Page 185 - Fighting Fit: Boxing, Workouts, Techniques, and Sparring

Sparring

boxer. Composure is absolutely crucial at all times and
the key to success. Even more so when your nose
throbs and your pride is pounded.

Review

Watching videos of your performances will enhance
your education immeasurably. Seeing is believing. See
how your guard drops. See how awful your footwork
is. See how slow your reactions are.When you’re
mixing it up it’s hard to tell what’s going on.You can
get the wrong idea. But the clips will be true.

Common problems
 Squaring off to an opponent (planting your feet
directly in front of an opponent so that you face him
with your chest). Never compromise your basic
defensive posture.

 Signaling intentions with shoulders, head or flying
elbow before a punch is thrown. Deliver your
punches crisply and cleanly. Straight punches fire
directly from chin to target.

 Predictability with movements or offensive and
defensive style.A boxer must mix up his approach so
that his opponent won’t see patterns.

 Reaching and pawing. These are largely useless
actions that will expose you to dangerous counters.

 Hesitation. Finish your punches.They may land or
disrupt the counter. Half a punch is worthless.

 Flinching. Learn to keep your eyes on your opponent
— even under fire!

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