Easy to learn and much easier to master compared to other types of kicks, the low kick is one of the many weapons of Muay Thai fighters. In this article, both novices and experienced fighters alike will learn quite a few things on how to improve this basic kick.
- Annoying your opponent. The low kick is one of the best ways to psychologically bother your opponent. For example, in a scenario where the defender is trying to find your low kick with his front leg, you can try kicking him into his back leg. The kick will have to be lower than usual and aimed horizontally, but if done repeatedly, this will bother the defender and make him less likely to defend against your low kick with his shank.
- Aiming higher than usual. As opposed to the tip above, aiming higher than usual is useful for advanced fighters. The reason being is that advanced fighters have strong knees and thighs. By aiming for other spots, such as the tentacles in the pelvis or any other that’s not illegal, many fighters will find these sort of kicks painful and tough to deal with.
- Aiming for the back legs. An advanced fighter’s front legs are used to getting hit by a whole lot. As such, try your best to aim for the back legs. Yes, it is difficult and hard to master, but once you get the correct timing of twisting your body, this makes for a very powerful kick.
- Aiming for the head. Many novices and even advanced fighters tend to cover their front and/or back legs when it gets hit too much and too often. This makes them lower their front arm, making their heads open for an attack. A good tip is to solely aim for your opponent’s front and/or back leg for a whole round and once you notice any signs of pain, try adding a high kick to the combination. This is rather hard to pull off, but more often than, may lead to a knockout if it connects successfully.
- Placing hands close to the head. NEVER EVER forget to cover yourself when doing a low kick. Many advanced fighters can easily tell the exact moment that you lower your guard and may try to land a combo of punches before you can even attempt to kick. Also, don’t forget to do a slight swing of your back arm when doing a low kick to give even more dynamic and power to it.
- Kick. Kick. Kick. The best way to master the low kick is to continuously kick, kick and kick. As your fighting experience grows, try to master a different number of combinations starting with the low kick. And, as said in this article, try to learn how to perfectly land low kicks that aim for the back legs.
More than these tips, it’s important to know that the more you practice and spar, the more likely you’ll be able to learn more how to adjust your low kicks accordingly to your opponent’s habits and technique.