Higher roundhouse kicks?

[frode]

I'm a pretty flexible guy, 6'3". I can do front kicks over my head and used to be a punter in football.

But for some reason, I can't do high roundhouse kicks. My right leg is my primary weapon in muay thai, and I'd like to be able to throw a head kick in there once in a while.

What are some exercises/stretches I can do to improve the height of my kicks?

[blackEye jeff]

you need to work your hip movement. you have to practice kicking a bag, focusing on moving your hips out; as well as the rest of the technique with swinging your arm and making sure your plant-foot steps out correctly.

[frode]

Thanks, I will work on that. But it seems like my leg doesn't go that high.

I am pretty mindful of my hips, because I was taught very good technique in hapkido many years ago, and haven't forgotten it. I also know that my knee has to go high in order to kick high, but for some reason I can't go too high with any of it.

[muaythai.matt]

i have the same problem, however im 16 and 5'11''. the only thing ive been able to do is mark a point on a heavy bag and do reps of thai kicks at that height. then make the mark a bit higher and do more reps and keep working at it moving the mark heigher...it's starting to work with me although i feel as though my balance is being compromised :S

[frode]

That's a good idea, Matt. I'll try that.

[fire cobra]

Come up on your toes as high as possible,straighten out your support leg,dont try to put the hips into the kick to much,and remember its the neck your aiming for not so much the head,all these points will help you to achieve a good tae Kor.

[Staple]

Do you warm up and stretch well before kicking?

[Khun Kao]

OK, the flexibility needed for a high front kick (or teep) is way different than the flexibility needed for a high roundhouse kick. Different muscles are active. How is your flexibility in regards to doing "straddle" splits?

There are other factors that can be playing a role. Range, body position, proper rotation, etc.... Is there any possibility of you getting a video of you kicking?

[Oscar]

High kick

In order to throw a good high kick one does not require great flexability. I'm 5'8" and can kick a 6'4" individual in the jaw pretty easy. Cold. It's all in the technique. Learn to can your hip over as you do for a downward high kick to the neck and you'll find succes.

Oscar