Don't Run Away!

Man, oh, man....If there ever was a really bad idea in terms of employing a sparring technique it would be turning your back on an opponent when you are getting hit. This is a gut response people may feel when they are under the pressure of getting punched and it is not a bad idea to get out of there. But, getting out of there means using proper footwork. Turning around and running away - even a few steps - is a real bad idea for to reasons:

1.) The opponent may throw a straight punch at the unprotected back of your head.
2.) The opponent may throw a hook and nail your unprotected jaw.

In short, you have ABSOLUTELY NO PROTECTION when you turn your back to a striking opponent and you can't see what he is doing. This could lead to some serious damage if he connects with a blow.

When you are sparring, you want to keep the potential for injuris low. This is pretty easy if you follow rules of good common sense. So, don't do silly things like running away and you can avoid some really brutal shots.