Reduce Anxiety, Gain Confidence in Sparring | Try this Drill

[@Sawubona2007]

When I spar I don't aim to compete with my partner, I aim to get better. It's a very important distinction.

[@budsworldgocheckoutbudsbud4]

Agreed, you can’t have an ego.

[@BAMBINO-68]

damn this is good advice thanks man

[@roaravi]

I'm new to Boxing...and I follow this too. Maybe that's why I get punched more than my opponent does.

[@EvanThomson.mp3]

I completely understand where your coming from my man but I personally feel there needs to be an element of competition because it’s important to know what it feels like

[@Blankstareman]

i always aim to eat their heart

[@XX2020XX]

“Half way defence and offence” is exactly how I am in sparring. I didn’t even realise!

[@timm285]

Me too. I need to stay closer

[@hareshpandya4253]

Same here! Never realised it until watching this excellent video.

[@mikemartinez9002]

Same here. This opened my eyes a lot

[@eproductions5115]

No seriously. Needed this video more than I thought

[@Jp_-hh3ex]

Same here bro

[@GetlostwithJohn]

Just had my 2nd sparring session earlier. I stopped moving away and hold my line and just let my opponent punch me and after he throws his combos thats when i realized that i can do this. after that i kept moving forward and throwing combinations. This is legit guys

[@PrecisionBoxing]

Nice to hear that!

[@GetlostwithJohn]

@@PrecisionBoxing thank you for the lessons coach!

[@hareshpandya4253]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Going to try this next time I spar.

[@GetlostwithJohn]

@@hareshpandya4253 no problem. it really builds up your confidence. once you overcome the fear, no one can stop you!

[@brownlashawn56]

its like walking in the rain, once you accept that you will get wet you learn to be calm in the storm and then u will be confident in throwing because you know you can handle whatever is coming back

[@dougkrauze5089]

When I first started sparring I was really afraid of getting hurt. I remember talking with my coach about it. How do I get past this, I asked. The answer he gave me was pretty simple. He said that all fighters feel this way. All fighters. So every time I walk into the ring I think of this and my fear of getting hurt lessens. That advice worked for me.

[@elpibe1924]

everyone but the Diaz brothers

[@reallyyes123]

@@elpibe1924 that's fucked up💀

[@fabioooh]

Probably not rodtang

[@cashmoney3801]

Idk im not, i dont think many are, depends what hurt means, i have no problems with gashes on my face or livershots that make me roll on the ground, but i am scared of injuries, not hurt, like not being able to train for a while I think if you do muay thai you should like pain, no pain no muay thai

[@matteorepetti9761]

@@cashmoney3801 i personally don’t have fear about body shot and low kicks i take many of this also for fun but headshot condition my mind now i enjoy pain not much CTE

[@shevetlevi2821]

I've trained in martial arts, mainly Okinawan karate, a bit of BJJ for over 52 years. Next week I start my first boxing training. I'm really excited about the idea of not just blocking punches but slipping them too and creating angles. I'm 68 and can't quite get it done like I used to but I'm still excited about starting this. I tend to stay in close but regardless this drill is a great idea.

[@PrecisionBoxing]

That's awesome to hear Shevet!

[@JJDogz]

How’s it going?

[@shevetlevi2821]

@@JJDogz Thanks for asking. So far so good. Alot of it feels natural to me and if Precision Striking is reading this I wouldn't mind an opinion on it. In karate we throw punches keeping our shoulders squared, or at least not extending our punch all the way out. In boxing they seem to throw punches with their shoulders extended all the way. Even though after all these years of karate I've thrown I'm sure hundreds of thousands of punches I've never had shoulder pain but now I'm having shoulder pain because of the difference in the ways the 2 arts throw punches. Is this something that my body will get used to, am I doing something wrong (my coach hasn't noted anything to correct in my punches so far)? Any thoughts from you JuicyJulian or Precision Striking?

[@JJDogz]

@@shevetlevi2821 I’ve been doing boxing/ mma for about 4 years and the shoulder pain could be from throwing those punches fully extended with a lot of force in it I wouldn’t recommend extending all the way out if there’s pain, also could be from bag work especially throwing with power and such. I believe you said you were 68 so also no longer a spring chicken. Could be all the years of wear and tear.

[@KostasK5]

@@shevetlevi2821 If its just soreness im pretty sure it will be fine. Ur maybe overextending too which can hurt ur arm. Try to not overextend.

[@Norrr3]

Great video. This is something that isn’t talked about much in the boxing community.

