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Step 1
Assume a traditional fighting stance with one side back and spread your body weight evenly between both feet. Stay light on your feet, bouncing slightly while keeping your weight on the balls of your feet in order to move quickly.
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Step 2
Shift your weight to your back foot, pivoting so your heel faces your target. You may take a slight step if needed but make sure your foot pivots in order to align your hips for the kick.
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Step 3
Draw the knee of your front leg upwards, towards your chest. Your side will face the target and your knee, your foot and the target will form a straight line. You may need to lean slightly back to accomplish this. It’s important to see the alignment because your leg will travel in the direction of the line.
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Step 4
Kick quickly into your target, aiming for a spot at least 6 inches deeper than the surface to maximum your power.
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Step 5
Hold your heel higher than your toes upon impact, keeping your foot strongly flexed. If your toes are extending at all, they risk injury upon impact. Your heel makes contact with the target.
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Step 6
Withdraw your kick as quickly as you extended it or quicker. Martial arts strikes generate their impact through speed and power. Your physical ability determines your power but you can always increase impact by increasing your speed.
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Step 7
Practice the side kick as described and add a quick step to increase power after you are consistently hitting your target.
