Bad at sparring

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  • Moller
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    #1

    Bad at sparring

    Hey guys

    So here it goes, i joined a boxing gym for maybe 1.5 month ago, and then last week i had my first sparring, it was 1 minute sparring and then rotation so we would spar everybody, doing that for 3 rounds of 3 minutes. Then we started and i got really uncomfortable and after 2-3 rounds i stopped. Getting really disappointed with myself.

    then yesterday we had sparring again, and went in for 3 rounds saying to myself i had to try, and then i stopped again, an combi of not being abel to run rounds and being a little uncomfortable but when i told my trainer put me in again he told me to take a break.

    But then im here wondering am i not build for boxing? When i cant spar without getting scared? And just getting my ass kicked, or is it normal ? I like boxing and the sport.
  • _original_
    Dinamita
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    #2
    It's pretty normal since you're starting out, you're not use to it and it can be a rough and chaotic environment.


    What do you mean by feeling "uncomfortable," do you feel it's more a physical or mental thing?

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    • aboutfkntime
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      #3
      Originally posted by Moller
      Hey guys

      So here it goes, i joined a boxing gym for maybe 1.5 month ago, and then last week i had my first sparring, it was 1 minute sparring and then rotation so we would spar everybody, doing that for 3 rounds of 3 minutes. Then we started and i got really uncomfortable and after 2-3 rounds i stopped. Getting really disappointed with myself.

      then yesterday we had sparring again, and went in for 3 rounds saying to myself i had to try, and then i stopped again, an combi of not being abel to run rounds and being a little uncomfortable but when i told my trainer put me in again he told me to take a break.

      But then im here wondering am i not build for boxing? When i cant spar without getting scared? And just getting my ass kicked, or is it normal ? I like boxing and the sport.
      Hiya Moller

      Firstly, the very best scenario for you..... would be to run those questions past your trainer. He is the very best person to comment because 1) he is an experienced professional 2) everybody is different, and your trainer has had a good close-up look at you, so he can tell whats up and point out what you need to work on.

      Secondly, bro chill..... you have little/no experience, and boxing is a HUGE learning curve. Oscar De La Hoya hated boxing when he first started traniing, he wasnt very good and he felt that his brother was much more suited to the game.

      Before going any further, two quick things..... the first hurdles that you encounter will be mental, and experience is the key to everything in life.

      Practice my friend..... practice makes perfect.

      You will not feel comfortable in the ring after just 1 or 2 short sparring sessions, and the issues that you have mentioned are very common.

      Also, If you want to even consider boxing, then commit to roadwork. The work you put in outside the gym, will pay big dividends during that 3rd round. Roadwork really is the foundation for everything.

      But then im here wondering am i not build for boxing?

      I dont think thats the issue, boxing is for all sizes/builds, and your build/frame will tend to develop naturally as you progress. I'm not sure if this is what you're getting at, but unless you have a BOXING strength and conditioning coach then I would strongly recommend that you stay away from the weight room, other than a speed machine.

      Stay away, unless advised by your trainer or your S&C coach, nobody else. Stick to a boxing gym if you want to learn how to fight.

      Boxing =/= weights. Some can be beneficial under specific circumstances, but many are detrimental and will not help you.

      When i cant spar without getting scared?

      With increased experience, your confidence and self belief will improve markedly. Practice my friend..... practice makes perfect.

      A lot of things can seem a little scary until you get more confident..... learning to drive, your first f**k, etc..... boxing is a tough learning curve, I find it easier to teach young kids than teenagers.

      And just getting my ass kicked, or is it normal ?

      Fcuk yes, that is absolutely normal. EVERYBODY got their ass kicked.

      Practice makes perfect..... you learn from getting your ass kicked.

      Also, I will not let kids spar until they have developed a comfortable stance, elementary defence, and a rudimentary jab. But if you have glaring technical deficiencies it should be obvious to your trainer.

      Moller, it is difficult to say for sure not having watched you train, and I am no expert.....but I really dont think you have any obvious problems which indicate that boxing is not for you.

      If you had been training for 6 months and still felt that way, then maybe I could find that a little more understandable..... but you seem to be describing a fairly normal introduction to a boxing ring.

      I strongly advise you to persevere, it does get easier, and boxing can be extremely satisfying.

      Boxing is a fkn tough game bro.

