How to Increase Speed and Accuracy of Kicks in Taekwondo

Break the Taekwondo kick down into a series of parts that you can count out. For example, if you're trying to improve your side kick, call the first raising of the knee step number one, the extension of the leg into the kick number two, the retraction back to the raised knee number three and placing the leg on the ground as number four. Then, go through each segment in smooth succession so you practice the kick with technical accuracy.

Work on your flexibility at all times since no kick can be effective without a loose, flexible body. Warm up for stretching by doing some kicks and straight leg swings. Then spread your legs in an attempt to do the splits. Also, place heavy emphasis on loosening your hips by doing hip circles and by lying on your back, raising each leg in the air and rotating them in wide circles.

Kick punching pads that have a small white target circle in the middle in order to work on accuracy. Start the kicks low since this will emphasize speed and precision and gradually raise the height of your target so you preserve the speed and accuracy at a more realistic and effective height.

Practice with a sparring partner who stands in front of you with her arms behind her back. Kick at different parts of your partner's body, each time stopping only a few inches from making contact. If you don't have enough control for this, start far away and gradually come closer so you improve the kicks' accuracy.

Work kicking drills at the beginning and end of a heavy workout. Doing the drills once you're already tired will train your body to keep your form tight and will improve your kicking effectiveness when you're not exhausted.