Thread: exchanges

Hi, when I'm sparring i have a problem with certain fighters (not all). The type of fighters that like to take part in wild exchanges are the problem (the ones that keep throwing punches when they get to you). Now if need be I can dance around them throwing jabs and the odd right hand, but I can't commit to my punches too much without getting involved in long exchanges where I'm landing shots but taking shots too. This is pretty useless as im not getting hit, but I'm not landing anything significant. This is not only boring, but does not pose much of a threat to the other fighter so they will just keep coming for more. When I do get involved in exchanges of punching i land my shots, but feel i get hit a little too much myself. I don't mind taking a few shots as that is inevitable in boxing but I don't think it's great to just exchange and see who comes off best, but at the same time I want to get some decent shots off. I don't want to engage in long, wild exchanges, where we are both landing shots, but both taking them too, this goes on until ones fighter tires/gives in. Has anyone got any tips on how to get the upperhand in exchanges, but not engage in too long ones, in otherwords, land some shots and get away before taking too many.

Thanks, Stef

I would imagine your coach/trainer or who ever is running the sparring session, should conduct a bit more controlled sparring. Neither one of you are going to learn anything during these wild exchanges... This appears to be a coaching issue...> IMO

However,
To address the problem in the ring i would suggest really taking the opportunity to focus on defense and when you see holes make it count.. You need your opponent to respect your shots that way he will slow down a bit more... Maybe you can even convince to have more tactical sparring sessions such as "Jab only" type sessions. You will be able to fine tune your skills with a bit more organization...

Good luck!

stefl, as with a lot of things, changing form is easier if it is introduced in stages.

For example, if you find you are stepping in for exhanges and getting caught in there, slugging it out, you need to rework certain aspects, footwork in and out for eg. Throwing while moving in, guarding when coming back out.

The stages I find that work best, are often things like say, shadow boxing first. Making a point to do rounds and come in and throw 2,3, 4 punch combos, and then come back out...with your invisible sparring partner. Then take that to the bag. Work those same combos on the bag. In and again out, this combo, that, w/e it is. Visualizing again your opponent.

Then it is time for sparring. Your feet are already getting used to the movement so it'll come easier and be more familier, then it is repetition, repetition, repetition. Different combos, over and over. In, striking, then back out quick in this case if that is the goal.

Most everything we train to do, is ultimately to work in the ring as that is where it will be executed. Bringing it there in stages creates familiarity and gets your muscles memory, tendons, and ultimately movements ready for it.