Struggling with Your Roundhouse Kick? Try These Simple Fixes

Jul 17
3 min read

The Muay Thai kick is one of the most powerful and damaging strikes in the sport. It’s often one of the first techniques beginners learn when they start Muay Thai — but don’t be fooled by its simplicity. Mastering the Muay Thai kick takes more than just throwing your leg.

To execute a proper Muay Thai kick, you need flexibility, balance, coordination, and timing — which many beginners find challenging at first.

If your kick feels off — maybe it lacks power, control, or snap — you’re not alone. Even experienced fighters are constantly refining their technique. The good news is, you can start improving your Muay Thai kick today.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to fix your Muay Thai kick, key technique reminders, and how you can progress faster at Maneema Muay Thai in Camperdown, Sydney.

💥 Why Is the Muay Thai Kick So Important?

The Muay Thai kick is a core weapon in every fighter’s arsenal. It’s used in fights, sparring, and padwork to deliver serious damage and score points. But power alone isn’t enough — good form = effective and safe striking.

⚙️ Kick Technique: Foundation First

Before diving into drills, remember this:A strong Muay Thai kick doesn’t just come from the leg — it comes from your entire body working together.

Here are key technique reminders every beginner should review:

✅ Pivot hard. Step your lead foot out at a 45° angle to maintain balance and open your hips.
✅ Rise on the ball of your foot. Lifting your heel helps you rotate and drive power through your hips.
✅ Be loose. Let your kicking leg feel like dead weight, driven by your core and upper body.
✅ Thrust your hips forward. Think “hip first” — this is where the power comes from.
✅ Whip your same-side arm down. Adds torque and helps you stay balanced.
✅ Kick through your opponent. Don’t stop at contact — follow through fully.
✅ Protect yourself. Chin down, opposite hand up in guard at all times.

✅ Step-by-Step: How to Sharpen Your Muay Thai Kick

Follow these steps every time you train to build consistency and improve faster:

Step OutCreate space and the right angle by stepping slightly outward with your lead foot.
Leg Straight, Foot PointedPoint your toes and fully extend your leg for maximum speed and precision.
Aim for the Middle of the PadVisualise your target — don’t just swing.
Swing Your Arm Down (Same Side as Your Kick)This opens your hips and generates more power.
Keep Your Other Arm UpDefend your face from counters — don’t drop both hands.
Chin Down, Eyes ForwardStay sharp and protected while watching your target.
Turn Your Hips FullyYour entire body should rotate like a whip.
Lean Slightly BackMaintain balance and avoid falling forward into strikes.

🥊 Kicking in Sparring — Technique Still Matters

Many beginners make the mistake of just flicking or snapping kicks during sparring. But sparring is where technique matters most.

✅ Don’t just throw your leg up randomly.✅ Don’t slap low kicks with poor form.✅ Don’t swing without balance or control.

Use correct Muay Thai kick technique in sparring. Respect your training partner and treat every kick as a chance to build good habits.

🧠 Bonus Tips to Improve Your Kick Faster

✅ Practice consistently. Repetition builds muscle memory. Drill with purpose.
✅ Use the heavy bag. Build power, timing, and shin strength.
✅ Film yourself. Video feedback is one of the best tools to improve technique.

💪 Want to Improve Even Faster?

There’s no faster way to improve your Muay Thai kick than 1-on-1 personal training.

At Maneema Muay Thai in Camperdown, our experienced Thai coaches — Kru Pong and Kru Lek — will break down your technique, correct mistakes in real time, and tailor your training to help you progress faster.

🥊 Kru Pong brings sharp technical instruction, a calm approach, and deep fight IQ.
🔥 Kru Lek is known for his explosive padwork, high energy, and wild sweeps you won’t find in textbooks.

📍 Located in Camperdown, Inner West Sydney

📩 Book Your PT Session TodayDM us on Instagram or email hello@mamuaythai.com.au to get started.