So a few days ago, I sparred for the first time

[vorgaphe]

I only took up boxing this September and so far it's been really good fun. I've been a fan a little longer, but I only recently decided to give it a go. I'm really not very experienced but I've enjoyed learning about the sport.

Anyway, a couple of days ago, my (uni) club held trials for squad places and it involved sparring. So, obviously having never done it before, I was both excited and a little scared. I got to spar four current squad members (all much more experienced and taking it easy on me). It went really well, I took plenty of shots, but felt I acquitted myself as well as I could. That said, I faced one very tricky southpaw who did rock me quite a few times. As a southpaw myself I wasn't used to facing someone in the same stance.

Getting to the point, one of the main criticisms I received was that when combinations were thrown, I didn't slip properly and shelled up making myself an easy target. Also, while single shots were fine, I flinched rather a lot when combinations were thrown. Are these things that will come with experience or are there any specific tips I should take into account? I will also say that sparring must be one of the most fun and heart-racing things I've ever done.

[Syf]

I only took up boxing this September and so far it's been really good fun. I've been a fan a little longer, but I only recently decided to give it a go. I'm really not very experienced but I've enjoyed learning about the sport.

Anyway, a couple of days ago, my (uni) club held trials for squad places and it involved sparring. So, obviously having never done it before, I was both excited and a little scared. I got to spar four current squad members (all much more experienced and taking it easy on me). It went really well, I took plenty of shots, but felt I acquitted myself as well as I could. That said, I faced one very tricky southpaw who did rock me quite a few times. As a southpaw myself I wasn't used to facing someone in the same stance.

Getting to the point, one of the main criticisms I received was that when combinations were thrown, I didn't slip properly and shelled up making myself an easy target. Also, while single shots were fine, I flinched rather a lot when combinations were thrown. Are these things that will come with experience or are there any specific tips I should take into account? I will also say that sparring must be one of the most fun and heart-racing things I've ever done.

If you shell up too much you are 1... impeding your sight..and 2. Negating any possibility of mounting an offense.

I know that shelling up with headgear and sparring gloves practically makes you blind out there,,, your defense should always be poised to switch to attack. When they throw combinations on you, look at it as an opportunity to practice your countering. Something simple as a jab could stall their advance. You gotta give them something to think about otherwise they will just tee off on you.

[2ofEverything]

What the other guy said.

As far as flinching or looking away while sparring, that's just a reflex. The only way you can really stop flinching is by sparring more and getting used to getting hit. Something a coach recommended to me when I started sparring was to have a friend just stand in front of you and throw jabs at your face while you do a little block. But keep your face open and make sure you don't look away or close your eyes. Let the glove come within millimeters of your face.

[Tails]

I only took up boxing this September and so far it's been really good fun. I've been a fan a little longer, but I only recently decided to give it a go. I'm really not very experienced but I've enjoyed learning about the sport.

Anyway, a couple of days ago, my (uni) club held trials for squad places and it involved sparring. So, obviously having never done it before, I was both excited and a little scared. I got to spar four current squad members (all much more experienced and taking it easy on me). It went really well, I took plenty of shots, but felt I acquitted myself as well as I could. That said, I faced one very tricky southpaw who did rock me quite a few times. As a southpaw myself I wasn't used to facing someone in the same stance.

Getting to the point, one of the main criticisms I received was that when combinations were thrown, I didn't slip properly and shelled up making myself an easy target. Also, while single shots were fine, I flinched rather a lot when combinations were thrown. Are these things that will come with experience or are there any specific tips I should take into account? I will also say that sparring must be one of the most fun and heart-racing things I've ever done.

Being your first time sparring, experience is going to more beneficial to you than precise adjustments at this point. Being southpaw and facing another southpaw your going to realize that your jab may come up a little short compared to boxing against an orthodox so get to know how much distance you cover with your jab first. From there just practice shadowboxing against a southpaw when you move and punch. It's going to feel funny and you're going to cross your legs and be off balance and vulnerable when you punch and while trying to slip and block but it takes time just like any other thing. But light sparring against different styles is going to help you most because everyone has different styles and I don't want to advise you on trying something that doesn't suit your style or build.

Also just like orthodox fighters, southpaws all have different styles. Some are aggressive, defensive, quick, slow, awkward, textbook. So again the best thing would be getting to know the range you have on your jab to keep distance and set up everything, shadowboxing to get comfortable with your movement and punch placement, and light sparring to actually see what works for your particular style.

[Ray Corso]

What have your trainers taught you about defense?
How do you defense a jab? slip down slip inside slip outside...have you been taught to counter off those slips?

What I just asked is about a months worth of work and tooling to get ready to spar. If your not being taught defenses why are you in the ring sparring?

There are atleast 100 variables that go along with what I'm asking you, thats 100 different actions to take off someones jab!

I don't understand why your in the ring you don't know anything, ask your trainer why your in there. Ask these questions to your trainer people on a forum can suggest things to do but your trainer has his eyes on you.
Hopefully you have someone who cares and has knowledge if not thats why your in a spar session not knowing anything.
good luck, don't be afraid to ask..................
Ray

[HeadBodyBodyBody]

Anyway, a couple of days ago, my (uni) club held trials for squad places and it involved sparring. So, obviously having never done it before, I was both excited and a little scared. I got to spar four current squad members (all much more experienced and taking it easy on me). It went really well, I took plenty of shots, but felt I acquitted myself as well as I could. That said, I faced one very tricky southpaw who did rock me quite a few times. As a southpaw myself I wasn't used to facing someone in the same stance.

How long are you going to be at uni for? Is it a good team (coaches, equipment, etc.)? Sparring takes practise, it's an experience-skill, you can't learn it in books. And that's the beauty of boxing, you only have yourself to rely on BUT you must listen to the people who are teaching you. Ray is saying it's too early to spar but at uni-club level it's more about fitness than technique and there's not a lot of time to work with anyway. It's a good test of heart sometimes to be pushed a little early on, so a coach knows he's not working with a dud