In comparison to the old style of Taekwondo, the punch is one of the highest scoring actions in the modern game.

As the referees still score the punch, typically they look out for displacement of the hogu and an extension of the arm. However, in reality, the presence of the punch is a key factor to influence the scorers. This presence can come from the noise on impact (or the player makes), explosive power, timing and distance the punch is executed.

Attributes to make it successful include the safety of the punch which starts with the timing it is applied, & the distance. The timing is key, prior or following a motion or with some form of plan when the threat is at its strongest.

The safety may also come from neutralizing the threat, cover or an understanding that the opponent is in a bad position and less likely to score in the process. For example, If we cancel the threat prior to the punch we have neutralized and considered the situation.

Successful punches can occur from a surprise, direct, off pressure, from a cancel, with cover, & with manipulation in both offence and defence. It is usually a technique that is applied from the back arm in open stance, however the front arm in closed stance is now an increasing scoring action and sparring scenario.

The punch is best when you have not telegraphed it to the opponent, timed well, fully committed, and explosive, with a good recovery and reset. These factors make it a surprise to the opponent and harder to read or counter.

During some top level games, it’s the punch that has made the difference and it’s the presence that magnifies this.

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The Cresant Keck is one of the highest scoring actions in the modern game in both female and male. With the turning kick to the body it is the most scored clinch kick and should therefore be practiced in training with additional situations and tactics against the kick.

For best chances of success The kick primarily needs to be sneaky, manipulative or have some kind of persistence to score and it helps to be pro active and first in the clinch. It also helps if you have self awareness of your own position in the clinch, so you are safe during all phases of the kick.

However the tactic is applied, the kick itself needs strong support from the anchor leg which comes from the mindset , strength of base leg, angle and adjustments with the base.

Push up through the anchor leg, elevating the hip quickly connecting the sensors to the head guard where the technique can vary but usually involves an upward and inwards swinging motion which is quite straight making it different from the turning kick.

The recovery should be safe with a switch or reset of the feet. Typically close the distance back into the clinch or confuse the opponent on exit ready for the next action.

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Taekwondo at the highest levels requires training at the highest levels. To compete with taekwondo world champions, you need to train like the world champions. Today, we continue our discussion of developing hip strength for powerful, intense kicks.

The floor work is practiced around 2 times per week as part of a specific warmup for around 15 to 30 mins and can be increased in complexity and intensity as the skill improves .

The advantage and aim to the player is to improve the hip strength in a lead leg dominant game where it is important to maintain control around cover. It helps with explosive power recruiting the correct muscles to kick which in turn minimises  telegraphing from other big unnecessary muscle groups ..

It also encourages a dominant concept in the modern game of leading with the kick which helps the body to be in a safer position … 

The key points around the exercise are to stay lateral, explode from a relaxed position, recruit the core and obliques , and keep elevating the pelvis through the kicks working the lower muscle groups.

The base leg pushes up with the elbow elevating the opposite side of the hip into abduction so both parts of the hip are working hard to execute the kicks . 

The drill may feel awkward when practiced for the first time but as you progress the benefits are high. The drill can also be used during injury and rehabilitation if appropriate to avoid the standing position which needs to support the body weight.

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Included in the Hip Strength Video Tutorial
Hip Displacement Drill

Stand laterally on one leg in a chamber position with the arms across the body. The chamber should be across the front line , above waist height , and not too high.
The anchor leg should be strong with a good posture in a lateral position ( oblique muscles recruited) .

This exercise replicates various conditions the player finds themselves in during the modern game helping them to cope with the positions they find themselves in under pressure in Todays Taekwondo.

Such conditions in a dominant lead leg game off the cancel , where the leg can be displaced into any position during offence and defence  causing possible vulnerability. It’s occurrence  can also happen during recovery phases of kicks , both players legs kicking at the same time or during leg control techniques which require the player to kick with multiple phase kicks. Therefore this basic exercise helps with the strength required in these positions during matches.

The chain of strength first starts with the anchor leg being solid ( slightly bent), a good enough angle to maintain position and a continuous adjustment through the exercise to help the player reset.

Pushing the leg or knee out of position strengthens and recruits the opposing muscles when returning  into a chamber position. This can be abductor, adductor , internal / external rotation, posterior and anterior hip strength. In the modern game almost any position is feasible.

The last part of the chain is the upper body remaining lateral through strengthening the obliques and core with cover minimising any back bending or leaning where the player will again be vulnerable or not be able to fully extend during match conditions.

These drills can be applied as part of an activation or hip warmup prior to kicking for approximately 3-5 sets of 8 repetitions which should increase in difficulty level as the skill level improves.

The aim is to mimic and strengthen during these fight conditions which best prepares the player for situations they will inevitably be in.

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