Any boxers out there? I need some advice please....

cbstewart88

Let me start by saying I am a 62 y/o female, which may or may not have something to do with my problem. I have been taking boxing lessons for one hour/wk for about four months now. I have a teacher I really like - he's knowledgable, experienced, and very patient with me. He says I am "overthinking" and therefore lacking "fluidity". I am OK w/just one-two punches. But when slips, rolls, and more complicated combinations are added, I just get flustered and my rhythm and timing go all to hell and I get tongue-tied, feet-tied and punch-tied. I can't seem to get a flow going. Any tips???
Thank you in advance...

ecjim

start by doing the more complicated combinations in slow motion - work on getting the timing of the strike perfect with the foot work - do a sequence with the strikes, slips blocks any trapping moves etc. make every move perfect & correct - repeat the same combo many times and gradually speed up to a fighting speed

ecjim

Let me add - while you are doing these combinations - visualize & imagine your opponent's strikes., movements, circiling etc. as you practice -when you slip a punch - imagine the strike coming- he thows a jab, you move your head - this is a combat sport - make your practice more real - Eastcoast Jim

cbstewart88

Thank you Eastcoast Jim - these are very helpful tips!!! I think slow motion and exacting practice will really help and I like the idea of visualizing an opponent. I appreciate your input.

Brabo_Grip

Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast. At least that is what my Coaches have always told me.

cbstewart88

Thanks Brabo_Grip. I like that!!!

ecjim

X2 what Brabo said - I used to train in traditional Singh -Hi Gung Fu & Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan - that is how you would practice forms - slow & precise 1000X until perfect. Just keep doing it until they are natural movements - you can strike, slip a punch, & counter with out thinking what to do

ttippie2000

Try not to think. Thinking with your pre-frontal cortex happens relatively slowly. What you want for boxing is to work the motions into your unconscious mind, specifically into your default node network, which is much faster. Repetition and relaxation (I use fatigue) helps with this as well as reducing the number of variables you're working on. Slow shadow boxing, especially in a mirror, can help you tighten up your form and defenses.

However, upping the tempo on a single move and having to do it under the pressure of a resisting opponent is also useful. Note that resistance is different than control. Use control. Fight coaches give their fighters maybe one new thing to work every week or two. Keep the training method simple and you'll learn faster.

This kind of practice method takes patience and isn't always that creative while you're doing it. Actually, classical pianists practice the same way: On a difficult piece of music their pace might be only one measure a day.

cbstewart88

Thank you ttippie2000. I enjoyed your post. Ironically - I used to be a classical pianist - haven't played in several years sadly - so I know exactly what you are talking about. Never thought to equate that learning technique to boxing. Very, very helpful suggestion.

cbstewart88

You guys all had great suggestions. My lesson went quite a bit better today...still have a lot of practicing to do though....