[MuaithaiViper]

So I'm just beginning to do light sparring sessions and I'm having trouble advancing on my opponent with out getting tagged.

Feels like if I come forward and try to punch him, he's going to kick me. Any suggestions?

[GunnyHighway]

If you snap your jab quickly you can get out of a line of fire easily. About getting kicked, check your stance, you don't want that front leg sticking out to be able to get cracked. Jab and get out is the easiest way to avoid getting hit, only when you throw with your power punch is that you commit , you can get countered.

[Grey_Steel]

Originally Posted by MuaithaiViper

Feels like if I come forward and try to punch him, he's going to kick me. Any suggestions?

This comment may be an important one. If you feel hesitant the you will hesitate.
Feels like, doesn't mean you will get hit. It only means you may be afraid of it. If he is busy defending he can't strike effectively. Move in with a plan of action and don't hold back. Jab your way in or kick your way in...whatever. he is in the same position as you are as far as getting tagged when the distance closes. That is the point of training, to get him first.

I have had those feelings also but mostly it meant I was holding back. Do something to occupy the time of closing the distance. Distract him, Jab (as someone mentioned) kick, fake or whatever. Sometimes you may be able to Teep and push him back, then get him as he is returning. I would first check to see if you may be hesitating due to thinking you're going to get tagged. Hey...sometimes you have to eat a shot! As long as you work it out so that it isn't at a distance to be within the sweet spot!

[MuaithaiViper]

Thanks guys, that makes a lot of sense. Looking back now I do hesitate because when I attack I really don't have a plan.

So maybe I should go in with a plan of attack like doing a combo.


Any suggestions on creating a strategy? I'm watching k1 and amateurs fights on You tube for starters.

[mschatz]

Well, the thing is, you WILL get hit. That's just a basic fact of your chosen sport. Just accept it as part of it and advance anyway. Do it smoothly, technically and without hesitating.

[lil_ric23]

Try to double up your jab first before starting your combos. I was getting countered way to easy and frustrated at first and this was a good suggestion my coach gave me. they don't always expect the second or third jab and when it hits you can unload other punches a little easier. Try swithing it up and counter punching to if he's hitting you to often when you lead. but make sure your not hesistant or he will eat you up.

About the kick, you said it feels like he's gonna kick you. Is he kicking you or are you just scared he will? Aside from obviously trying to check the kicks. if you notice a pattern of him throwing the same kick at you at the same times. Just eat one of them while stepping in and drop a bomb on his ass. he won't be so quick to throw it after that.

If he's not kicking you and you just feel that way, you still just are afraid of getting hit. that takes some time to go away.

[legshot420]

It's impossible to spar and not get hit. Get over that fear and see results.

[villasenor]

try and keep your facial expresions in check

[ChachiKiller]

He who hesitates, meditates in a horizontal position.

[slugger]

stick with that jab. look for openings then take em. learn to time your opponent

throw in a low switch kick here and there to mix it up too

create openings using angles

have good defense to pick off your opponents counters then counter back then get out if you need to

bunch of stuff you can do

play around with it, you're still green