Training: Sparring Reflection 1/31/09

Another Saturday another sparring session. 3rd time sparring. Still the smallest guy there but I have to stop griping about it and just get used to it.

Work the body then the head

I'm getting better at slipping the punch and getting inside. I was getting in on some punches and was able to get inside to land a few body punches. Now I need to work on landing a few punches to the body and then throw up top. Hooks to the body then uppercut to the head, or overhand to the head. Work the body then when I have their attention downstairs and their guard lowered, go high and kill the head.

Don't get stuck on the inside

This is still my biggest problem. If I get in, I need to move into a clinch, or step off to the side. Or if they get in and catch me covering up, I need to move. I can't just stand there and let them hit me like a sand bag. I'm trying to move my head which is fine but if I'm covered up and can't see the punches coming then it's worthless because I don't know what I'm trying to counter. I need to move to the side and fire back from an angle.

Stop covering up

A heavy guard is fine but I cover up way too much. I need to catch more jabs and cover up on just one side if I need to. Don't just throw up both hands whenever any combination comes at me because then I can't see and I get stuck.

Block that low kick

Ate way to many low kicks. At the very least if I eat one, throw a cross back. Make them pay for the kick. I try to evade the kick too often and they chase me down and nail me, so block that low kick more.

Don't forget about the hands

My boxing looked better today when we did just boxing. However, when we sparred with hands and kicks, I was overthinking the kicks and forgetting about the punches. I was settling into boxing range perfectly but was too focused on kicks. When I did throw a punch or two, I was landing them, I needed to throw them more.

Stop over thinking

Stop over thinking. Yes my opponent is taller but I can't let that bother me. I'm letting my mind conquer me. I'm too intimidated, too pressured, and that's sapping my cardio. Stay relaxed. Don't give up ground so easily. Fight like your back is against the wall. Let the combinations flow naturally. My body knows what to do. I just have to have the courage to get over such self doubt.