parrying and blocking in sparring

[croft_solid]

hey guys, I have been boxing now for about 6 mounth and I have just started sparring with the other boxers at my gym. I have problems seeing the punches coming as we ellaborated more on attacking then defending.

does anyone have any tips on how to see the punches coming better and the best way to block and parry in sparring?

cheers

[mrboxer]

you should shadow box in front of a mirror and look at your self when you throw punches and move around,simulate yourself like you are your own opponent,this will enable you to use the same technique when you are sparring in the gym

[putaloco]

keep sparring. I learn the most during sparring. ask your more experienced partners to give you tips after sparring.

[Nick Fury]

Like putaloco said, just keep sparring. And look at the upper chest/ shoulder area when you're sparring. When you see the him make the slightest movement, move. I also find shadowboxing helps alot, it's the closest thing to sparring. And practice your head movement

[TheTruthIs]

I'd really focus on slipping more at this stage. Parrying will be a natural progression that some fighters use more then others, but until you have a decent base and are comfortable with slipping, it isn't really as effective. Why I suggest this is, one tends to go one way more often then another, and if you start parrying a lot, you might be robbing yourself of the opportunity to really learn slips and their effectiveness. Once you can slip, slip and counter, then consider parrying another layer of defence and offence on top of that.

Justa imo.

[mightymouse2k]

hey guys, I have been boxing now for about 6 mounth and I have just started sparring with the other boxers at my gym. I have problems seeing the punches coming as we ellaborated more on attacking then defending.

does anyone have any tips on how to see the punches coming better and the best way to block and parry in sparring?

cheers

I had similar issues when i first started sparring, i also couldn't "see" my opponent's punches coming and i even used to pre empt the punches (a big no no). Took me a while to get through it, only answer is just to keep sparring, but a few things helped me out.

1) Spar with your back to a wall or ropes and not move. This forces you to get used to the pressure of punches and to stay very alert.

2) Get two or three skipping ropes tie one around your waist and your sparring partner, then tie them together and then spar.

This sorted me out.

Also i agree with TheTruthIs, you should be practicing bodymovement and slipping, i.e. making the punches miss you, rather than actively trying to block or parry them.

Good luck.... Oh and expect to get hit quite alot.

[croft_solid]

I appreciate all the comments they have really helped! I will take on all the great advice thanks.

[mushahadeen]

The more you do it the more things will slow down for you. Most important thing starting off is just getting the exp.

[BOX-A-LOT]

This might help

[Spartacus Sully]

http://www.freecirclefighting.com/jdbook.pdf

chapter 20 on is good