First spar fail

[red9]

Had my first spar today after 3 or 4 visits to my boxing club.

It went terribly, I felt like I couldn't breathe with my new mouthpiece and kept semi-gagging on it like I was gonna throw up.

Then I was sparring with this black guy who was pretty good, he just kept attacking and all I could do was guard really.

I couldn't stop closing my eyes so I was pretty much a sandbag.

Really disappointed since I love boxing and want to improve but this has certainly been a kick in the balls and made me realize I suck.

[Barnburner]

You'll get used to it, keep the head up.

Happens to everyone in their first spars. Props for getting in there.

[red9]

Cheers yeah. I will try trimming my guard and wearing it casually when training. Will try and spar him again next time and throw more punches.

[Barnburner]

As for the mouthpiece issue are you sure you're not just very tired?

Mouthpiece is a massive pain in the ass when you're even slightly tired, I remember in sparring I would occasionally have it hanging slightly out my mouth if there was a large enough distance between me and my partner. This allowed me to get a bit more oxygen. A way to counter this problem is to get a mouthguard that has gaps in the middle of it for air to get through.

To stop closing your eyes simply requires practice but you can speed this up by simply willing yourself to do it and focussing on it. It won't come instantly but with enough sparring you'll just stop it.

A good way to get through the first sparring so you're not constantly backing up and unsure what to do, is simply think of a combo and defensive maneuver in your head and complete it. You're likely to catch him with something and as for the defensive maneuver, any head movement will most likely result in your opponent missing at the early stages.

As I say though, roll with the punches and keep trying. It will all come together.

[Ray Corso]

What have you learned to earned the right to go in the ring? What could you possibly learn in a few visits to warrent you to spar? Spar what? You know nothing! The only reason to let anyone spar is to teach them the lesson that the think they know, which is, I could do this without conditioning or anyones help! If thats the reasons you were in there fine! If not your being used!
It takes months of teaching basics to be able to transfer your lesson to the ring with a spar partner. I'm hoping it was the "hard lesson" that was needed and that your not in for a tuff time in a gym. Ray.

[red9]

Originally Posted by Barnburner

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Yeah I was tired had already been doing bagwork and played tennis earlier in the day lol. I think you're right in that I just didn't know what to do, I froze up inbetween punches.

Originally Posted by Ray Corso

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I appreciate what you're saying but honestly I just did what the coach told me too lol. I felt it was perhaps a bit early but oh well. I enjoyed the experience overall, I just want to spar again and do better.

Originally Posted by fatloss2000

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lol what

[Ray Corso]

Coaches teach "ball games" you need a trainer who knows that it takes months of conditioning and learning the basics before you spar! Is there another place to learn near you!! I never heard of any young man getting in the ring to spar who doesn't atleast know how to defend a jab by feintings, parrings, slipping etc are you at a youth center or a boxing gym? Ray

[red9]

Originally Posted by Ray Corso

Coaches teach "ball games" you need a trainer who knows that it takes months of conditioning and learning the basics before you spar! Is there another place to learn near you!! I never heard of any young man getting in the ring to spar who doesn't atleast know how to defend a jab by feintings, parrings, slipping etc are you at a youth center or a boxing gym? Ray

Nope I'm at a university club, officially sanctioned and there are no other gyms nearby lol. I mean he has shown us how to slip/parry etc but I'm not exactly well versed in them.

[Ray Corso]

Get well versed or your going to get beat up, alot! If he's expecting you to perform what he's shown you in your spar sessions then get with it or your not going to be going there for much longer. One way to weed out the people who aren't serious is to hand them their azzes! Its not the right way to do it but its effective! Good luck, your gonna need it!
Heres a simple tip; if your in the spar session and your NOT working on specific techniques, and your spar partner is NOT working with you, you ARE a moving bag!! Try soccer, its safer! Ray

[red9]

Originally Posted by Ray Corso

Coaches teach "ball games" you need a trainer who knows that it takes months of conditioning and learning the basics before you spar! Is there another place to learn near you!! I never heard of any young man getting in the ring to spar who doesn't atleast know how to defend a jab by feintings, parrings, slipping etc are you at a youth center or a boxing gym? Ray

Originally Posted by Ray Corso

Get well versed or your going to get beat up, alot! If he's expecting you to perform what he's shown you in your spar sessions then get with it or your not going to be going there for much longer. One way to weed out the people who aren't serious is to hand them their azzes! Its not the right way to do it but its effective! Good luck, your gonna need it!
Heres a simple tip; if your in the spar session and your NOT working on specific techniques, and your spar partner is NOT working with you, you ARE a moving bag!! Try soccer, its safer! Ray

Good point, next time I will remember the stuff he's taught me better.