subject: Muay Thai Workouts [print this page] Muay Thai Instruction: 5 Top Guidelines To Remember When Practicing the Thai Kick
Muay Thai is known for its hard kick, and it's a good idea to have this technique in your martial arts toolbox. Yet, you need to know how to perform this kick correctly for maximum effectiveness.
Here are 5 pointers to teach you how to kick properly.
Tip #1 Proper Range - The correct distance for this kick is when your opponent is JUST BEYOND punching range. If you can lean and touch your opponent with your hand, then you know your distance is correct.
Tip #2 Step and Lean - For top power, step into the Muay Thai kick at a 45 degree angle with your base leg. Stepping at a 45 degree angle, instead of towards your target, generates the most power for this kick. Make certain to step on the balls of your feet.
Tip #3 Rotation - Pivot on your supporting foot. Turn your hips and shoulders together into the Thai kick. Don't allow any twisting in your body. You MUST TURN YOUR HIPS into the kick! Think of it this way, when the Thai kick lands your body should be sideways to your opponent when the kick lands. Don't snap the kick, keep the leg loose and swing the whole leg. Your leg should stay relaxed and only slightly bent during the kick. As you turn and kick, counterbalance yourself by leaning away a little from the kicking leg.
Tip #4 Impact - Hit with the shinbone! Also, the follow through is VERY Crucial. THE THAI KICK DOES NOT STOP AT IMPACT! MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW THROUGH! The follow through is probably the most important facet of this kick. Swing your leg like a baseball bat and swing all the way through the target, trying to break through everything in its path. Turn your upper body into the target (if the kicker had a T-shirt with something written on the back, the pad holder should almost be able to read what it says!).
Tip #5 Hand Placement - A couple of points: Keep the rear hand up to protect your facial area. Swing the lead arm back to generate additional power and to help keep your balance. Make sure you keep your lead shoulder up though. So remember, rear hand up for protection, lead hand swings back for balance.
The target for this kick can be the inner or outer thigh, body, or head. After impact, bounce back and return to your stance.
