Suggest

Setting up kicks with punches

Muay Thai

Use hands to open the body and legs for kicks.

What coaches agree on

  • Throw real, committed punches - a jab or a jab-cross-hook combination - to occupy the opponent's attention and guard; that occupation is what opens up the target for the kick that follows.
  • Watch how the opponent reacts to your punch - which way they lean, where they cover - and let that reaction pick the kick's target instead of deciding on one in advance.
Show more
  • Change how many punches you throw and exactly when the kick follows them, so the opponent can't anticipate it and check the kick in advance.