Roundhouse Kick Step By Step Guide | Beginner Kickboxing
Different MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) disciplines have certain moves or strikes that are considered staples in their respective sport. When it comes to kickboxing, that strike is the roundhouse kick. The roundhouse kick takes balance, coordination, timing, and both strength and flexibility to properly execute.
Today, FightCamp Trainer Aaron Swenson is going over the basics of how to perform a roundhouse kick to the body. Once mastered, the roundhouse kick will become your next go-to kickboxing strike. From there, you can learn more advanced versions of the kick and keep your opponents guessing as to what’s coming next.
The Roundhouse Kick Breakdown
Here is a simple breakdown of the roundhouse kick. Practice and nail these steps before checking out the advanced versions below.
The Stance
Assume your kickboxing stance
Make sure you are a little further than arm's length away from your target
When striking, make sure to always step across your target to maximize power
Rear Roundhouse Kick
Start by stepping at a 45-degree angle across your target with your lead leg
This allows your hips to fully open to generate the most power
Chamber (knee rises to hip height) your rear leg towards the center of your target
Be sure to rise up on the ball of your lead foot as you chamber to allow pivoting while kicking
This further allows hips to finish
Release the kick (strike)
Contact is made with the target using the in-step and shin
Make sure your toe is plantar flexed when making contact
Rear Roundhouse Kick Tips:
While kicking, swing your rear arm from across your face back past your butt
This acts as a counterbalance for stability
Upon making contact
Lead foot heel should be facing your target
Rear foot should be plantar flexed to minimize injury
Lead Roundhouse Kick
Start by stepping at a 45-degree angle across your target with your rear leg
This allows your hips to fully open to generate the most power
Chamber (knee rises to hip height) your lead leg towards the center of your target
Be sure to rise up on the ball of your rear foot as you chamber to allow pivoting while kicking
This further allows hips to finish
Release the kick (strike)
Contact is made with the target using the in-step and shin
Make sure your toe is plantar flexed when making contact
Lead Roundhouse Kick Tips:
While kicking, swing your lead arm from across your face back past your butt
This acts as a counterbalance for stability
Upon making contact
Rear foot heel should be facing your target
Lead foot should be plantar flexed to minimize injury
Advanced Roundhouse Kicks
Now that you’ve mastered the basic lead and rear roundhouse kicks, check out these roundhouse variations to take your striking game to the next level.
Hop Kick
The hop kick is a great alternative to the basic roundhouse that adds momentum, making it easier to execute. The precise rhythm will take some time to perfect, but keep at it!
Assume a kickboxing stance, slightly further than arm’s length away from your target
Start by lifting your rear foot off of the ground
This acts as a slight fake
Quickly place your foot back down onto the ground
Push-off your rear foot to gain momentum
Immediately begin to execute your rear roundhouse kick sequence
Switch Kick
Another rhythm-timing kick, the switch kick is similar to a ball change in dancing, using momentum to generate a more powerful kick.
Begin by lifting your lead foot off of the ground
Hop switch off of your rear foot at a 45-degree angle across your target
Rear foot should now be in front
Ball change, and push off the former lead foot to generate power for your kick
Immediately begin to execute your lead roundhouse kick sequence
Muscle Conditioning
Body kicks take a lot of energy to perform so you will want to make sure that you practice them to fully condition your muscles. Aaron recommends performing 25 kicks with both your rear and lead legs, making sure to strike your target just above the beltline.
