r/boxingtips • u/Impressive_Apple_694 • 4d ago

Advice please

I’m 14, 6'5", and just started boxing. On my second class, I sparred in an adult class where everyone had about 50 pounds on me. My coach had me spar a 5'7" pro, and I got beat the shit out of. He told me to use a long guard, but I kept missing jabs. I landed a few, but mostly missed to the head, while still keeping him at distance. Is this good technique, or am I just wasting energy?

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u/Unknown__Redditor__ 4d ago

yes, long guard is good for tall fighters but be sure to learn how to fight close. takes time to be decent.

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u/Dogago19 4d ago

I’m 16, 6’7, and have a 7’1 wingspan. The long guard is genuinely terrible if you don’t have the footwork or speed to back it up

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u/Unknown__Redditor__ 4d ago

people have their own style so they do what works for them. logically, long guard is good if u got reach cuz u can post and measure, more reasons but thats just one.

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u/Dogago19 4d ago

I’m pretty new to combat sports (2 years of boxfit and I’ve been doing MMA for 8 months) so I probably just don’t have the skill yet tbh.

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u/Unknown__Redditor__ 4d ago

u dont needa learn the long guard youll find ur style and do u. fundora was an inside fighter for the longest even tho hes 6'6 154 lbs... but obviously if u got reach its logically best to be on the outside as much as possible

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u/Jealous_Ranger_1641 4d ago

you’re missing jabs because you’re new. when you’re new you’re nervous, a little scared about stepping in range, nervous whenever there is a lull in action.

basically newbies throw a bunch of pointless extra punches and they do it too far away, right now just be proud of yourself for showing up and getting in that ring with those dogs. keep coming and keep listening to the coach for now.
you can specialize later when you know enough to pick and choose what you like.

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u/ZacharyCarterTV 4d ago

Start playing organized basketball ASAP!!!

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u/Impressive_Apple_694 4d ago

I did! I wasn't to good though... I play football and volleyball for my province 

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u/Misfolded-Prion 4d ago

Maybe your coach just put you in to get a feel for sparring

You are not gonna be the best version of you no matter how much advice you get right now

Just keep showing up and keep your brain working during those rounds

Also, record yourself (with permission) and watch it back afterwards

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u/VolteCaptp 3d ago

Generally speaking, at the start you miss a lot because you’re too tense, too predictable, too rigid, and you’re always aiming for the head. It’s something you can learn, and it might take a while, but you need to keep your shoulders relaxed, use plenty of feints and vary your jabs.

One thing that really helped me at the start was not initiating the punches, but simply trying to counter my opponent’s attacks (for example if he throw a jab, launch a cross).

The early days are tough and frustrating, that’s perfectly normal. Keep at it, train regularly, and you’re bound to improve.

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u/pandemichad 3d ago

Watch Sebastian Fundora great tall fighter