Suggest

Spinning back kick

Muay Thai

Turn and drive the heel through the target.

What coaches agree on

  • Strike with your heel, not the ball or toes of your foot - a heel strike concentrates the impact and does far more damage.
  • Set the kick up off a reaction you have created first, such as a jab, low kick, or hook that makes your opponent flinch, retreat, or turn away, rather than throwing it cold.
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  • Aim for the liver or ribs, just off the centerline of the body, rather than dead center in the stomach.

Common mistakes

  • Letting the spin continue past the halfway point, instead of stopping the turn and firing the kick straight back, turns it into a loose swing that misses the line and loses power.
  • Stepping or turning your lead foot across the centerline before you spin telegraphs the kick to your opponent and leaves your leg open to a low kick.
  • Starting the spin without turning your head to find the target first means throwing the kick blind, which costs you both your aim and your balance.
Natan Levy on TikTok
Beginner

Natan Levy on TikTok

Coach's take: Hits the real fundamentals and shows how it actually gets used in exchanges.

3.5