A Front Kick anatomy is a kick used by martial artists around the globe in which the knee is lifted forward while keeping the foot and shin either dropping freely or pulled to the hip, and then straightening the leg in front of the executor and striking the target. After striking the target, the leg is retracted back to avoid grappling by the opponent.

This kick anatomy requires straight and balanced upper body. Strength as well as flexibility are important in many muscle groups of the body specially of the leg and core. The muscles are needed to be conditioned in correct progression. You can check out our kicking programs about Front Kick where you are taught by professionals the exact exercises to condition your muscles. 

In this article, we are going to talk about the muscles involved during the execution of a High Front Kick, because without the knowledge of the muscles, you can not start working on the kick efficiently. 

Kicking Leg Muscles Contracting to Bring The Knee Up (while chambering the kick)

Tensor Fascia Lata:

Tensor Fascia Lata is an internal rotator as well as abductor of the leg. During Front Kick’s execution, it will bring the knee up and help in the chambering of the kick.

Psoas:

Psoas muscles are flexors of the thigh at hip joint and while executing the Front Kick, they will contract to bring the knee up.

Iliacus:

Iliacus works with Psoas muscles in flexing the thigh. So, it is also contracting.

Pectineus:

Pectineus is another muscle of anterior compartment whose main function is to flex the thigh at the hip joint. Here, it is also contracting.

Rectus Femoris:

Rectus Femoris is another flexor of the leg at hip joint that will ne contracting here.

Sartorius kick Anatomy:

Sartorius, just like other muscles contracting to bring the knee up, is also a flexor of the thigh.

Kicking Leg Muscles Contracting to Flex The Knee (while chambering the kick)

Hamstrings:

While chambering the kick, Hamstrings, that are the flexors of the knee, will contract to flex the knee.

Gastrocnemius kick Anatomy:

Gastrocnemius is a Calf muscle that is also a flexor of the knee and it will also contract during chambering the kick. 

Kicking Leg Muscles Stretching (while chambering the kick)

Adductor Magnus (ischial fibers):

The Ischial Fibers of Adductor Magnus act as extensors of the thigh unlike it’s other part so they will be stretching. 

Supporting Leg Muscles Contracting

Adductors Kick Anatomy:

Adductors like Adductor Magnus, Adductor Longus, Adductor Brevis and Gracilis will contract eccentrically since the pelvis is tilted up on the kicking side.

Core Muscles Contracting

Abdominals (right side):

The Abdominals main function is flexion of the core and if acting on one side, flex the trunk laterally at that side. As the pelvis is tilted at right side, only the right sided Abdominals will contract.

Kicking Leg Muscles Contracting (while throwing the kick)

Three Heads of Quadriceps:

Unlike during chambering of the kick, the three heads of Quadriceps will be contracting during throwing the kick because it requires the extension of the knee and Quadriceps contract to provide the extension.

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Kicking Leg Muscles Lengthening (while throwing the kick)

Hamstrings Kick Anatomy:

Hamstrings will be lengthening while kick is being thrown as they are flexors of the knee and the opposite is happening unlike what happened during chambering the kick.

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