Roundhouse kick: pivot and hip turn

Setup

1. Pairs of similar height: one kicker, one holder with a kicking paddle.
2. Holder stands a long step away, paddle at belt height, arm out to the side with a firm wrist, well away from the face and body.
3. Kicker starts in fighting stance and kicks with the back leg first.

How it runs

1. The sabeom counts in three parts: one, lift the knee to the chamber; two, turn the support foot and hip; three, snap the kick and return.
2. Kickers check the holder is ready (eye contact and a nod) before every kick.
3. Ten slow kicks on the count, then ten at normal speed, returning to fighting stance after each one.
4. Switch stance and repeat on the other leg, then partners swap roles.

Coaching points

• The support heel turns towards the paddle so the toes point away from it as the kick lands.
• Turn the hip over so the knee points across the target, not up at the ceiling.
• Strike with the top of the foot (instep), then snap the lower leg back to the chamber.
• Keep the guard up; the rear arm stays close rather than swinging out behind.
• Holders angle the paddle face slightly towards the kick and keep the wrist locked.

Common mistakes

• Support foot stays pointing forward, so the hip cannot turn and the knee takes the twist.
• Swinging the leg up from the floor instead of chambering first.
• Leaning far back and dropping the hands to balance.
• Holder pulling the paddle in towards the face or chest.