Improving roundhouse kicks without a heavy bag?

Final Level · 10-21-2007, 10:40 PM

I only get to see heavy bags/thai pads at practice and I want my kicks to be perfect. I've heard that shadowboxing helps, but how exactly will I know if I'm doing them right? I try and practice technique slowly on my bedposts/poles/trees/etc. (I never make contact, though, don't want to fuck up my leg), but is that all I can do?

I need your help, Sherdog.

dkickboxer · 10-21-2007, 11:13 PM

Buy a heavybag and or get someone to hold the thai pads/thai suitcase for you. Shadowboxing is good but most beginners do not really put enough into a kick even with a bag and are likely to throw less if they are just kicking at air. i doubt you will really turn your hips over and throw a real kick shadowboxing unless you have thrown the kick like a million times before. Besides, having someone hold the pads or suitcase for you also gives you someone to critique your technique.

RJBernieP · 10-22-2007, 04:48 AM

suitcase?

oh and if your just starting out, stick with the shadow boxing until you have the correct form down. and just work the pads and bag real hard in the gym.

if you are experienced, go ahead and buy a heavybag.

legshot420 · 10-22-2007, 06:28 AM

how long have you been training?

Final Level · 10-22-2007, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by legshot420

how long have you been training?

about 4 months.

dkickboxer · 10-22-2007, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJBernieP

suitcase?

oh and if your just starting out, stick with the shadow boxing until you have the correct form down. and just work the pads and bag real hard in the gym.

if you are experienced, go ahead and buy a heavybag.

Yes, thai suitcase. aka leg kick pad. If dude has only been training four months he might want to concentrate on training his kicks at the gym where someone else can watch him and correct his mistakes which he undoubtedly makes.

this is what i was talking about
http://www.combatsports.com/detail.aspx?ID=22074
or
http://www.combatsports.com/detail.aspx?ID=22528

RJBernieP · 10-22-2007, 03:39 PM

oh ok gotcha

man, my muay thai school is ghetto/poor as hell then, we are forced to double up on the thai pads in place of using a legkick bag.

dkickboxer · 10-22-2007, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJBernieP

oh ok gotcha

man, my muay thai school is ghetto/poor as hell then, we are forced to double up on the thai pads in place of using a legkick bag.

Man if you can afford one get one of the leg kick pads. Those things are awesome, You can really crank your kicks on it and the holder won't feel it on their own leg. For just my home gym we have focus mitts, thai pads, a body shield, and the thai suitcase.