[@jackropes7544]

hmmm.. the mentality is not to win the sparring but to grow your confidence.. that sentence just gave me a little confidence knowing that I don't have to win. Thank you! -beginner here

[@Vladimyrful]

Very interesting. In essence, this is similar to what John Danaher talked about in how they train fighters at Tristar gym: FIRST they work on defence, because when you're confident in your defence (the thing you most naturally fear is getting hit or submitted), THEN you can begin exploring offence because you know that no matter what happens you can handle it.

[@cristiantorres9587]

The point of fighting is have fear, assimilate that fear and defeat it

[@itguru2037]

I have hundreds of rounds of sparring and still get anxious. It’s natural. I’ve never been put down even when sparring professional boxers and some champions. I’m 54 and started boxing at 44. Most of my sparring partners are half my age or younger.

[@mohammedaminekafil3678]

Hard to believe but if it’s true it’s really impressive

[@itguru2037]

@@mohammedaminekafil3678 ten years of boxing. I own my own gym as well. Thanks!

[@mohammedaminekafil3678]

@@itguru2037 God Bless You Sir

[@itguru2037]

@@mohammedaminekafil3678 praise Allah

[@YaBoyRascal]

I had my first spar and stayed defensive most of the time, hitting 1-2 combos with some hooks, I was eventually taken down with a body blow to my stomach and fell in the 2nd round Edit: Hello all who responded and liked, it's been 2 months since and I've had multiple other spars, my most recent I went for 6 rounds! In the time frame of 2 months I narrowed down what my problem was and fixed it, my head movement is way better, my footwork is faster, and my Punches and combinations are faster and stronger, and with the summer coming there's a possibility of me competing in the Junior Olympics

[@Samual_33]

Nothing to be ashamed of bro just keep at it and increase bosyshot resistance training. I had a similar problem once a great first round countering and pivoting to the left until I walked into an uppercut in the solar plexus took a knee couldn't breathe. Was out of the fight. Took a while to get over it but just trained ferociously and learned at age 14 I wasn't made of steel like I had thought 😂

[@itguru2037]

Keep on punching. Great work! It’s not a contest.

[@artembless7914]

Sometimes a great defense is an offence, punch your opposition so they don't get comfortable

[@kennycameron828]

Keep it up

[@YaBoyRascal]

@kennycameron828 I'm washed up now man lol, I rarely go to my boxing gym now but I still train boxing and have improved tremendously. I plan on returning to boxing one of these days

[@WalterWhite1911]

Sparring advice for beginners at its best! As always... simple, straightforward, but REMARKABLY effective coaching. Thank you, Jason. :)

[@PrecisionBoxing]

Thank you Luca!

[@NeymarJr-cj5jm]

Crazy I sparred on Thursday and I ended up getting anxiety today I spared again and that video came just on time

[@Lao_moon]

This is exactly what I've been doing all the time - the indecisiveness, espacially against heavier opponents - thank you so much for the tip! Can't wait to work on that

[@azharhassenamod8396]

This makes so much sense

[@miked9653]

This knowledge is such a gem. It's exposure therapy for beginner boxing.

[@MartinMelikyan]

Sounds really great, i am a wing chub practitioner, who struggles with lack of concentration, reaction speed and mainly that fear of being punched in face, i blink lean back, some people say sparings are going to help, some say drills are going to help, but i think i should combine them all, and everybody's proving me that it's about style, but I'm really going to crush this myth and compete in MMA using wing chun, i hope i won't get disappointed by myself

[@1DreamWarrior]

Best boxing coach I’ve come across Straight up Much appreciated

[@itguru2037]

If you are sparring with sensible partners, you will gain confidence over time

[@krns1695]

Fight or flight Fear = want to flight but knowing you have to fight without wanting to fight

[@thomasglaister8374]

This is the only channel I’ve seen which addresses this issue properly. I feel like I’m halfway defense and offense and now I know why

[@Desperado665]

This is exactly what I needed. I definitely spar scared and halfway between defense and offense

[@tajwalikhan9995]

Khan vs Brook LETS GO!!! 🥊

[@ANTONIOJOSEBUSNEGOBORGES]

i learning english and boxing with you, thanks so much greetings from venezuela

[@muhammadfauzan4450]

Thanks coach

[@RedspadesX]

Mr. Clean with a clean technique

[@rogsolaris7411]

I love this guys videos. His information and teaching are so logical and interesting. I haven't boxed in years and I still watch his videos just because it's so interesting

[@dougkrauze5089]

Thanks JT. Tough to fight an opponent a mile away. Become a nuisance. Great advice.

