I've only been training for a couple of months and have had a few spars, but I notice that I have a hardest time trying to make my punches connect. My reach is slightly shorter than most of the guys I spar with, so it feels like a I eat a jab every time I try to close the pocket. I've had better luck recognize when the kick is open, and as such, I can usually get a leg kick or 2 to connect in. I have a feeling that it is a caused by a combination of poor judgment of distance and fear of getting hit. My questions:
- Is this a common problem for beginners that goes away over time?
- Any drills or tips that will help me get close the distance?
It is a common thing for beginners because hitting someone who is trying to not get hit is a skill that typically is not natural. Based on the little bit of information you've given us as to your scenario...I can give you this:
1. Keep your rear hand next to your chin, chin tucked down and your eyes up. If a straight gets your forehead---it's not as big a deal as one getting you on your nose or jaw.
2. Footwork. Learn to step in when you punch, learn to close the distance smoothly so that the other guy doesn't always realize what's happening before it's too late. I like to use very subtle stepping until all it takes is one quick closing step to hit my target. Use your footwork as well to create better angles.
3. Combinations. Use a jab of your own to measure, defend, and setup for bigger shots. If you're just going in for a single and eat a jab, that's because the other guy is using his jab. You need to use yours.
4. Counterpunching. Try to let the other guy open himself up by practicing your counter punching when you spar. In this way you are able to learn the other guy's distance, power, and combinations; while you're able to practice your footwork, evasive movement, in addition to your counter punching.
5. Feinting and faking. Learn this skill! It will allow you to exploit the opponent's weaknesses and keep him on his toes so that he isn't able to guess what your patterns are. Fake a right and throw a left hook. Fake a body shot then change elevations and go high. Fake right hand and kick to the thigh. Etc etc.
The best drills...come from sparring situations. When you spar make note of what you're having problems with...be it footwork, defense, setups, and etc. Then you can create a sparring drill/game to work on gaps. For example, if you aren't able to close the distance, have someone work with you in a sparring environment where his job is just to defend while you try to hit him with punches. This will allow him to work defense while you work offense without you having to worry about getting hit. Once you've got a good idea of your own distance and combinations that work well for you, you can build on that by allowing the other guy to jab in the drill. This way you are working your same gap training but stepping it up little by little. He in turn, gets to work his jab which is primary resource in striking.
I know it's vague, but if you'd like more detail in anything let me know.