Quick Switch or Step

**Torakaka** · Posted On: 7/02/2009 8:28am

Originally Posted by 1point2

I've had tippy-tap success with this in point sparring, but I don't see the power generation for it. How do you hit hard with this one?

It's not going to be as strong, but you can still get a decent amount of power out of the kick with the rotation of your hips. It just takes being explosive with it to get a good amount of force. I use this kick a lot myself. One thing that can make this kick work a little better is to stand kind of bow legged with your knees pointed out so you're already more or less in a good position to launch a kick.

**1point2** · Posted On: 7/02/2009 8:33am

That starting position/stance is what I wasn't sure about, thanks, KidS.

***WhiteShark*** · Posted On: 7/02/2009 9:17am

I was going to say something similar about stance. I wouldn't say I point both knees out but I do have to stand in a very square stance when I throw it. If you really torque your hips and lean back a little to make space you can get good power.

**Torakaka** · Posted On: 7/02/2009 2:48pm

I do the bow legged stance myself, since I don't tend to like being too squared towards my opponent. Of course, Whiteshark seems to kick just a bit harder than me so be your own judge.

***WhiteShark*** · Posted On: 7/02/2009 3:12pm

This is weird. I watched some video of myself and when I throw front leg round kicks I am actually standing more sideways than usual. I swear I feel like I'm squared up when I throw it but video doesn't lie.

At about 0:40 I throw like 4 lead leg round kicks without switching they aren't that hard in this video but the form is what I was talking about.
YouTube - Mega Throwdown 2007 - Kid Spatula vs Whiteshark

**Vorpal** · Posted On: 7/02/2009 4:10pm

A friend I train with favors kicking like that Alex, I think its effective and its really quick as Hell. I tried it but I just can't seem to make it work for me.

**Dempsy Roll** · Posted On: 7/02/2009 5:43pm

I agree with not limiting yourself to the switch or step. You can't get as much power from just throwing the lead leg roundhouse normally, but if you practice you can get it up much faster. I've actually had a lot of success with using it as a counter to my opponent's jab/hook (I'm a southpaw). I lean back when he punches and kick him in the exposed side before he can pull his arm back - or come over the top and kick him in the head if he's not bringing his shoulder up properly.

It seems like a lot of MT fighters have problems with this kick because it's really more of a kickboxing kick than a MT one. You're not so much swinging your leg like a baseball bat as you are whipping it. Use the knee as another point of rotation to get more speed - don't just hold your leg stiff and straight.

**Torakaka** · Posted On: 7/02/2009 5:51pm

dear lord my boxing was ugly back then

Oh and holding your leg stiff is not what muaythai fighters are taught to do. A good thai kick is about keeping that leg totally loose so it can swing freely off the hip.

**Vorpal** · Posted On: 7/02/2009 6:35pm

Originally Posted by Vorpal

A friend I train with favors kicking like that Alex, I think its effective and its really quick as Hell. I tried it but I just can't seem to make it work for me.

I have no idea why I'm calling WS alex. I need sleep.