[@Josh13301330]

You are helping me so much, I never comment on here but I just have to say thank you, for all my questions you have a video, an explanation and an answer, thank you so much, respect to you brother

[@codenameconovers3398]

I started at a new gym last week and they spar every Friday , this is great advice ! I can’t wait till this Friday !

[@EstebanLopez-pc3jq]

Great stuff coach, been trying to get my kid to have more confidence, going to try this for sure. Thanks coach !!!!’

[@IRidez]

My man’s always dropping dimes

[@DemonHunterX]

Yes Started doing this in my 2nd sparring , right now just overcoming fear of getting of hit

[@marjamir5770]

Thank you coach for the confidence boost!

[@tyronyandrews4177]

Makes perfect sense, thanx Coach! Anyone here from Melb , Australia wanna train this with me? :-)

[@apdhillonbrownmunde22]

This is exactly the video I needed at this point in my journey.

[@Lokiigoggles]

This is exactly what I needed thank you so much!

[@spaceseed33rd89]

I love and appreciate all your videos but I can actually say this is one of the best especially in my case. The advice and strategy you gave in this video has become tried and true for me at least and has greatly helped me with my sparring anxiety especially since I'm working on competing as a master. 💪🏾🇵🇷

[@TheWildcry84]

Thank you for this clear explanation, I found it useful during sparring👍🏻

[@MrWood-qd6kr]

I appreciate this. Very encouraging because I am going through this right now as I am sparring in Muay Thai

[@Magnapict65]

Magic video coach. Gonna be going over this one many times as with others. Needed this. Respect from northeast Scotland. Aberdeen 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 👊

[@timm285]

I love videos like this.

[@richardbarajas6953]

Bro I love how your teaching it’s great bro been wit u for a long ass time much love

[@victorayala9007]

Thank you for this much needed drill!

[@sainttrxy]

Just completed my first week in a boxing gym. Had my second body sparring session today and with 30 seconds remaining I felt like I was going to cry. I couldn't let my hands go, and basically just felt like a punching bag. I held back the tears and soldiered on, finishing the session. I've been feeling quite frustrated because of this. There's something mentally holding me back from actually pressing forward and boxing. I realize I've only been in an actual boxing gym for a week but I know I have it in me to do better. There was a brief moment on the ride home where I questioned whether boxing was for me. Whether I actually have what it takes. I don't have the answer but all I know is I'm not quitting. In this sport you will get hit. You will face resistance and it is up to you to decide whether to face it or whether to give up. There's very few things in my life that I've felt as passionate about as boxing. I'm 27 and for the past year I've been obsessed with this sport and have been taking steps to achieve my goal of doing (at least) one amateur fight. This might seem like a small goal but understanding how tough the sport is, it feels like a respectable target. I feel very humbled by how demanding the sport of boxing is. I just wanted to say that it helps so much having the wealth of knowledge that Precision Striking offers available at the click of a button. I feel confident knowing that if there's something I feel I need to work on, there's always a video or a breakdown for it. Many thanks to Jason and the team for always being in the corner of so many looking to learn and improve ourselves through boxing. I'm kinda broke so I left a small donation, but I also joined the membership and am looking forward to keep learning and pushing myself to reach whatever my potential might be. Thank you for being a part of this journey. 🙏

[@PrecisionBoxing]

Thank you for your support! It's much appreciated. I want the best for you in your boxing journey. I've been where you are where you are doubting yourself. Give yourself time to develop, be as consistent as you can. You are still quite young and will make big strides within the next two years. Keep at it!!

[@sainttrxy]

@@PrecisionBoxing Many thanks my man, I really appreciate the words of encouragement. 🙏🏽 All the best to you and looking forward to your videos, as always!

[@tmoneyofficial1]

The OG🥊

[@michaelblair7348]

Excellent. Thanks

[@mauriciom8430]

I train in Muay Thai but these videos are still useful because when we spar we also have to get inside and do punches. The only difference is that we kick, elbow and knee so we also spar kickboxing style so we just kick and there is more opportunity to get inside and box.

[@alexstrom1396]

Great advice and tip. Thanks so much coach!

[@thoughtleader8820]

Great video… I needed to see this :)

[@hollywoodbb]

Trying this next time I spar! I have only sparred 2 times now and it’s like you said, quick exchanges, in and out. Kind of unsure of my range. And I was thinking to myself, “Man, how do I get inside and box?” I thought maybe because I’m 6’3” and have long reach, it wasn’t my territory. But I’m going to try this next time and see how things develop. I want to be well-rounded and not put into a box (pun kinda intended). Thanks man, your videos are INSANELY valuable.

