Hands up during boxing?

Question

I really dont know whats wrong everytime I spar I cant keep my hands up. When I am hitting the heavy bag, doing pads, or using the speed bag I can keep my hands up.

And also I blink when I absorb a punch or I think a punch is about to hit me.

Is there any way I can work on something that helps me keep my hands up and not blink during sparring.... I really dont know whats wrong??

Answer 1

if your keeping your hands up fine when training but not when sparring it probably means your not thinking enough in the ring and getting sloppy, every round you spar the more you will improve, and with your eyes, it doesnt mean your scared of getting hit, its a natural reflex, get someone in the gym to punch at your face but stop before hitting you, and practice keeping your eyes open when you see it coming, after a while you'll get it

Answer 2

Ok, your shoulders are getting tired because of your stance. Don't always lean forward too much. Try standing a little straighter up and turn your shoulders to the sides with the palms of your fist facing your body for a change. That should help.

Some other tips, RELAX your body when you spar. Keep your focus on breathing.

It's actually not surprising that you have fatigue problems AND blinking problems. They both go hand in hand. You see, when you have breathing problems and you can't stay relaxed during a fight, your body will jump at the anticipation of your opponent's move. Don't get too excited, nervous or scared, work on seeing the punches and then blocking/countering them.

Tell your coach you need to fight someone much smaller so you can work on calming your defense and relaxing in the ring. A good drill to work on not blinking is to have your coach follow you around the ring and tap you on the head with the palm of his head every couple of seconds or so. At the same time, you should be moving around with good control of your footwork and making sure your breathing rhythm isn't interrupted and that you don't freak out and hold your breath when you get attacked.

Answer 3

Keep practicing. You've developed bad habits.

When you're on the bags, you're more focused on hitting the target so your hands stay up and your eyes are open. When you're sparring, you're focused on the target hitting you.

First, get a partner to help you spar. Both of you should only throw light jabs and you should focus on keeping your hands up.

Second, you should always keep your eyes on your opponent. If they feint a punch and you close your eyes, lights out for you. Practice by having some you trust throw jabs about 4 inches from your face.

I hope this helps and best of luck to you.

Answer 4

your arms are probably getting tired when you spar and so you need to do more push-ups, pull-ups, squat-thrusts, etc to get them stronger. something that helped me was when my trainer taped my hands to my  head.

Answer 5

You're definately afraid of getting hit.  In terms of keeping your hands up, have someone train with you when you hit the heavy bag. Have someone hold the bag from behind so that when you work on it, this person will throw a punch so that you keep your hands up and expect to get hit.

Answer 6

spar more, it sounds like your just scared to get hit, you just need more ring time to get used to being punched

Answer 7

Practice, bro.  It looks fairly stupid, but if you run/jog, do so with some small dumbells in your hands and keep them in a high guard position.

The blinking bit, you'll just have to practice, i guess.  Just remember, blinking gets you hit.  You're opponent will supply the pain, so you'll learn the hard way.