Stringing combinations in sparring vs shadow

tigerztail, post: 2309, member: 221

Hey everyone, I've been reflecting and correcting how I throw combos in sparring. When shadowing or on a heavy-bag, it's so much easier. In an actual live situation, I find I hit a mental block (fear) when I unleash a combo. Lately I've been tying my exhale throughout a combo (ie 1-2-3, r kick), as opposed to exhaling on each strike.
Any tips?

Totally different when somebody's firing back right! Seems so easy on the bag haha. I find out real fast which areas I'm lacking in when live sparring, dropping hands, not moving my head, feet not in the right position Etc..

When you say sparring do you mean full on live sparring? Have you tried taking small steps? First person fires a combo then the other person comes back with their combo, then take it up a little bit more and agree only go 10% or so that way you get a chance to practice? Or are you just going right into no restrictions sparring?

I start combos with my training partner by hitting to open cloves or pads. Often one minute timer. We tryed hitting to opponents block/shield but we are not ready yet. It changed the technique and made it much stiffer. Lost relaxation. Before covid we used to spar but now we need to get the touch back.

Most pros exhale on each strike, sharp quick exhalations.