Athletes who execute kicks in their sport, as for example, soccer, football, MMA and rugby players, now use a new exercise to improve their kicks. It is known as the hip rotation-thigh drive-leg extension exercise. This specialized strength exercise is used to improve kicking technique and kicking power.
Keep in mind that because this is a specialized strength exercise, the player will see almost immediate improvement in his kicking power. This happens because as each individual action is executed, he or she gains strength in the same neuromuscular pattern as seen in the kick.
As a result, the player improves his technique and at the same time, he gains strength in those muscles that are involved in the kick. More specifically, the kicking becomes more effective and efficient as athlete improves technique and strength specific to the actions that occur in the kick.
To execute the hip rotation-thigh drive-leg extension exercise Active cords are attached to the belt, thigh and ankle to provide the resistance necessary for each joint action. The first movement is hip rotation against resistance of the Active Cords followed by the thigh drive with a cord attached to the thigh strap.
The thigh drive begins as the hips are coming to a stop when they are almost perpendicular to the intended flight of the ball. The thigh drive begins with the thigh well behind the body and the leg is bent at the knee joint. Thigh movement ends when the thigh is vertical, directly under the body.
Leg extension takes place as the thigh is approaching the vertical position. It is the last action to mimic the actual contact with the ball. If contact is made on the inside of the shoe and ankle, the leg extension movement is omitted. Such kicks are used mainly for passing but many field-goal kickers use this type of kick.
Rather than executing hip joint flexion when driving the thigh forward, hip joint adduction or diagonal hip joint abduction takes place. This is needed so that the athlete can drive the leg forward from the hip as needed to contact the ball with the inside of the foot.