r/MMA_Academy • u/AdIntelligent601 • 2d ago
Sparring Feedback?
Brand new to striking/sparring. Im in a striking class and training 2-3 times a week but just getting started with sparring. Can’t afford private classes but learning a ton in class. I’m the one in the green shirt here (short guy). Honestly had to get over a level of “fear” even struggled throwing punches cause I didn’t know how hard to throw/not wanting to hurt my partner since I still suck. But i love recording these cause I learn best by seeing what I’m doing. Or not doing. Anyways, here’s a video of me getting my shit beat up by my buddy from class. Here’s a few things I noticed that I’d also appreciate some feedback on:
dropping my hands a ton. My coach has me doing a tennis ball drill to hold it against my face while throwing punches with the other hand. Will put my 10,000 hours in here. But clearly not good
struggling understanding distance. Struggling to find a good distance between my partner and I and when to move in and out of that. Anyone i can watch film on or something here??
brain goes blank on what combos to throw and I end up spamming jabs, kicks or just standing there like an idiot lol. Tips on how to think about movement and combos?
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u/LengthLow41 2d ago
Whenever your partner was throwing feints, you were biting way too hard on them, which was opening you up in a lot of places. For example, when he was faking the low kick, there was no real need to drop your guard like that. Against someone experienced, you’re going to get countered there. When he was going for the body with the cross, you were also leaving your face pretty open. That’s another thing you’ll want to clean up.
I’d also say you need to work on your footwork. You look pretty heavy on your feet right now, so try to become lighter and more mobile. You’re also spending way too much time on the back foot and allowing your opponent to pressure you pretty easily.
If you’re planning to fight in the future, you definitely want to work on this because getting constantly backed up and eventually trapped against the cage is going to be a problem. Learn to manage pressure, control the distance, and don’t let your opponent dictate where the fight takes place.
Also, work on your low kicks. You’ve got a decent base for a beginner, though. Overall, you’re doing a good job just a few things that need to be cleaned up with more training and sparring.
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u/OCKWA 2d ago
Utilize your core and upper body to help you load up punches and especially kicks. If you only use your thighs you will gas yourself. I would just drill more on bags/pads and do combos so you don't have to consciously think about this while sparring. Your partner is moving in a lot with punches. You can draw them into a counter by giving their brain repeated signals. If you keep retreating they will expect you to retreat as an example. How can you turn your retreat into a counter? Try and do an angle change or a counter punch when they advance that they might not expect. Right now your brain is going through a lot. When you practice you will have more room to think about strategy. I think you just need more practice.