Learning how to kick faster in Taekwondo isn’t just about moving your leg quickly. It’s about using the right Taekwondo techniques, training smart, and building the body and mind together. At Ace Taekwondo, I’ve helped hundreds of students improve their speed and power. In this blog, I’m sharing what really works.
Why Kick Speed Matters in Taekwondo
Kicking faster gives you the edge in sparring and competitions. A fast kick lands before your opponent can react. It also shows control, skill, and discipline. When you train for speed, you’re also training for better timing, balance, and accuracy.
1. Build a Strong Foundation First
Before chasing speed, make sure your basic stance and posture are correct. If your form is off, your kick won’t be fast, no matter how strong you are.
Focus Areas:
- Keep your guard up
- Balance your weight
- Rotate your hips properly
- Avoid leaning back too much
Speed comes from good form. I always tell my students, “Fix the basics, and speed will follow.”
2. Develop Explosive Leg Power
To kick faster, your legs need to fire like springs. Power and speed go hand in hand.
Simple Drills for Explosive Power:
- Squat Jumps: Boost fast-twitch muscles
- Lunges with Knee Drives: Build kicking power
- Resistance Band Kicks: Train against tension
Do these 3 to 4 times a week. Over time, you’ll feel your kicks snap out quicker.
3. Improve Your Taekwondo Flexibility
Tight muscles slow you down. Looser hips and hamstrings help you kick faster and higher.
Taekwondo Flexibility Drills:
- Leg swings (front and side)
- Butterfly stretches
- Deep lunges
- Hamstring holds
Do them before and after every session. Consistency is key. Remember, a flexible leg is a fast leg.
4. Practice Speed Training for Kicks
If you want to kick fast, you have to train for it. This means fast, controlled kicks with focus on form.
Speed Kick Drill:
- Choose one kick (like roundhouse)
- Set a timer for 30 seconds
- Kick as fast as you can with good form
- Rest 30 seconds, switch leg
Do 3 sets per leg. This builds muscle memory for fast kicks and improves your endurance too.
5. Train Reaction Time
Speed without timing won’t work. Train your brain to react faster.
Reaction Time Drills:
- Clap Reaction Drill: Partner claps, you kick
- Pad Drop Drill: Partner drops pad, you kick before it hits ground
- Shadow Sparring: Imagine attacks and respond quickly
These drills sharpen your senses. At Ace Taekwondo, we use them weekly.
6. Use Martial Arts Agility Drills
Agility helps you get into position faster. A fast setup leads to a fast kick.
Try These Drills:
- Ladder footwork drills
- Cone zig-zags
- Quick pivots and turns
Better footwork means better kick timing and speed.
7. Try Taekwondo Speed Kicking Workouts
These are special sessions focused only on speed.
Sample Speed Workout:
- Warm-up (jogging, stretches)
- 3 rounds of 30-sec fast kicks
- 2 rounds of resistance band kicks
- 3 rounds of fast footwork
- Cool-down stretches
Train 2 to 3 times per week. Keep the focus on sharp, quick movement.
8. Boost Your Leg Strength and Endurance
Leg strength keeps your kicks strong. Endurance keeps you fast during long sessions or matches.
Workouts That Help:
- Wall sits
- High-rep squats
- Calf raises
- Jump rope
Add these to your weekly routine. Strong legs last longer and kick faster.
9. Improve Kicking Velocity with Resistance
Add light resistance to your kicks. This builds muscle and increases speed when you remove the resistance.
Resistance Methods:
- Ankle weights (use with care)
- Resistance bands
- Water training (kick in a pool)
Start slow to avoid injury. Always use control.
10. Build Muscle Memory for Fast Kicks
Repetition creates habits. The more you kick, the more your body remembers.
How to Build It:
- Repeat same kick 50 times each leg daily
- Break down the kick into slow steps
- Speed it up after mastering control
Keep your focus sharp. Each kick should feel like second nature.
Read more: Taekwondo self-defense moves
Final Words from Master Viresh
Speed in Taekwondo doesn’t come overnight. It takes patience, smart training, and commitment. At Ace Taekwondo, we train with purpose. Each drill has a reason. Every student grows at their pace.
Kicking faster is not about rushing. It’s about control, discipline, and knowing when to strike.
Train hard. Stay focused. And always kick with purpose.
Key Takeaways
- Master your form first
- Train explosive leg power
- Stay consistent with flexibility drills
- Use focused speed training and workouts
- Build reaction time and agility
- Strengthen your legs for endurance
- Repeat kicks daily to build muscle memory
If you’re serious about speed, follow these steps. Visit Ace Taekwondo to join our classes or learn more. Let’s kick faster, smarter, and better together.
