Think of the hansword making contact as you rotate through your neutral bow into the forward bow so that you do not lose the rotational energy that can be included in the kick, as v.s. striking with the handsword in a forward bow, and that just creating a preconfigured stance from which to launch the kick.
There are lots of other options and interpretations, e.g. a thrusting handsword, same target, but intended to increase the range, and create the "ideal" range for your kick (tailoring method of execution.)
Or maybe alter the angle of incidence to the target slightly to include a slight upward vector, which can arch the opponent's back, creating a closer range target that has "opened", remember, opponent's hands are probably fllying toward his own throat to protect, or in a reflexive action to being struck.
Think about using a chicken kick, with the 2nd kick being "gauged" by the opponent's reaction, and you maneuver following the 1st kick (i.e. in-place chicken or a chicken that requires you to follow the opponent in order to stay in range.) This can be a part of the extension, for those familiar with them.
Interesting technique for one that appears so simple on the surface. Never to forget, there is always a contact manipulation available from the moment he touches you.
-Michael
UKS-Texas
