Martial artists often combine kicking techniques to disorient and defeat opponents. In order to perfect these kicking combinations, martial artists need to practice them on a frequent basis. A heavy bag is a durable piece of training equipment that can handle all of these kicks. Heavy bags can hang from the ceiling or be free-standing. Fighters can improve the accuracy and power of their kicking combinations by using the heavy bag. Practicing kicking combinations on a bag can help martial artists see how effective their techniques would in a real fight.
Roundhouse Kick
Roundhouse kicks are frequently used in tournament and kickboxing matches. A roundhouse kick is a fast technique that is delivered horizontally. The instep or the ball of the foot hits the target. A good kicking combination to use on the heavy bag is one roundhouse kick with each leg. This combination trains the hips to adjust so a strong roundhouse kick can be quickly delivered to each side of the bag. It is important to train both legs on the bag so one leg is not overly used during matches. It is easier to anticipate a fighter’s offense if he relies on just one leg for most of his kicks.
Sidekick, Spinning Back Kick
Sidekicks are powerful kicks that can stop an opponent in his tracks. A sidekick is performed by raising one knee and driving the bottom of the heel into an opponent. This technique kicks out from the side of a martial artist’s body. A heavy bag is an excellent tool for practicing sidekicks because the bag can withstand the strength of this kick. A combination that can be practiced is the sidekick followed by a spinning sidekick. The spinning sidekick is executed by spinning around and using the opposite leg to perform a sidekick. The spinning sidekick should be stronger than the original sidekick because the momentum of the spin should increase power of the kick.
Front-Snap Kick, Front-Thrust Kick
A front-snap kick is one of the easiest kicks to perform in the martial arts. It is a fast kick that can set up an opponent or attacker for further kicks or strikes. The front-snap kick is done by raising one knee and pointing it toward an opponent. The ball of the foot snaps out at the opponent and then snaps back to its original position. When working on the bag, a martial artist could follow up his front-snap kick with a strong front-thrust kick. A front-thrust kick, also known as a front-push kick, starts the same as a front-snap kick. However, the front-thrust kick pushes out and it is meant to drive an opponent backward. Combining these two kicks during a bag workout is a good way to practice kicking directly at the front of an opponent.
About this Author
Mike McLaughlin has been writing news, entertainment, and sports articles since 1990. McLaughlin has written for “The Maine Campus,” “The Bangor Daily News,” and Associated Content. McLaughlin is also a martial arts instructor and certified personal trainer. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an associate’s degree in filmmaking.
