Foundation: Leg Kicks as Essential Kickboxing Technique

Leg kicks form the cornerstone of kickboxing fundamentals due to their effectiveness and safety when executed with proper technique. Unlike hand combinations, leg kicks require specific structural understanding to generate power while maintaining defensive positioning. Practitioners should master leg kick mechanics before advancing to more complex striking combinations.

Setup: Stance and Center Line Awareness

The outside leg kick begins from a proper fighting stance with hands raised and chin tucked. The striker must immediately create distance from the opponent's center line to avoid incoming counters and takedown attempts. This foundational positioning ensures both offensive effectiveness and defensive safety.

Critical Movement: The Angled Step and Hip Loading

Rather than stepping straight forward, the striker steps outward at an angle on the ball of the foot. This lateral step rotates the hips open and loads them for maximum rotational power. Stepping forward instead maintains a squared hip position, significantly reducing kick velocity and leaving the striker vulnerable to counters.

Execution: Hip-Driven Kinetic Chain

The kick initiates from hip rotation, followed sequentially by knee extension and foot strike. The striker must maintain alignment between the knee, hip, and centerline throughout the technique. This kinetic chain generates power while keeping the upper body protected behind the lead hand.

Strike Surface and Targeting: Shin Application

The middle of the shin delivers the most force and speed upon impact. In sparring, the striker targets the mid-thigh region for safety; in competition, targeting above the knee maximizes damage by striking vulnerable ligament structures. The lead hand simultaneously screens the opponent's vision while defending against counters.

Mechanical Detail: Chopping Mechanics

The leg kick travels downward at an angle rather than horizontally across, mimicking a chopping motion. This angled descent increases damage by maximizing shin surface contact and structural leverage. Horizontal kicks dissipate force and position the striker dangerously straight-on to the opponent.

Recovery: Immediate Recoil and Fighting Position

The striker must immediately retract the leg to the fighting stance rather than lingering in the extended position. This recoil prevents the opponent from capturing or sweeping the leg. Quick recovery maintains offensive and defensive options, allowing immediate follow-up strikes or distance management.

Training Protocol: Repetition and Adaptation

Practitioners should perform high-volume repetitions against heavy bags or with protective partners to develop endurance, hip strength, and technical consistency. Training with equipment allows unlimited repetitions without partner fatigue. Progressive training develops both technical precision and the physical conditioning required for fight-realistic application.

How To | Outside Low Leg Kick with TJ Dillashaw

TjDillashaw

Switch Outside Low

2 min read·8 key moments·PT5M25S video

Key Takeaways

•Foundation: Leg Kicks as Essential Kickboxing Technique
•Setup: Stance and Center Line Awareness
•Critical Movement: The Angled Step and Hip Loading
•Execution: Hip-Driven Kinetic Chain

Low leg kicks are the most common kicks in MMA. With proper technique and blocking they are a safe option that can do a lot of damage! This is one lesson in my fit & fight ready course. With over 130 HD Videos and a 4-week Workout & nutrition guide to get you ready for any challenge. 👉http://bit.ly/2SyVV8o

Related Techniques

Standard Outside Low

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about switch outside low?

This video covers foundation: leg kicks as essential kickboxing technique, setup: stance and center line awareness, critical movement: the angled step and hip loading. It provides detailed instruction from TjDillashaw.

How long does it take to learn switch outside low?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.