Training Open Kinetic Chain control of the hips and pelvis for kicking

Open kinetic chain control of the hips/pelvis is often ignored in training programs (sometimes with good reason), however the ability to neural drive shortened hip musculature is an ability that can and should be improved upon for athletes where OKC pelvic control is needed (martial artists, dancers, climbers, etc).

In these individuals, the ability to control the leg translates into better balance...which allows power generation to increase off of a stable base.

For certified Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialists (FRCms'):

* Capsular blocks of internal hip rotation will prevent the mma athlete from turning over their hip during kicking. This is VERY common now-a-days as it is fashionable to replace OKC work with solely CKC work (e.g. squats). The result of ignoring internal hip rotation is swinging the leg from inferior to superior...often into the opponents elbow (which is not good. This incorrect motor pattern is emphasized with repetitive pad work where the pad holder holds the face of the pads inferiorly (thus promoting 'upward' kicking...which does not allow the athlete to practice turning the hip over during follow through)

- train PAILs/RAILs - 90/90 & Hip Sleeper
- progress to PAILs/RAILs of the Cossacks squat

** With these movements the plant leg needs to be trained to control the adductor group in a lengthened position

- train Plant leg - PAILs/PALs work

** Kick leg - needs short OCK control of the glut's

- train Passive Range Holds/Lift offs & End-Range Rotational work

** for dynamic movement patterning

- FRC mobility flow practice incorporating the Cossacks roll

** Plant foot NEEDS intrinsic foot strength/control as a prerequisite

- CARs - toe control

A common misconception in the zeitgeist is the assumption that the ability to do the splits will translate into the ability to kick high. In other words, that flexibility gains will translate into mobility application. This is a INCORRECT assumption as is demonstrated by the number of 'flexible' athletes who loose balance when kicking high.

Control....yourself.

[bvgreen]

I think I really need some of the treatment that you use. I'm only 25 and I seem to have joint mobility issues all over. Do you still see clients?

[aeson]

Hello Andreo, you have some good information out there and I can't wait to attend a seminar. Could you inform me if your ability to kick high translates to being able to do so-called "toe touches" or splits mid-air ? Just like you said in the description about the misconception: I can hold passive-static splits on the floor, but doing the kicking or toe touching in air (active flexibility) is a whole other story.

[kungfuzzzz]

Thanks! The only thing that confused me was "OCK" in the comments. I pretty sure you meant OKC for open kinetic chain.

[zodawg]

Dr. Spina, do you do one-on-one consultations via Skype? I am seeing a hip specialist this Monday to assess a possible labral tear but I want to see what my options are regardless of if I need surgery or not.

[DrAndreoSpina]

Hello Benjamin
Yes. I have a practice in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada called Sports Performance Centres. You can email info at SportsPerformanceCentres if you would like to book in.

[DrAndreoSpina]

I do…I work in Vaughan Ontario, Canada at Sports Performance Centres - 905.709.4772
Cheers