How to Make Your Kicks Faster

Martial arts is a proper form of self defense.

Kicking is one of the many striking techniques used in martial arts. As in most activities, practice makes perfect. Practicing your kicks slowly will help you build muscle memory in your legs. Performing kicks slowly and with proper technique will also allow you to focus on your center of balance and foot placement. Proper stretching, building of core strength and patience will enable you to produce a faster and stronger kicking technique.

Instructions

1. Stretch your leg and core muscles thoroughly to make sure you don't pull or tear a muscle while performing your kicks. Stretching your hamstrings, hip muscles and quadriceps are crucial in providing flexibility during kicks.

2. Practice your kicking technique slowly to develop proper muscle memory. Hold on to a wall or rail to assist you in balancing while you work on your kicking technique. Bring your knee up to your chest and extend your leg forward. Watch your pivot foot and your striking foot to ensure you are kicking correctly.

3. Enhance the strength of your core, or midsection, of your body. Pilates are a great activity to build core strength.

4. Perform a kicking strike and hold your leg in an extended position to build your hip strength. Extend your leg while performing a kick and hold the extended position for at least eight seconds. Return your your extended leg back to the standing position to complete the exercise.

5. Practice speed kicking. Have someone assist you with this step. Have your partner hold the kicking bag. Perform a kick and strike the bag. While in the extended position, kick the bag as fast as you can without bringing your foot back to the ground.

References

• Taekwondo Information: 10 Tips for Faster, Stronger and Higher Kicks
• Taekwondo Information: Top Stretching Techniques