How do you not telegraph and be unpredictable?

[MuaithaiViper]

Hello, I'm just starting to spar (MT) and I've been told that I'm too predictable. The problem is I just don't know where to start. I know that every sparring partner may present different strategies but is there something I can plan (offensively) going into the round?

Like jab or low kicks or teeps?

And how do I not telegraph my strikes? Thank you.

 

[Ifight4Beer]

Movement distance and timing are the things that you will really need to work on when you are new to sparing. don't hold your hands perfectly still, when you are moveing try little movements from side to side and flinch like you are going going to throw sometimes when you arn't, every once in a while fake like your about to back out of range and reset but then blast in with a cross hook outside kick, I like to lead with my hands and finish with my knees and kicks so one of the things I try to do to stay un predictable is to simply not always lead with a jab. also since you are sparing lay back and let some of the better fighters move in on you and watch how they close the distance and anitiate with you. pay close attention to things like this and you will start progressing faster than you ever have. Good luck Bro

 

[Dan Koong]

stay relaxed before you strike so they never know it's coming!

and try to throw more combination's ^_^

 

[Kiddo]

It matters how you mean predictable, they might mean your predictable because all you do is jab cross jab cross etc etc... mix it up, sometimes do more jabs, sometimes start with a cross and often just feign that you are going to jab but instantly change to a cross. Also strike in different positions, start circling in the other way, as if you were going to strike him, then change back and strike... its just about mixing it up more.

Now if its because youre telegraphed, dont launch up on strikes, just make them quick. Do not change youre body position, stance etc, before you are gonna start.

 

[Too Defensive**]

If you are throwing a certain move too much, then you need combos. I have 10 combos that range from 2 hits to 4 hits, that I have comitted to memory. I repeat this combos over and over when I train by myself to the point that they are automatic.

If you are telegraphing, here is a simple formula: if you are going to strike low, look directly in your opponents eys. If you are going to strike high (high round) look at his legs.

One thing I do is position my guard to where one of my fists is blocking the view to my mouth. It sounds silly, but facial expressions give alot away.

 

[z0nk]

^Yeah, avoid looking at the spot you're going for.

Be aware of your eyes and facial expression before you strike, they should remain relaxed.

Don't keep repeating the same combos.

 

[Fishgun]

Learning to switch hit can mix it up. If you are right handed go southpaw every now and then. You will find that you have different strengths with each stance. Eventually everyone will figure this out also so you will be predictable again. But, remember, you won't always be fighting your training partners. Unless your opponent spies on your training or sees you compete somewhere everything will be new to him.

 

[Ifight4Beer]

^Yeah, avoid looking at the spot you're going for.

Be aware of your eyes and facial expression before you strike, they should remain relaxed.

Don't keep repeating the same combos.

I don't agree with this, not to sound like Im bashing this thought prosses but as a fighter that always has defence in mind I always try to keep my eyes at their lower chin and sholders because you can read their movements, (but I do have a bad habit of looking in there eyes while I fight) you should have your leg kick distanced so you don't have to look at their legs to know if you can hit them or not. IMO don't let your eyes give you away. The only time I break this is if I land a real good leg kick, I'll imideatly look at the leg and try to make them think im going low again when Im acualy going high, but thats not an all the time thing.

 

[chino0503]

feints and shoot your fist from where they're at.... dont crank back.

 

[MuaithaiViper]

thx all great tips!

 

[Payak]

as chino said. never pull back,not one inch.

 

[Too Defensive**]

I don't agree with this, not to sound like Im bashing this thought prosses but as a fighter that always has defence in mind I always try to keep my eyes at their lower chin and sholders because you can read their movements, (but I do have a bad habit of looking in there eyes while I fight) you should have your leg kick distanced so you don't have to look at their legs to know if you can hit them or not. IMO don't let your eyes give you away. The only time I break this is if I land a real good leg kick, I'll imideatly look at the leg and try to make them think im going low again when Im acualy going high, but thats not an all the time thing.

Its done occasionally, not every strike. If it was done all the time, it would get figured out. If I look at you directly in the eyes during the fight, then suddenly look down they high kick, you will be taking by suprise

 

[ChachiKiller]

1. You are new and to a more seasoned fighter you will telegraph (relax). It is to be expected to some degree. Perhaps you are slow as well and that will make it more obvious. Are you short?

2. Get in front of a mirror, get in your stance and throw the way you were taught. See if you do any unnecessary movement, drop hands, tilt neck, take a noticeable pre-step, tilt a shounder or hip forward, lean forward .......

Start mechanical and slow and pick up speed while maintaining good form and no bad habits.

 

[Rink]

Throw consistent jabs and leg kicks.

Yeah, avoid looking at the spot you're going for.

My trainer told me to look where you're gonna punch. Maybe its different for Muay Thai.

 

[Too Defensive**]

Throw consistent jabs and leg kicks.



My trainer told me to look where you're gonna punch. Maybe its different for Muay Thai.

I don't see the value in that advise. What was his reasoning??

 

[NoviVavilon]

also dont aim with your punches too much ... i see that alot in beginners and i was myself doing it .. you become too stiff then you aim your punches too much... just practice on becoming loose

 

[Nas_muaythai]

some awesome advice given by the good men here. Awesomeness.

Wat i can add:

-your stance: stand in your muay thai stance so your opponent doesnt know where the next strike is comming from

-your combos ( as mention in the thread already ): Make sure your combos flow.

-feigns: do some feigns. confuse ur opponent.


good luck bro.

 

[Marvin Covar]

1. You are new and to a more seasoned fighter you will telegraph (relax). It is to be expected to some degree. Perhaps you are slow as well and that will make it more obvious. Are you short?

2. Get in front of a mirror, get in your stance and throw the way you were taught. See if you do any unnecessary movement, drop hands, tilt neck, take a noticeable pre-step, tilt a shounder or hip forward, lean forward .......

Start mechanical and slow and pick up speed while maintaining good form and no bad habits.

Some very good advice right here.

 

[MuaithaiViper]

1. You are new and to a more seasoned fighter you will telegraph (relax). It is to be expected to some degree. Perhaps you are slow as well and that will make it more obvious. Are you short?

2. Get in front of a mirror, get in your stance and throw the way you were taught. See if you do any unnecessary movement, drop hands, tilt neck, take a noticeable pre-step, tilt a shounder or hip forward, lean forward .......

Start mechanical and slow and pick up speed while maintaining good form and no bad habits.

I'm 5"8. and I will practice in front of a mirror

 

[Ifight4Beer]

1. You are new and to a more seasoned fighter you will telegraph (relax). It is to be expected to some degree. Perhaps you are slow as well and that will make it more obvious. Are you short?

2. Get in front of a mirror, get in your stance and throw the way you were taught. See if you do any unnecessary movement, drop hands, tilt neck, take a noticeable pre-step, tilt a shounder or hip forward, lean forward .......

Start mechanical and slow and pick up speed while maintaining good form and no bad habits.

A mirror is a great way to find your tells, This little story may be useless, but mabee you can take this and use it. I have a very good fast jab, but I have a tell in it. I notices (and so did some of my sparing partners) that I rolled my head to the right every time I threw it, Its a habbit Ive had for years and I can't break it, so I just use that same head motion as a part of my movement now, To some has seen me fight before It could almost be a type fent, Ive notices some of my sparing partners react to that movement now.