The purpose of board breaking is to build self-confidence, increase accuracy, and to show the effectiveness of your strikes. Four of the keys to successful board breaking are relaxation, accuracy, follow through, and perseverance. If you are tense when you attempt a board break, then opposing muscle groups will contract at the same time. When this happens, both your speed and accuracy will be limited. If you are not accurate, you will miss the center of the boards and they will not break. If you do not follow through, then the impact of your strike will be absorbed by your body causing damage to your hand or foot instead of breaking the boards. If you do not persevere, then you lose the opportunty to learn from your mistakes.

The solution to all of these potential problems is lots of practice and a strong kihap (yell). Repitition of the same technique builds your confidence in its application and increases your accuracy. As your confidence increases through practice, you are better able to relax when attempting a board break. A strong kihap right before you strike eases your tension, increases your confidence, and helps you to follow through.

There's nothing quite the same as the sense of strength and confidence you gain when you finally do master a difficult board breaking technique. That feeling is well worth the time required to become a good board breaker.