The outside leg kick is a low round kick used in MMA, Muay Thai, and kickboxing. This guide demonstrates a rear-leg kick toward the outside of a partner’s lead thigh using a qualified coach and a properly held kick shield. Practice with control rather than striking an unprotected partner.
Step-by-step outside leg kick
1. Set your stance and guard
Stand in a balanced fighting stance, knees soft, chin tucked, and hands protecting your head. Face the pad holder with enough space to rotate comfortably.
2. Shift weight and pivot
Shift weight onto the supporting leg and turn its foot outward as your hips begin to rotate. Do not twist against a planted, immobile knee.
3. Rotate the hips
Bring the kicking leg around in a smooth arc, coordinating your hip and shoulder rotation while maintaining a stable guard.
4. Make controlled pad contact
Contact a properly positioned kick shield with the lower shin at approximately outer-thigh height. Keep the ankle relaxed and toes pointed away from the pad. Start lightly and follow your coach’s guidance.
5. Complete the motion without over-rotating
Let the hips turn naturally, staying balanced rather than leaning excessively or forcing the knee joint.
6. Return to stance
Retract the kicking leg, place the foot down under control, and reset your stance and guard before another repetition.
Common mistakes
Common errors include kicking with the foot rather than the padded shin, forgetting to pivot the support foot, dropping both hands, leaning too far back, and using full force before learning the movement. Slow down and work with a coach to correct technique.
Safe practice and progression
Warm up first. Begin with shadow-kicking and light, supervised kick-shield drills; increase speed only when you can pivot, make controlled contact, and return to guard reliably. Wear appropriate equipment. Do not practice full-contact low kicks on an unprotected partner; contact to the knee joint can cause serious injury. Stop for sharp pain or instability.
Frequently asked questions
Is an outside leg kick the same as an inside leg kick? No. An outside leg kick approaches the outer side of the lead thigh; an inside leg kick approaches the inner side. Stance and angle affect which leg is accessible.
Should beginners kick a heavy bag? Light pad work under qualified supervision can help beginners learn the contact point and balance before adding intensity.
What matters more, power or control? Learn balance, range, pivot, and safe return to stance before increasing power.
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