[@Light-bw9fi]

I have a video « punches for 4 hours non stop » i think it can help you to learn how to use all your body to punch

[@fotis3v480]

I had my first spar after 4 lessons he put me up with a semi experienced 16 year and dang I was so 'scared'of opening up to hit the boy had zero confidence and ended up only blocking ( no head movement either) and kicking him off to reduce his pressure his hits might not have hurt or pushed me around but still the confidence part is so important. Second guy was an older really experienced guy i opened up more on him cause I didn't feel the pressure of not hurting him but i did catch a nice headkick lmao!! Good thing I've always kept my hands up instinctively. It's so fun to spar from what I've gathered and really helps finding your distance on moving targets.

[@marcusson1983]

Excellent video sir. Precisely what I needed

[@acts.412]

Thank you so much for this video Exactly the advice I need ! 🙏🙏🙏

[@thesambongodragon1057]

Been watching this guy a long time basically call me a pro

[@adukill]

Great attitude, thank you man.

[@mmartinisgreat]

I used to be so scared when getting into the ring. Lol

[@taz2392]

We do jab only sparring however the amount of tapes my head gets rocked back is unreal and I’m 42. As soon as I get a little close BANG!

[@Sirclive]

Done 30 rounds for the last 3 weeks and still feeling hesitant. Thanks for uploading

[@ocnbxng5038]

In terms of boxing I think, it's best to not be afraid of you get hit. If you're not afraid of being hit, you'll stay more relaxed and get better at anticipation. Likewise, in life, we shouldn't be afraid to fail.

[@SupremeSwaggy]

Thank you so much!!

[@ogoxo]

Love your work mate

[@theboxingcollector]

Great advises as always, thank you!

[@tonyflip5718]

🥊🥊🥊thanks coach

[@MasteryEnglishPro]

This is great... im 50.. with about two years training... ive really worked a lot on my defence for three months but the downside is against stronger opponents im just defending !! I dont get hit much but i think this is just what i need

[@itguru2037]

Start working on your counter punching

[@sincerelyme7423]

This helps me a lot.

[@PrecisionBoxing]

That's really great to hear! thank you

[@ninjasalsa3152]

Great video and advice

[@pcbentley619]

great video as always.

[@unidaspandemia9936]

Good explanation, I couldn´t agree more in some points when it comes to get closer and well covered, and "inviting" your oponent to punch over your controlled defense body zones. What you didn´t tell is it also depends on the power of shots. I´m a presure sparring partner, people likes me cos I make them work a lot but I go 70% of my punches strenght, but most of my partners go 90% more or less...

[@Samual_33]

I'm getting back into boxing soon at 28 thank you for this insightful and easily practiced knowledge

[@artembless7914]

Still have a lifetime in front of you

[@actcanine5277]

how is the boxing going for you

[@Samual_33]

@@actcanine5277 thanks for asking bro I was doing well up until the end of May. My new trainers spotted I had previously boxed soon as I got in my stance and started shadowboxing. Long story short I was planning to fight semi pro in December. Unfortunately I fractured my heel at work in June I'm relearning to walk with crutches at the moment. My physiotherapist said I should be able to box again but I'll wait and see how things go. It was a multiple fracture right underneath the ankle it's uncomfortable just putting weight on my now deformed heel. I went non surgery option.

[@artofwar-3263]

Thanks for the knowledge coach !

[@raiwatsagdeo1752]

Love the content

[@Anonymous-lt1wi]

Great video we need more of these...and how do you get over the nerves before fighting

[@davidrzepka]

This was very helpful JT! Thank you so much! Your videos are so effective and help me learn. Keep up the great work.

[@Kuneho]

Well said coach

[@Kuneho]

Offense or defence, there is no in between

[@jfalconredskins]

Another great video

[@Zerotochampboxing]

Just had my first sparring session today been boxing twice a day 4 times a week for 3 months a lot of my technique went out the window once i got in the ring i was landing some good shots but i was also a bit unsure on when i can actually get in there a punch without getting punched i was facing a much taller opponent but overall i felt good im going to focus a lot on sparring now and see how i go

[@alaaalaa3387]

Man l learn alot from you Coach

[@Southpaw2198]

Solid advice. 51 this year, 30 years of boxing and still sparring but getting more and more gunshy as I get older

[@EL_TIBURON1]

Great video ❤️

[@omadetrol8436]

Premium content as always

[@flakeyvisi0n733]

About to do my 3rd sparing session today I realized that I’ve been running away to much before and draining my stamina I’m gonna try to do what I learned from this video this time

[@PrecisionBoxing]

Be patient with it, over a few sparring sessions you'll see the difference as your skill with it gets better.

