GUIDE TO SPARRING

Sparring is an essential part of any boxer's training programme whether Amateur or Professional. Heavy bags and focus Mitts are O.K to develop timing, power, technique and fitness but they don't hit back! A sparring partner is required to learn the true actions and reactions of an opponent. Your boxing coach will tell you when you are ready for sparring, this will be when your boxing education really begins. There are three levels of sparring, controlled sparring, body sparring and open sparring. All three levels are supervised at all times by a coach.

CONTROLLED SPARRING

This is where boxers can learn to see a punch coming and work on their defensive and counter punching skills. for example a basic sparring drill consisting of just the jab where one boxer throws a jab while the other boxer parrys the jab, then immediatly throws a counter jab. This drill is at first preformed at a slow controlled pace. When the two boxers are comfortable with the drill the pace picks up to full speed thus giving the apperance of two boxers sparring but they know what punch is coming and know what defense to use to defend the incoming punch. This drill enhances the boxers ability to see the incoming punches and get comfortable with this fact. It also helps them to learn different defensive moves and counter punches to various attacks.

BODY SPARRING

The next step up from the heavy bag training is body sparring, this is where boxers can punch from the neck down to the waist. Although no head contact is allowed, it is recommended that both boxers wear protective equipment in the event of stray punches - A good quality Headguard (Leather), gumshield, no foul protector / groin guard and 16oz sparring gloves. This method of sparring is a great way for conditioning the body and mind to diminish the fear of being hit and also hitting somebody. You will stay at this level until your coach thinks you are ready to step up to open sparring.

OPEN SPARRING

Open sparring is where punches to the body and head is allowed. As with body sparring, all the protective equipment must be worn. Your first sparring session must be highly controlled, remember you are still learning and you should not be trying to beat up your sparring partner. It takes some time to accept getting hit, at first you might get mad but it's better to keep your composure and try and figure out why you got hit in the first place. You should go into every session with the intention to practice everything your coach has told you. For example, you might be working on sharpening your left jab and keeping your right hand close to your jaw, or you might be slipping punches and bobbing and weaving. Listen to your coach and train hard!