One of the techniques you will learn in kickboxing is how to kick correctly. Throwing quick and powerful kicks can help you defeat your opponent. But what does one need to do to deliver such kicks? Well, this is a combat sport where one can only get better through dedication, consistent practice, and a lot of hard work. If you are looking to improve your kicks, take a look at those tips discussed below.
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Strengthen Your Core Muscles
An effective way to improve your kicks is by strengthening your core. It does not matter whether you are trying to kick hard or fast. If you do not have strong core muscles, it will be hard to maintain a good posture or balance when kicking. Core exercises like planks and sit-ups are easy to master as they are basic exercises. Once you are used to these, you can move to advanced exercises like mountain climbers and Turkish get-ups. You will be strengthening your core muscles, hence, improving your kicks.
Work on Your Breathing
It may seem like it is not important, but breathing plays a big role in perfecting your kick. A strong kick is usually a relaxed kick. And in order to relax, you have to watch how you breathe. Try some breathing exercises that will help control your respiratory system when you are fighting.
Practice Slowly
To kick effectively, you first need to get the technique right. Once you understand it, you will be able to kick fast and ensure it lands effectively. If you want to get there, practice slowly. Try to perform your kicks in slow motion so that you refine the technique. When you are ready to kick fast, you will still manage to maintain a good posture and deliver a strong kick. This is also a good way to build your slow twitch fibers, therefore, increasing your endurance. You might also want to work with a trainer when practicing. Look up San Diego kickboxing gyms near me and pick a place you are comfortable with. An instructor will guide you and ensure you are doing the right thing.
Use a Punching Bag
Another helpful tip to improve your kicks is practicing a punching bag. These bags are designed to help people do martial arts. They are quite heavy as they are usually filled with sand or some other material. Because of how heavy they are, they demand one to be strong when using them. This makes them a great tool to boost your strength and perfect the kick. A 10 to 20-minute session with a heavy bag will do you some good.
Work on Your Legs
As expected, strong legs will allow you to deliver powerful kicks. It, therefore, makes sense to do leg exercises like lunges, box jumps, and skipping. Besides that, make it a habit to run daily for 30 minutes or more.
Improving your kicks takes time. If you do not get it right immediately, do not be discouraged. Progress is what matters. Focus on getting better every day, and after a while, you will be throwing powerful kicks.