This is a series of two questions, but they both tie in together.

First, im a southpaw with a bad habit of shuffling straight backwards to try and avoid advancing attacks. I noticed that when sparring, my partner will advance on me with like 2 or 3 jabs to push me back, and i find myself again, shuffling backwards instead into the ropes. And thats my first question, what options do i have to defend the advancing jab?

I know circling right is the obvious answer. But that leads me to my next problem, which is. Whenever i start circling right, my opponent jabs and takes a step diagonal and cuts off my angle/escape route. Which only leaves me with two choices since his leg is blocking my angle to circle right.

I could change courses and circle to the left, towards his power. Go back into the ropes. Or move forward to stand and trade (which is probablly what he wants me to do.)

So my question is what defensive measures could i take when i find that hes cut off my angle to keep circling right? Am i checkmated in the sense that i've been trapped by my opponent and am forced to exchange to make my own escape route? Or is there another defense/evasive option that i havent thought of?

Getting your angles cut off sucks..