Excerpted from Complete Kicking by Sang H. Kim

Roundhouse kick is the most versatile kick for both competition and self-defense. For competition, it is safe, effective and powerful for striking low, middle, and high targets. For self-defense, it is useful for striking the knee, groin, and stomach. It is most effective when used in combination with punches, elbow strikes and knee kicks.

However, there are some common errors that make the roundhouse kick less powerful, accurate or fast. The next time you practice roundhouse kick, check for these common mistakes: 

MISTAKE 1: The most common error when executing roundhouse kick is incomplete rotation of the hip.

SOLUTION: For maximum power, rotate your body fully to align your hip, head and feet, and to put your body weight into your kick.

ROUNDHOUSE KICK FORM DRILL

To improve your kicking form and ensure proper rotation in your kicks, practice roundhouse kick holding a support. Start with your back to the wall and your kicking foot in the rear. Pivot so your hip faces the wall and your chest is parallel to the wall.