Roundhouse kicks use the ball or top of the foot to hit an opponent’s body or the side of the face.

This kick requires you to turn your body and foot to the side while swinging a bent knee towards an opponent, then straightening the leg upon impact. For tall opponents, it is best to attack the torso. For opponents similar to you in height or shorter, attack both the torso and the face.

It is safest to use the ball of your foot to hit hard surfaces to reduce injuries. The top of the foot is best used to hit soft surfaces like the chest of an opponent.

Try practicing using the ball and top of each foot alternatively by kicking a pillow or a kicking pad. It is also important to have the supporting foot well balanced and rotating naturally on the ground while the kicking leg is in full swing.

Beginners should practice balancing at first by supporting themselves with a wall or column and then gradually build enough confidence to practice without the support.

By Seo Gyo-sun (selfdefense777@gmail.com)

Seo Gyo-sun, an internationally certified Taekwondo Grand Master, judge and coach, holds a B.A. in taekwondo from Kyung Hee University. ― Ed.