[@flakeyvisi0n733]

@@PrecisionBoxing I’ve done around 10 sparing sessions now and I’ve can definitely see improvement your video been helping to man

[@fordylad285]

Started boxing for an event 6 weeks ago. Got 5 more weeks left and always get nervous about sparring, did 12 minute rounds on Monday and I always just freeze (I spa some bigger people) trying to get used to being punched is hard, I don’t mind the pain but I frustrate myself because I don’t throw enough

[@knuckle-sandwichmma681]

at first i was scared asf especially going against guys 2-3 weightclasses higher. i got my ass beat by active fighters, never went down, not even a wobble, no quitting. then while training with one of them dude told me that 99% of people he sparred couldnt take such punishment cuz he was actually looking for at least a knockdown. thats when i realized that got a chin and can take those shots and i started seeing them coming better, digging in with my punches and really put the pressure on.

[@MansaMusa-v5q]

Don’t be a punching bag spar with ppl on the same level as you or one level higher….Sparring ppl 2 or 3 levels higher than you isn’t smart especially if the guy looking for a knockdown Guys like that spar lower level guys to make themselves feel good

[@tonypaella]

Looking for a knockdown? Never spar with that person again.

[@damiandavies1474]

Brilliant

[@Zygurr99]

I got sparring tommorow this stress could kill a animal 😢

[@PrecisionBoxing]

i hear you

[@comicssmproduction955]

Honestly the main reason why I get anxious/ nervous is because I’m always sparring with different people. People I’ve NEVER seen or sparred with before so I don’t know what to expect, I don’t know how long they’ve been in the game for or how they fight.

[@PrecisionBoxing]

That’s ok, that kind of experience will prepare you much better

[@lukekennedy6394]

I'd be scares if your rocking them casanivas when sparring!!! Amazing gloves

[@raiwatsagdeo1752]

What to do once we get inside range... What are the things we should we looking at and working on ?

[@PrecisionBoxing]

Stay relaxed and focused forward, get comfortable being under fire. Then as you get comfortable start to understand the rhythm and counter punching opportunities.

[@raiwatsagdeo1752]

@@PrecisionBoxing thank you for the advice, Sir!

[@graemehuia5964]

My experience of sparring is a mixture of bear wrestling & haymakers. Not good 😐

[@hatmanularbore]

Most powerful advice👊🏻

[@jccloud7]

Hey JT, great training drill here. As a beginner, how do you deal with that "new person, ineffective half way offense and defense" mode sort of thing? I find myself trying to close distance with taller opponents (I'm 5"7) and trying to slip long jabs and then when I get close, they just back up and keep firing or they sit there and counter as soon as I go to punch. It feels like I can't win either way - I either get hit trying to move in or I try to hit them and get hit anyway. Hence the halfway defense on the way in. Loving your stuff!

[@j4m7yt59]

Learn how to cut off the ring you always have to out pressure in the center of the ring so you have control (ringeneralship) slowly step in but bring your lead foot foward without bring your whole upperbody so that way you push them back little by little, take ur time

[@BAMBINO-68]

this is my issue thanks man

[@tundra2861]

I’m always afraid if I hit too hard. Like, when I try to be faster, power just kinda comes with that. Like, I don’t really care all that much if anyone hits me hard, since it’s not on me

[@ronaldson57]

Can you post a new video on switching stance whole punching and throwing double right hand

[@harrymcough5545]

Nice gloves

[@sebastianf5191]

Today I had my first real sparring session. I say real because up to now I have just been having light spar, off-ring sometimes in the ring, but just to try combos and such, and even without headgear I had no issue. Today, I had to put on headgear, and even with that I was completely useless. I was too nervous all I did was walk and half-defend. I had to literally shout to myself "fucking do it" just to throw some punches. And eventhough everyone was very supportive and told me "you did great, first time is always like this" I really feel awful. Felt like eminem when he choked on stage in the movie. Jesus Christ. (I apologize for the grammar, english isn't my first language)

[@PrecisionBoxing]

It's good thing that you feel this way, because it means you want to be better, and that drive is what will make you better.

[@Khattab99]

You don't know how bad I want to become a professional boxer now adays.

[@enfielddnepr]

Thank you for breaking the taboo of being scared..

[@Grandpa_Boxer]

Awesome points coach. Would this also help with not getting gassed because of a so-called "bull-rusher"-?

[@PrecisionBoxing]

It's one way to deal with a bull rusher, but only if you know how to fight on the inside and you have solid defense.