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It’s natural for fear to appear, especially when you’re just starting boxing. Whether it’s the fear of getting hit or the fear of underperforming, overcoming these anxieties is crucial to excel in the ring.
In this article, we’ll explore the easiest way to remove fear in boxing by addressing the mental aspect and the benefits of slow and comfortable sparring.
The Mental Aspect of Fear in Boxing
Before we dive into practical techniques, let’s understand the mental aspect of fear in boxing. Fear often stems from the unknown and the anticipation of pain. It can manifest as nervousness, anxiety, or even panic. To conquer this fear, consider the following strategies:
Knowledge is Power
Fear tends to thrive in ignorance. Start by educating yourself about boxing – its rules, techniques, and the science behind them. The more you understand the sport, the less daunting it becomes.
Visualization
Visualization is a potent tool. Close your eyes and vividly imagine yourself in the ring, executing flawless techniques, and reacting confidently to every situation. Visualization can boost your self-assurance.
Positive Self-Talk
Replace self-doubt with positive affirmations. Instead of thinking, “I’m afraid of getting hit,” tell yourself, “I am learning, improving, and becoming a better boxer every day.”
how to fix it – Slow and Comfortable Sparring
Now, let’s explore one of the most effective ways to conquer fear in boxing – slow and comfortable sparring. This technique allows you to ease into the intensity of sparring gradually. Here’s how it works:
Tip 1: Start at a Comfortable Pace
Begin your sparring sessions at a pace that you’re comfortable with. This might involve light, controlled exchanges with your partner.
Tip 2: Focus on Defense
During slow sparring, prioritize defense over offense. Work on your blocks, slips, and parries. Knowing you can defend yourself effectively builds confidence.
Tip 3: Gradually Increase Intensity
As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the intensity of your sparring sessions. This step-by-step approach helps you adapt to the demands of sparring without feeling overwhelmed.
Tip 4: Trust Your Partner
Choose a sparring partner you trust and communicate with. Establish mutual respect and understanding. Your partner should be someone who can help you learn and grow without causing unnecessary fear or harm.
Tip 5: Review and Reflect
After each sparring session, review your performance and reflect on what you did well and what needs improvement. This constructive feedback loop aids in building confidence.
My own story
When I began boxing at 16, I trained at the beginner team for around 2-3 months. During this period, I got significantly better and easily outboxed the other boxers on the beginner team.
I was very confident, and I felt unbeatable. After the 3 months, I was moved up to the real boxing team. This was the team with all of the very experienced and skillful fighters.
My first sparring on the real boxing team led to an unimaginable beating. I got seriously punched several times by a 14-year-old. He didn’t hold anything back and after 8 rounds, I was completely beaten, both mentally and physically.
As I sat on the train home, I felt my confidence and overall self-image go straight to the ground. It was a horrible experience, but what was even worse, was the fact that I got scared of being offensive. My mental state of mind had shifted completely and I was a horrible boxer for the next couple of months.
Then I incorporated slow and comfortable sparring and gradually increased intensity as I got more comfortable with letting my hands go. I also began some positive self-talk, which slowly but surely changed my mind.
This eventually removed my fear of getting hit, which also has been the case with many of my boxers throughout the years.
Learn From My Story and Overcome Fear in Boxing
Fear in boxing is natural but doesn’t have to hold you back.
By addressing the mental aspect through knowledge, visualization, positive self-talk, and incorporating slow and comfortable sparring into your training regimen, you can gradually remove fear’s grip on your performance. Learn from my story and improve your boxing abilities!
