High Kicks: my kicks (forward streight leg lifts) only go to a 120 degree angle... I need help?

Question

When I look at books I see high kicks going to full 180 degree angles, I think perhaps my hip/pelvis is tilted preventing this sort of range but I can't find any information on pelvic tilts and degrees obtainable in high kicks. If there is a web site that compares high kick angles, and tells you how well you are doing and ways to improve (be able to kick/lift the leg higher) I'd love to check out the site (my web searches are coming up with nothing). I'm assuming that a 120 high kick angle is pretty awfull.

Answer 1

To get to a 180 kick, just stretch out the backs of your legs more, like Inukami says. Try to touch your toes whilst sitting down or standing up (it doesn't really matter which). The important thing is to keep your back straight as possible, and, rather than just focussing on touching your toes, concentrate on getting your chest to touch your legs. Keep your legs straight. Don't push too hard, otherwise you'll injure yourself - the concept of yoga teaches you to go only as far as your body will allow, and look how bendy people who do yoga are - and you'll feel your flexibility increase over time.

Another stretch for the back of your legs: put your back against a wall and get a friend to lift one of your legs up as high as it'll go (without hurting too much). Keep both your back and your leg straight. If your leg starts to shake, you're pushing to far and you should relax a bit. Do the same with the other leg.

You should hold each stretch for at least 20 seconds in order to be effective. Breathing is important too. First take a deep inbreath, then, on the outbreath, stretch. Hold for 20, then take an inbreath and relax. BTW, you can breathe normally during the 20 seconds, as long as you relax on an inbreath. I had another tip, but I forgot it there - if I remember later, I'll add it in.

EDIT - I remember now. In order to stretch properly, your body shouldn't be tense. Just relaaaaaax.