1. Stance (Muay Thai Guard/Ready Position)

• Foot Position:
  Begin in your standard Muay Thai stance. If you are orthodox, your left foot will be forward; if you are a southpaw, your right foot will be forward. Feet should be shoulder-width apart, with your weight distributed on the balls of your feet for maximum mobility.
• Knees and Hips:
  Keep your knees slightly bent, allowing for balance and quick movement. Your hips should be relaxed but aligned with your center of gravity for better control and power generation.
• Hands/Guard:
  Position your hands at chin level with your lead hand near your face, and your rear hand up to protect your chin and jaw. Elbows should be tucked in to protect your ribs. Keep your head slightly off-center to avoid being an easy target.

---

2. Preparation (Chambering the Push Kick)

• Weight Distribution:
  Shift your weight slightly to your rear leg, preparing to push off the ground with your back leg. This setup allows for quick acceleration when executing the push.
• Guard Adjustment:
  Keep your hands in the guard position, ready to defend or control your opponent. You may use the lead hand to create distance or frame the opponent’s body, especially if they’re closing the gap.

---

3. The Strike (Executing the Push Kick)

1. Step 1 – Chambering the Kick:
   • Bring your rear knee up toward your chest. This is a critical movement, as it loads the power for the kick. As you lift the knee, rotate your hips slightly to generate more force.
2. Step 2 – Extending the Leg:
   • From the chambered position, extend your rear leg forward with a straightened knee, pushing the ball of your foot towards the target. The aim is to strike the opponent with the bottom of the foot or ball of the foot, depending on your target. The motion should be a controlled, powerful push.
3. Step 3 – Pushing Motion:
   • The key feature of the push kick is the “pushing” motion. Unlike a roundhouse or straight kick, the push kick is not aimed to strike with sheer force but to push your opponent away. Aim for their midsection, chest, or hips. The goal is to create space or disrupt their balance, making them step back or lose control.
4. Step 4 – Hip and Core Engagement:
   • The power of the push kick comes from your hips and core. As you extend the leg, rotate your hips slightly and engage your core muscles. This provides additional force and stability while executing the push.

---

4. Defensive Positioning During the Push Kick

• Rear Hand Guard:
  As you execute the push kick, your rear hand should stay up to protect your chin and face from possible counterattacks.
• Body Position:
  Keep your body slightly angled to make it harder for your opponent to land clean punches or kicks while you’re executing the push. Stay relaxed and balanced to quickly react to any counter movements.
• Head Position:
  Lower your head slightly during the push kick, keeping it out of direct line of attack. You want to avoid being too upright or stationary, as this makes you an easy target for counters.

---

5. Follow-Up and Recovery

1. Retract the Leg Quickly:
   • After delivering the push, quickly retract your leg back to the ready position. The goal is to stay agile and avoid leaving yourself open for counters. The push kick should be followed up with a guard position to be prepared for any attacks.
2. Reset and Readiness:
   • Once the kick is completed, ensure you reset your stance and guard. Be prepared to follow up with another strike, clinch, or defensive movement. Maintaining a solid guard after the push allows you to stay protected and ready for your opponent’s next move.

---

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overextending the Leg:
   • Avoid overextending your leg too much during the push. The kick should be a quick and controlled push, not a full extension as in a roundhouse or front kick. Overextending can leave you off-balance and vulnerable.
2. Dropping the Guard:
   • Don’t drop your guard while executing the push kick. Always keep your hands up to protect your face. Dropping your hands leaves you open to counters, especially hooks or jabs.
3. Lack of Hip Engagement:
   • Many beginners make the mistake of not using their hips and core during the push kick. Make sure to rotate your hips slightly to generate power. A push without this rotation is less effective and less likely to push the opponent back.
4. Slow Recoil:
   • Don’t leave your leg extended for too long after executing the push kick. Quickly retract it to avoid being vulnerable to counters. Keeping your movement fluid and fast allows you to maintain the offensive or defensive momentum.

---

Advanced Concepts for the Push Kick

• Push Kick Feint:
  • At an advanced level, you can use the push kick as a feint to bait your opponent. By faking the push kick, you can trick your opponent into reacting, then follow up with a different strike, such as a roundhouse kick or a punch.
• Push Kick to Set Up a Combination:
  • After landing the push kick, you can follow up with other strikes. For example, after creating distance with the push, you might quickly close the gap with a hook, knee, or another kick. The push kick can be an excellent way to create openings for additional attacks.
• Push Kick for Defensive Movement:
  • Use the push kick to stop an incoming attack or to disrupt your opponent’s forward momentum. It can be an excellent tool for maintaining range and preventing an opponent from closing the distance.

---

Conclusion

The Push Kick is a fundamental technique in Muay Thai that focuses on creating distance and maintaining control of the fight. While not a purely offensive strike, it is highly effective for disrupting your opponent’s balance and positioning. When used properly, the push kick allows you to control the pace of the fight, set up other strikes, and create space for defensive movements. Practicing the technique with proper hip rotation, guard maintenance, and follow-up actions will make the push kick an essential part of your Muay Thai skill set.