If I may suggest, try the following. When sparring next with a trusted partner, focus on your feet or stance in conjunction to your sparring partner and his position. Specifically concentrate on the closed stance arrangement. In case you are unfamiliar with that term, a closed stance is when you and your opponent are the same foot forward, meaning both with left leads or vice versa. When he closes the distance to punch, step at a 45 degree angle toward the outside of his lead foot. His rear hand will then be 180 degrees or so from his original targets. This is also going to put his rear leg in a very poor position to attack you, his front hand and front leg also will be very limited. In order to regroup he will have to make major adjustments to his position. While that is happening ALL FOUR of your attacking limbs can make him very miserable. This works very well against a taller man who uses his front leg to kick alot. His reach advantage is snuffed out immediately and if he is not used to this approach being used against him, you may note a bit of panic in his movements or facial expressions. When stepping into this position correctly, if he is taller concentrate on keeping him in close and deliver body shot combos. If he is shorter, you can stay in close and rain axe / crescent kicks with or w/o punches or you can step away and get your long range back to keep him coming up short on his reach. When you step away, stay on the outside of his front foot where you are in a position to glimpse his kidney area. This keeps his limbs crossed up and keeps him from strongly attacking you as you back out of his range.
The really nice thing to see for all those who question TKD's street ability, is that this move applies to dealing with kickers, punchers and grapplers. It is a great way to close in for back attacks (rear naked chokes, etc.), knee stomps to their lead knee, kidney busters, etc. The foremost danger to you on the street, once in position, is the lead arms elbow coming back at you. Check that elbow with a palm or grab the arm to be safe. Shoes take a sporting kick and turn it into a potential killer. Like having brass knuckles for the feet. Please be careful.
Back to the fun in the DoJang. Keep your cards close to your chest, at least until you have this concept down. Once comfortable, this might help you enjoy your training more. If this is old stuff for you, I apologize in advance.
Best of luck in December,
white belt