The low kick, or “low roundhouse kick,” is one of the most devastating and strategic weapons in Muay Thai. Delivered with speed, precision, and power, a proper low kick can damage an opponent’s leg, reduce mobility, and open up opportunities for other attacks. In this guide, we’ll break down the mechanics, techniques, and common mistakes associated with the Muay Thai low kick to help you master it step by step.
Crazy Time: Table of Contents
What Is a Low Kick?
A low kick in Muay Thai is a roundhouse kick aimed at the thigh or calf of your opponent. It targets:
- Outer thigh (vastus lateralis)
- Inner thigh (adductor muscles)
- Calf (gastrocnemius/soleus)
This kick is thrown primarily with the shin, not the foot, and is typically aimed at disrupting your opponent’s base.
Mechanics of a Proper Low Kick
The power and effectiveness of a low kick come from proper body mechanics, not brute strength. Here’s a breakdown of each component:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Stance | Begin in a traditional Muay Thai stance: rear foot slightly turned out, hands up, knees slightly bent. |
| Step/Setup | Step slightly to the outside with your lead foot to open the hips. You may skip or pivot depending on the variation. |
| Hip Rotation | Drive your hips through the target. This is the engine of your kick’s power. |
| Leg Extension | Swing your shin like a bat. The foot should be relaxed; contact is made with the hard bone of the shin. |
| Arm Movement | Opposite arm swings down while the same-side arm protects the chin. Helps generate torque and maintain balance. |
| Follow Through | Don’t stop at the target—go through it, making your opponent feel the full impact. |
Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a step-by-step guide to throwing the low kick correctly:
Step 1: Establish a Strong Base
Kg Time: Start in a balanced Muay Thai stance. Your weight should be distributed evenly. Knees are bent, hands are up, and you’re ready to strike or defend.
Step 2: Set Up the Kick
The most common mistake beginners make is kicking from a flat-footed position. To maximize power, you need a quick pivot or step:
- With pivot: Pivot on the lead foot as your rear leg comes around.
- With step: Step slightly outward and off-angle to create space and better alignment for the kick.
Step 3: Rotate the Hips
Rotation is where most of the power comes from. Explode through the hips and whip the kicking leg like a bat.
Tip: Think of your body as a chain—your foot, knee, hips, and shoulders all work together.
Step 4: Make Contact
Aim with your shin, not your foot. Striking with the shin is not only safer but more powerful and less likely to injure you.
| Target Area | Effect | Best Used Against |
|---|---|---|
| Outer thigh | Deadens leg, limits movement | Orthodox or southpaw fighters |
| Inner thigh | Off-balances opponent, harder to defend | Opposite stance fighters |
| Calf | Disrupts mobility, fast recovery | Fighters with heavy front leg |
Step 5: Return to Stance
After the kick, immediately return to your stance—don’t leave yourself exposed. You can either:
- Drop the leg back into stance
- Step through (if going for pressure)
- Bounce out (for retreat or feints)
Tips for a Devastating Low Kick
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Disguise your intent | Use feints, punches, or teeps to hide the kick. |
| Angle off | Step at a 45-degree angle to get a cleaner path for your kick. |
| Kick at the right time | Catch opponents as they’re stepping forward or flat-footed. |
| Condition your shins | Regular pad work and bag drills help build the necessary durability. |
| Aim slightly above the knee | Reduces risk of hitting the knee joint and causes maximum pain. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It’s Bad | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Kicking with the foot | Less impact, higher risk of injury | Focus on shin contact |
| Not rotating the hips | Weak, ineffective kicks | Practice hip rotation drills |
| No setup or telegraphing | Makes kick easy to read and counter | Use jabs, feints, or step-ins |
| Dropping your hands | Leaves you open to counters | Keep your guard high or swing the opposite arm properly |
| Standing too tall | Affects balance and power | Lower your stance slightly and bend your knees |
Drills to Improve Your Low Kick
1. Heavy Bag Drill
- 3 rounds of 20 kicks per leg
- Focus: Hip rotation, shin contact, follow-through
2. Pad Work with a Partner
- Combination: Jab-cross-low kick
- Focus: Flow, speed, and technique
3. Shadow Kick Drill
- No bag or pads—focus on mechanics and balance
- Use a mirror to check form
4. Conditioning Drill
- Shin-to-shin tapping with partner or light contact kicks
- Builds pain tolerance and timing
Advanced Variations
| Variation | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Inside low kick | Aimed at the opponent’s inner thigh | Great against opposite stance |
| Switch low kick | Quick switch step before the rear kick | Adds surprise and angle |
| Calf kick (MMA crossover) | Targets the lower leg, destabilizes opponent | Fast, low-risk option |
| Sweep-style low kick | Aims to off-balance or trip opponent | Used when opponent is planted |
Defensive Awareness
A low kick is powerful—but it can also leave you vulnerable if mistimed. Opponents can:
- Check your kick with their shin
- Catch and counter (especially in Muay Thai where catching is legal)
- Counter punch during the kick
Solution: Always set up your kick and be ready to follow up or defend immediately.
Kaisi Time: The low kick in Muay Thai is a brutal and beautiful technique that demands precision, timing, and practice. With proper mechanics, setups, and defense, you can use this weapon to wear down your opponent, disrupt their rhythm, and dominate the fight. Remember—repetition and drilling are key. Master the fundamentals first, then build up power and speed.
Quick Recap
| Aspect | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Contact point | Shin (not foot) |
| Power source | Hip rotation |
| Setup | Step/pivot and feint |
| Target areas | Outer thigh, inner thigh, calf |
| Defense | Check, catch, or counter |
| Training focus | Timing, repetition, balance |
