How to Land More Kicks in Sparring

Would you like to land more kicks? Are you tired of sparring and missing by just an inch or two?

Well, here’s a simple drill that might help. It’s simple, but not easy! 🙂

Give it a try and let me know if it works for you!

How to Land More Kicks in Sparring

If you’re having trouble landing kicks in your sparring, the problem may not be what you’re doing, but what you’re not doing. Let’s take a look at two common reasons why…

PROBLEM #1: Many students focus so much on the kicking leg that they completely forget about the supporting leg.

Sure, you already know that the supporting leg helps you set your hips into position for proper balance and maximum power, right? But even if you chamber perfectly and snap out a vicious kick, if you’re too far away from your opponent, that kick is worth nothing!

So, it’s time to ask your supporting foot to do a little more. Specifically, ask your foot to add a little hop to close the gap between you and your opponent.

PROBLEM #2: Many students practice alone kicking on the same spot, either on a bag or in the air.

Obviously, there’s a big difference between hitting bags and sparring real people. The biggest difference? Well, people are smarter than bags. Okay, not everybody, but in general.

Most people move. Most people don’t want you to kick them. That means you must chase them down!

So, here’s a kicking exercise to develop your hop and chase down your partner.

KICKING DRILL

ROUND 1 — Chamber your front kick. Now hop across the mats with it.

That’s it! Don’t throw the kick, just wake up your support leg and make it hop.

Also, practice slowly, one hop at a time. Focus on your balance.

Once you feel comfortable with your front kick, try the same thing with the chamber for your round kick and side kick.

Got that? Great! Now, let’s make it more difficult.

ROUND 2 — Add the kick. Keep your foot off the ground.

Again, don’t worry about going fast. Focus on your balance timing and coordination instead.

Make each kick count!

ROUND 3 — Add speed and power.

I know, I know… going fast is fun. I just don’t want you bouncing across the mats like a rabid rabbit!

Of course, if you want to land more kicks in sparring, you’ll need to ramp up this drill. Just don’t be in a hurry to be fast! 🙂

If you’re interested in a couple of quick tips to help you land more punches, too, then check out, How to Land More Punches.

Okay, got it? Add a little hop to close the gap and take your opponent by surprise… or chase him down when he’s retreating. Either way, the hop will get you closer to your goal of landing more kicks the next time you spar.