OBJECTIVE

Practice speed, technique, and balance with a series of partner paddle drills.

SET UP

1. Partner everyone up

2. Highest belts should go with lowest belts

3. Demonstrate the drill with another black belt

RUNNING THE DRILL

Kicks to use: 

• Roundhouse (horse stance, front leg kick)

Drill 1 - Basic Kicks - Senior belt will hold the paddle. Kicker will line up in a horse stance (side of hip of the kicking leg in line with the paddle...we're eliminating any turning / pivot on this first drill). Lift the kicking leg, kick the target, and set the foot back down again. Practice good horse stance, balance, focus, hands up, etc.

Drill 2 – Speed kicks - Either a timed drill (15 seconds) or the holder can say how many kicks the kicker should do. This is still set up in the same horse stance as drill 1. The kicker will do them as quickly as possible, touching their foot back on the floor in between each. Focus on speed and good technique

Drill 3 – Balance Kicks - Either a timed drill (15 seconds) or the holder can say how many kicks to do. This is still set up in the same horse stance as drills 1 and 2. The kicker will hold the chamber and try to keep their balance on each kick, returning to the chambered position in between each without putting their foot down. Focus on balance and good technique


Alternate Versions:
For more advanced versions of this drill, turn to a front stance facing the paddle and practice full front kick, side kick, or roundhouse kicks. Emphasize focus on proper technique, pivoting on turning kicks, and landing back in a proper front stance each time.