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  • Foot Position:
    Start in your Muay Thai stance, with your left foot forward (orthodox stance) and your right foot back. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, with weight distributed on the balls of your feet for mobility and balance.
  • Knees and Hips:
    Keep your knees slightly bent for better control and readiness. Your hips should stay aligned and relaxed to allow fluid rotation during the kick.
  • Hands/Guard:
    • Your left hand (lead hand) stays high, near your chin, protecting your face.
    • Your right hand (rear hand) is also up, guarding your jaw and ready to extend slightly for balance when executing the kick.

  • Target Selection:
    The right angle kick is usually aimed at the opponent’s left side, targeting the ribcage, arm, or midsection. This diagonal trajectory bypasses a standard straight guard.
  • Weight Shift:
    Shift your weight onto your left foot (lead leg), freeing your right leg for the kick. The weight transfer is crucial for balance and power.
  • Rear Leg Position:
    Slightly lift your right leg, bending the knee as you chamber the kick. Focus on keeping the shin aligned with the target.

  1. Step 1 – Pivot and Open the Hips:
    As you lift your right leg, pivot on the ball of your left foot, turning it outward. Rotate your hips to generate power and set the angle for the diagonal strike.
  2. Step 2 – Swing and Extend:
    • Swing your right leg upward and diagonally across, aiming at your opponent’s left side.
    • Strike with the shin, ensuring maximum impact and reducing the risk of injury. Avoid connecting with your foot.
  3. Step 3 – Upper Body Control:
    • Rotate your upper body to the left as you execute the kick, allowing your hips and shoulders to follow the motion.
    • Extend your left hand outward for balance while keeping your right hand high to guard your face.
  4. Step 4 – Angle and Follow Through:
    The kick should slice across the opponent at a diagonal angle, making it harder to block. Follow through with controlled motion to maintain balance.

  1. Recoil the Leg:
    After landing the kick, quickly pull your right leg back to its starting position. This ensures you’re ready for your next move or defense.
  2. Reset Your Pivot:
    After the kick, return your left foot to its original position. This helps you maintain a balanced stance and defensive posture.
  3. Adjust Distance:
    Depending on your range and the opponent’s response, step back to reset or forward to stay aggressive.

  1. Maintain Your Guard:
    Keep your right hand high throughout the kick to protect against counterattacks. Your left hand should return to guard immediately after extending for balance.
  2. Head Movement:
    Slightly tilt your head to the right while kicking to minimize your vulnerability to counters like punches or elbows.
  3. Compact Form:
    Avoid leaning back excessively or overcommitting, as this can leave you vulnerable to sweeps or counterattacks.

  1. Immediate Return to Guard:
    Once the kick lands or misses, bring both hands back into a high guard to defend against counters.
  2. Combination Opportunities:
    Use the right angle kick to set up follow-up attacks, such as:
    • A left jab or right cross to take advantage of the opponent’s reaction.
    • A left teep or right round kick to maintain offensive pressure.
  3. Repositioning:
    Reset your stance and adjust your positioning to stay balanced and ready for the opponent’s next move.

  1. Incorrect Targeting:
    Ensure the kick is aimed diagonally at the opponent’s left side. Missing the angle can reduce the effectiveness of the strike and leave you exposed.
  2. Dropping Hands:
    Never lower both hands while kicking. Always keep at least one hand up to protect against counters.
  3. Poor Hip Rotation:
    Failing to rotate your hips fully can reduce the power and precision of the kick. Pivot properly on your lead foot.
  4. Overcommitting:
    Avoid swinging the kick too hard or leaning excessively, as this can throw you off-balance and open you to counters or sweeps.
  5. Striking with the Foot:
    Aim to strike with the shin for maximum power and durability.

  1. Deceptive Angle Changes:
    Begin the motion of a right round kick and adjust mid-strike to deliver the right angle kick. This tactic can confuse your opponent and create openings.
  2. Using Feints:
    Throw a left jab or left teep to bait your opponent into dropping their guard, then follow up with the right angle kick.
  3. Follow-Up Strategies:
    • After the angle kick, transition into a right elbow for close-range pressure.
    • Use the kick to set up a clinch for knees or control.
  4. Defensive Counters:
    Use the right angle kick as a counterattack when your opponent moves forward, targeting their exposed left side to disrupt their momentum.

The Right Angle Kick is a versatile and powerful weapon in Muay Thai, ideal for striking an opponent’s side from an unexpected diagonal angle. Proper hip rotation, shin alignment, and controlled execution are key to its effectiveness. Combining this kick with precise footwork and strategic follow-ups makes it a valuable tool in both offensive and defensive situations.