      Respect to you for trying something you love.

      Keep it up..... and remember the three P's.....

      * pavement (roadwork)
      * practice
      * perseverence

      Hope that helped !

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      • Jc8804
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        #4
        Do body shots only 3 rounds for 3 min at least 4 different days and jab sparring only at least 3 times 3 min rounds 3 rounds total

        Body shots help build stamina and toughness
        And comfort.

        Jab sparring help you gauge defending your face.
        Slipping catching and moving from a jab.

        Gives you a sense of distance. You work on footwork headmovement..

        Then try sparring all out. I trip out on the bad coaching nowadays..

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        • Moller
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          #5
          Thank you for the answer guys, today i went for 4-5 rounds got my ass kicked, but i was in much better mood, and felt better about myself, i didnt stop between the rounds because of fear, but because i needed to get my breath.

          But Will i get better in sparring later on? I Think im one of baddest in my gym right now.

          My goal by the Way isnt to be the next mayweather, but to defend myself in the Streets, used to get my ass kicked when i was younger, and to get more confidence in myself.

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          • aboutfkntime
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            #6
            Originally posted by Moller
            Thank you for the answer guys, today i went for 4-5 rounds got my ass kicked, but i was in much better mood, and felt better about myself, i didnt stop between the rounds because of fear, but because i needed to get my breath.

            But Will i get better in sparring later on? I Think im one of baddest in my gym right now.

            My goal by the Way isnt to be the next mayweather, but to defend myself in the Streets, used to get my ass kicked when i was younger, and to get more confidence in myself.
            You definitely will get better, no question about that.

            * pavement
            * practice
            * perseverence

            Commit to roadwork, and commit to boxing for at least the next 4-5 months..... DONT QUIT because of frustration.....it gets easier.

            In 5 months time you will feel differently, trust me.

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            • Biolink
              Donaire is #1
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              #7
              Bro you've been boxing for a month and a half. It takes time. It took me a good 2 1/2 - 3 years of repeating the same stuff over and over before all of the movements and everything just "clicked".

              If you stick with it you'll have no choice but to look back and laugh at when you were an absolute beginner. I vividly remember the first time trying to learn the stance looking stiff and feeling awkward.

              This sport isn't any other sport like Football or Basketball where you can just be tall, fast, or insanely strong and dominate off of raw athleticism. The only thing that matters is the amount of work you put into honing your craft. Your skill will be a reflection of how much time you spent working.

              Just chill and try to have fun.

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              • 2ofEverything
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                #8
                Man I've been boxing for 9-10 months now, had a fight, probably put in a few hundred rounds of sparring and I'm still scared. I'm bigger than most of the guys in my gym by quite a bit (6'4) but whenever I put my headgear and sparring gloves on I get super nervous and my brain is screaming at me not to go in, it's not worth it.

                It's something you just have to work through.

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                • Mukuro
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                  #9
                  We're all built differently, so I don't think we can tell you whether or not you are cut out for it. Everyone takes a few beatings learning the craft, and yeah it can be demoralizing. At some point you will need to develop some level of comfort in facing off with someone though. Some people just naturally love fighting, others find that comfort in the skills you develop. I would say you should really try to develop your defense and simple things like a proper jab to help you survive without taking too much damage. From there you can start developing more comfortably in the ring. Also critically important to work on having good conditioning.

                  I would hope the coach is having you guys do light sparring for a start, although if you are with other new guys, sometimes they don't know how to hold back and try too hard. Maybe the coach can put you with someone who is good enough to give you work and experience without knocking you around.

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                  • packerfan78
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                    #10
                    Everybody is bad at sparring the first time. I remember my first time i got destroyed by a guy 30 lbs lighter than me. I figured id be a natural. My family has produced many golden gloves champions and i was a successful high school wrestler. Before i knew it I had a bloody lip and made the cardinal sin of turning my head away to avoid getting hit. After 6 months i could rattle the guy with a jab. A good trainer will match you with someone that is a good defensive fighter that wont try to knock your block off. I am now the experienced guy that works with first time boxers. Its pretty challenging because some guys are really scared and dont want to throw punches and some are reformed street fighters that want to knock your block off until they lose their steam after thirty seconds. Before i start sparring with a new guy i try to relax him and say were just here to learn. If you want to mix it up i will to. Usually that calms them down and we can have fun.

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