Combinations

[Rocky Balboa]

Thanks guys, I'll have to break out of the one-punch fighter that I've become

[brptrojan]

I have to tell you......even though I'm an older guy and too old to fight in amateur, when I box the guys in their mid to early 20's by throwing combinations.....it gets lethal.

I've been so used to being selective with my punching and countering all of the punches being thrown. But my favorite combo just in the last week of trying combos is the lead right, followed by a hook and then drop down with a spearing straight right to the sternum. The combination is so fast that nobody really tries throwing straight punches to the gut. Most guys like to throw the hooks to the body. But a straight right to the body can be lethal. I've stopped two sparring session this week and last week alone.

I also think that mixing up the tempo is key. I'll play defense for 30 seconds and then counter and once I connect with a big shot......I've got their attention and combinations should be in order at that time. They'll respect the punch more.

I'm not under the belief that combos have to always be thrown. I think it should be a part of the rythm.

I've only been boxing for 1 year so my experience may not yield advice.

[Rocky Balboa]

Sounds good brptrojan I actually discovered that one on the heavy bag and it makes a groaning cracking sound


As for the Youngblood comment: "Its a never ending process. Enjoy the ride." I never understood this before but it has hit me like crazy. I realize how much I have to learn now that I still find faults in my jab after I have spents hours and weeks and months on it. You never stop learning...

[RozzySean]

I have to tell you......even though I'm an older guy and too old to fight in amateur, when I box the guys in their mid to early 20's by throwing combinations.....it gets lethal.

I've been so used to being selective with my punching and countering all of the punches being thrown. But my favorite combo just in the last week of trying combos is the lead right, followed by a hook and then drop down with a spearing straight right to the sternum. The combination is so fast that nobody really tries throwing straight punches to the gut. Most guys like to throw the hooks to the body. But a straight right to the body can be lethal. I've stopped two sparring session this week and last week alone.

I also think that mixing up the tempo is key. I'll play defense for 30 seconds and then counter and once I connect with a big shot......I've got their attention and combinations should be in order at that time. They'll respect the punch more.

I'm not under the belief that combos have to always be thrown. I think it should be a part of the rythm.

I've only been boxing for 1 year so my experience may not yield advice.

Yeah, people don't look for that straight right to the body, but once they learn you throw it, you can get whacked if they have a good uppercut. If they catch it with their elbow, you are ripe for a left uppercut or hook, possibly followed by a cross right down the pipe at your chin, which as been lifted by the uppercut. I wouldn't go to the well too many times with that one.

As a fellow older novice fighter, I feel you. Learning to counterpunch is key. We are slower and it's harder to create openings with speedy combos like the kids. I practice longer combos on the bag and on the pads, but when it come down to it in sparring, I rarely throw more than three in a row, unless I'm throwing a 1-1-1-4-3-2(or 4). Like you said, changing pace is important. Start out with a bang, then slow down and pick shots, or start out laid back, defense, and countering, then, bang...go fast and aggressive for 10 seconds. I'll do that if I'm going for a "shock and awe" effect to impose my will and get you against the ropes and get inside, but I don't throw more than two or three power punches at time. If I do, I get hit more than I land.

[brptrojan]

Thanks Rozzy. That was fun to read.

I just learned something from my generous trainer today.

He said, If your jab shoulder is to the right of the center of the opponent, you throw quick shots and pivot out to that side.

If you are to the left of the center of the opponent, you throw quick shots and pivot out to that left side.

But, you NEVER pivot when your jab shoulder is dead center. If you are dead center you either need to move to one side or the other or you need to throw power shots and then swing left or right to the side that your last punch was thrown.


It's intersting to think that if you move your feet first, then they have to pivot with you and it's impossible for them to throw a power shot while their feet are moving. If you move and set before the opponent can re-set, you can fire shots and let his angry self follow you again and just play that game all day.

I'm blown away with how many idiot boxers out there get hit willingly because they don't know or try to know sound technique defense.

I'll admit it, I'm not tough enough nor do I care to be tough enough to sit and take meaningless blows that can be avoided by sound defense!