In taekwondo, the roundhouse is usually aimed at the head. By lifting the knee straight up, the kick can be launched above the opponent's block. If the knee is not lifted, the kick can be easily deflected and a counter blow delivered.

The kick for taekwondo can be easily practiced by using a chair positioned almost against the knee. The practice involves picking the knee straight up and kicking over the chair without knocking it down. The kick should be done until it can be accomplished in one fluid motion. If you have a partner, practice using a kicking pad held head high.

For MMA the kick is done differently due to the gloves worn by opponents. The target zone is the rib cage, under the blocking elbow. Consequently, the knee should be pointed to that target with the foot following into the target zone.

Be conscious of the type of sparring you are doing and protect yourself at all times.