Rear Head Kick
Kicks · Rear side (Orthodox right, Southpaw left)
High rear roundhouse to the head, usually set up behind the hands.
How to throw it
Set it up behind your hands, then step the lead foot out, pivot fully on the ball of that foot, and swing the rear leg up and across into the head, landing with the shin. The kick travels a long way, so you must commit the full hip rotation and let the rear arm swing down to whip the leg over. Keep the lead hand shielding your chin and follow through so the shin carries through the target.
When to use it
This is a knockout weapon best hidden behind your punches so the opponent does not see the pivot start. Throw it when their guard drops or drifts after your hands, or when they are hurt and covering low.
Common mistakes
- Telegraphing by winding up or dropping the hand on the kicking side before you throw.
- Not pivoting the base foot fully, which shortens the arc and leaves the kick weak and low.
- Failing to swing the arm and shoulder through, so the leg rises without the body's rotation behind it.