opening up big guys defenses

[sideslasher9]

how could i open up big guys defense. several of the guys that i spar frequently with are big, im 6ft1 and they are bigger and heavier than me. they just cover up and absorb body shots. how could i get them to open up and get them off their guard?

[ezzthetic]

how could i open up big guys defense. several of the guys that i spar frequently with are big, im 6ft1 and they are bigger and heavier than me. they just cover up and absorb body shots. how could i get them to open up and get them off their guard?

Turn them. Those who cover up have partially blocked line of vision. Don't just stand directly front of them and plug away. Vary up on your attack and turn on your front leg to create angles. If you're a righty, you can turn forward (swing the back leg forward) and open up great oppurtunities for a left hook followed by a right hand. If you step to the side and turn backwards (back leg swings backwards), you'll have an oppurtunity to land an uppercut and a straight right hand from a different angle. These are just examples.

Also, if you want to hurt someone who's covering up, get them to commit to defending straight shots and then fire away with wide shots or vice versa. For example, fire a 1-2, 1-2 followed by a left hook to the liver. Or, fire hooks to either side of the body and come straight up with a rising jab between the gloves. I call it "the canopener."

[Skye]

One of my favourites is to throw a right uppercut to the stomach so they protect with their left elbow. Then move your left side forward and press your left forearm against their left arm that is protecting them, sort of pinning it there momentarily, then quickly throw a right rip to their ribs.

[khujo78]

What's worked alot for me is to get them on the offensive, thus naturally lowering their defense. This especially works for sparring where you can get someone in a good offensive mode and plan your attack according to the holes they leave open. But you have to attack before they recover. I guess the hardest thing is closing the gap, which takes some timing, but once you get that down I think you'd be cool. I'm still working on it, lol. Also, people forget that attacking the other person's weapons works too. If their arm or thigh run into a knee or elbow, they would think twice about using those attacks or they may attack more slowly.

[STORMCROW34]

If he's bigger that you, then staying at long range may not be your best bet because he will probably have a better reach, and will be able to pick his shots at long range. You'll be better off at middle and close ranges to smother the power at the end of his punches. But you should be in great shape because fighting inside with a big fighter is tiring. As Dadi said, keep him off balance by turning him. If he's right handed, you'll want to turn him to his left, or your right. Confuse him, don't stay in one place. Try to get good angles while timing and countering his jabs with right hands to his body. This will eventually bring his right hand down. If that doesn't work, try punches in bunches. Throw five or six punch combos, and mix them up as Dadi said.

As long as he respects your power he will eventually be forced to open up. If he doesn't, well you might want to concentrate on punching biomechanics to add power when you're not sparring.

[ezzthetic]

These are good options people are giving you. I was of the understanding that the problem wasn't getting inside, but that they just cover up. Being mobile will work against taller opponents, but the added weight factor might hurt you, as it allows the big guys to get extension on their punches. See the folly of this in Lennox Lewis' fight with Frans Botha. Botha was in the best shape of his life, very light and very mobile. Lennox had great breathing space to size him up and blast him away.

However, if your skill-level and speed is sufficiently superior, you can slip their straight shots pretty easily to gain inside position. But again, I understood the dilemma being what to do with them when they are clamming up once you get inside, not just closing the gap per se.

EDIT: Wow, Michael pretty much said the same thing I just said above while I was still typing it! Good stuff Michael!

I'd like to add to my first post here that you should try and concentrate on punch placement. Trying to get the big guys to open up might be a good idea if you want a more open game, but I'd use the opportunity presented to learn about the different target areas. Go for the solar plexus, spleen, liver, belt line and the spot above the heart (sternum). Heck, I'd even go for a pincer hook to the kidneys (illegal mind you) if the opponent turns to either side. Use aforementioned strategies to apply these punches.

[STORMCROW34]

David listen to Dadi, he knows what he is talking about. :)

Also, when he starts to drop his left hand as a result of right hand liver shots. Try doubling up with the right hook. One to the body follwed quickly by a right hook to the ear. Not every time. Keep him guessing. And on occasion follow the two hooks up with a left or right uppercut. But be careful of his counter left hook. So keep bobbing and keep your head moving.

Although it may be frowned upon in a sparring match, you could also target his shoulders. Cumulative punches on his shoulders will definately weaken them and possibly force him to lower his hands. Unless of course he spends a bunch of time on the speed bag.

On another note. Sometimes you have to take what your opponent gives you. You can win a match based on body punches! Look at Irish Mickey Ward. His carreer is highlited by his viscious and occasionally fight ending body shots. He's famous for breaking livers. Ricky Hatton is another one.

Dadi, sorry I didn't mean to steal your sunshine.

The Lewis/Tyson fight is also a great example of what a tall fighter can do to even a skilled veteran fighter of Tysons caliber. Yeah I know, Tyson wasn't prime in that fight, but he was still quite mobile and VERY good at closing the gap. It's great to have long arms in boxing. Make 'em pay dearly when they come in, which encourages 'em to stay outside where you really want them. But without respectable power, it's difficult to make them pay. Fortunately for Lennox, he has power to share.

[ezzthetic]

Dadi, sorry I didn't mean to steal your sunshine.

No, no, that was a good job you did. :)

[Jeff Burger]

What Chris said.

Especially this....
"WHEN HE ATTACKS HE IS OPEN"

Jeff

[STORMCROW34]

Good luck David. Let us know how it goes.