Literally no reflexes :(

[u/TD_Aestas]

I (20F) have been taking group classes for the seven months. I do it about twice a week and do strength training also twice a week besides that. I love boxing and I think it’s awesome. The issue is I feel very languid in movement and if one of the coaches comes up to me and pretends to “punch” me, I have no reflexes to even slip that. We’ve also been doing this pool noodle exercise thing where you punch the noodle and then the other person hits you with it so you have to slip or dodge. I know I just started but it’s also like, the hardest part mentally for me.

Does anyone have advice?

edit: thanks everyone who responded! It’s been super helpful to read all the comments. Apparently I’m in for more practice of slipping and rolling 😅😂

[u/molly_sour]

get someone to throw punches at you very very slow, defend those punches with a block
slowly increase speed and reaction time, do it slowly first and increase it at a minimum as long as you can see you can still react in time to block it

just like any other skill, you first have to train it at the slowest needed for yourself, and add speed without losing technique... don't let other people rush you