learn to walk before you can run.
