Tips on better defense

[Migs]

I've only sparred 4 times and recently sparred with a guy who was about 30 lbs bigger than me. I must have caught him with a few shots he didn't like which prompted him to start throwing hooks and my nose definitely got in the way of one of them and my **** was bleeding everywhere. I sparred again three days later with someone closer to my weight but he snuck some jabs through and busted my nose open again. Needless to say my defense is in dire need of improvement. I was curious what you guys do to defend yourself. Has anyone here used/use the philly shell defense and if so what are your thoughts on it. What other techniques do you recommend to avoid taking so many shots. Better yet, what do you do to counter? Is there a certain way to read the other guy or ways to throw him off? I'd love to avoid a broken nose with everyones help.

[Verstyle]

I use the bob and weave defense,its both offense and defense so it works good. I can see ppl throwing what they're going to throw just out of instinct. Also with some ppl,they sometimes shake the hand they're about to throw.Or their eyes gets bigger when they're about to throw.Also you can block their punch and counter over that. You just gotta be patient when in there and dont over do it. The more patient you are.The more you can see in the ring. Being calm is the key.

[FightNight 2007]

The shell defense is risky. You definetly have to perfect it while you train BEFORE going out there and using it. You have to learn proper positioning of your arms when usin the stance and when blocking, you have to perfect when to lean in and cross your arms.

[Kayo]

I use the bob and weave defense,its both offense and defense so it works good. I can see ppl throwing what they're going to throw just out of instinct. Also with some ppl,they sometimes shake the hand they're about to throw.Or their eyes gets bigger when they're about to throw.Also you can block their punch and counter over that. You just gotta be patient when in there and dont over do it. The more patient you are.The more you can see in the ring. Being calm is the key.

exactly if your waiting to counter punch you need to be calm and look for the opening after they throw a shot like a left hook from a missed right hand or straight or overhand right over top of a lazy jab.

[Migs]

exactly if your waiting to counter punch you need to be calm and look for the opening after they throw a shot like a left hook from a missed right hand or straight or overhand right over top of a lazy jab.

See being calm is still something I'm having issues with. I'm calmer after 4 times sparring over my first but not nearly enough to start looking for openings. Unfortunately my train of the thought is more on the offensive side, to get the punch off first, which is ultimately why I think i'm getting stuck so much. It's tough because I never know if they are gonna throw a single jab or the 1-2. I need to bob and weave more too. The thing about the hands and the eyes is good ****.

[Kayo]

See being calm is still something I'm having issues with. I'm calmer after 4 times sparring over my first but not nearly enough to start looking for openings. Unfortunately my train of the thought is more on the offensive side, to get the punch of first, which is ultimately why I think i'm getting stuck so much. It's tough because I never know if they are gonna throw a single jab or the 1-2. I need to bob and weave more too. The thing about the hands and the eyes is good ****.

well their you go if you've only sparred 4 times of course your going to be nervous. Its like losing your ******ity the first time your all ancy and u usualy bust your load in 30 seconds. its like with sparring your all nervous think to much and get caught with a big shot early and start to crumble. To find openings move. Use head movement circle around and when they miss throw your shots. Dont forget to keep your hands up and to bring your hands back once you throw your shots(most common mistake for beginers) give it time and you'll be more comfortable in the ring and then you'll be alot calmer and be able to look for openings and wont be so suprised when you see a punch coming at you and you'll be able to slip it.

[mightymouse2k]

Heres two things that helped me get over the nerves and got my sparring better.

1) Take two skipping ropes, tie them together and tie the ends of them around both you and the other fighter waists. There should be between 2 -3 feet clearnace between the two of you and no more. Then spar.

2) Put your back up against a corner post and ensure you don't leave this position. Then spar. As you cannot move and only have blocks, parries and body movement, this is will be very difficult in the beginning. Fantastic at getting used to pressure.

Hope this helps and good luck.

[DA1CATAS]

Forget about philly shell.. You need to stick to the duck & weave..

[Migs]

That's ****in cool man. I dig that idea. I want to run it past my trainer and see if he'd be open to doing that stuff with me.......and I won't worry about the philly shell for now.

[SpeedKillz]

Heres two things that helped me get over the nerves and got my sparring better.

1) Take two skipping ropes, tie them together and tie the ends of them around both you and the other fighter waists. There should be between 2 -3 feet clearnace between the two of you and no more. Then spar.

2) Put your back up against a corner post and ensure you don't leave this position. Then spar. As you cannot move and only have blocks, parries and body movement, this is will be very difficult in the beginning. Fantastic at getting used to pressure.

Hope this helps and good luck.

thats great advice from this guy i do the same thing i do it in the corner as well as on the ropes and in the middle of the ring. great great work for pressure and working D. good looks man