For sure any kicks are risky if the fighter can time a TD. But personally I rather not use side kicks because
somewhat more difficult to defend against being side stepped and countered
Some what agree on this. Though one must not telegraph the kick by standing completely side ways. Contrary to popular belief you dont have to in order to attack with the kick.
2) it's much easier to return to stance from regular leg/ high kicks
Depends on the stance. I use pretty much a boxers stance and i can return to it quickly from the side kick.
Lol don't mean to sound like a broken record but it depends.
1. I believe it is wise to set up all of your kicks with the punches including the side kick but i dont believe many people are coordinated enough to do it.
At the very least feints can be used to set up the attack.
2. As some of the comments on here have shown people don't have a proper grasp of how to throw the kick. The missing part in why many side kicks fail miserably is because the kicker telegraphs it or doesn't immediately yank his leg back and down in order to defend or strike again.
Genral chois idea with the lead leg side kick was to try to make it as fast as a boxers jab that means it has to shoot back as quick as it shot out and returning the kick is the hardest part to get down.
Finally of course one must not think he has to launch a spectacular high as possble kick all the time. Thats the problem with many "fancy " kicks. Guys think they have to throw them to the head all the time.
A side kick to the gut or the hip will be hard to counter and one to the shin or knee will be ever more difficult
The only fighter so far I know utilizes side kicks well is Cung Le. But he throws a variety of different kicks so it's hard for his opponents to time properly.
hailong had a beauitful one as well.