How to Do a Roundhouse Kick Correctly

A roundhouse kick is commonly used in various martial arts styles, including kickboxing, karate, Tae Kwon Do and Muay Thai. While the mechanics can vary slightly style-to-style, the technique basically involves swinging your back leg around to strike your opponent in the ribs or the head with the shin bone. The kick takes practice so that you can both land it effectively and not lose balance while doing so. Doing a roundhouse kick effectively requires flexibility and proper use of your hip.

Instructions

    • 1

      Take a fighting stance so you are turned to the side with your left foot forward and your right foot back if you are right-handed. Your feet should be about shoulder-width apart so you can move smoothly and still maintain your balance.

    • 2

      Focus on your target. You can throw roundhouse kicks low to the legs and ribs or high at the head and neck.

    • 3

      Step forward several inches with your lead foot and turn your foot outward until you feel the stretch in your groin muscle.

    • 4

      Swing your back hip around while using your lead leg as a fulcrum. The combination of the stretch in your front leg combined by the force of the pivot in the back hip gives your kick its power.

    • 5

      Extend your kicking leg at the knee as your foot swings around and makes contact with the opponent in front of you. Use the shin as your striking surface. Some styles recommend using the top of your foot, the instep or the ball under the toes as a striking surface but you are more likely to break your foot or your toes. The shin is more durable and more likely to do damage.

    • 6

      Bend your knee again once the kick lands or misses. Bring your leg back and plant your foot back down on the ground as you regain your former stance.