Become Fighter
Sparring etiquette: Boxing guide
The unwritten rules that keep sparring useful and everyone training next week.
Sparring is practice, not a fight. You are there to learn, and so is your partner. The people who improve fastest are the ones other people want to spar with, because they are controlled, honest and safe.
Etiquette is mostly about three things: agreeing the intensity, protecting each other's health, and leaving your ego outside the ring. A coach should be present for every round, especially while you are still learning.
Key points
- Agree the intensity before the first bell. Say it out loud: light, technical or hard.
- Wear a mouthguard, headgear if your gym requires it, a groin guard and gloves of the correct weight.
- Tap gloves at the start of the round, and at the end. Thank your partner.
- If your partner is hurt or asks you to slow down, slow down at once.
- Never spar with a head injury, concussion symptoms, an illness or after a hard weekend. Tell the coach and sit it out.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Trying to win every round. Pick one skill, such as the jab or defence, and work on it. Winning comes later.
- Hitting harder when you are hit. Keep the agreed intensity. If it is too much, ask the coach to stop it.
- Hiding an injury. Tell the coach. Training through concussion symptoms is dangerous and delays your progress.
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Sparring and ring generalship module of Boxing fundamentals.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Sparring and ring generalship
- Controlled intensity: Boxing guide
- Ring generalship: Boxing guide
- Working with your corner: Boxing guide
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.