Rear Side Kick
Kicks · Rear side (Orthodox right, Southpaw left)
Rear-leg side kick, turning the hip over for a longer, heavier stopping kick.
How to throw it
Turn your hip fully over and thrust the rear leg out in a straight line into the target, driving through with the blade or heel of the foot for a longer, heavier kick than the lead version. Because it comes off the back leg you can commit more bodyweight, so lean the torso away to counterbalance and extend the leg completely through the target. Rechamber and return to stance without dropping your hands.
When to use it
Turn to it when you want maximum stopping power against an advancing opponent, using the extra hip rotation and reach to shut down their charge from distance. It hits heavier than the lead side kick, so it is a strong tool to punish someone pressing in hard.
Common mistakes
- Not turning the hip fully over, which shortens the kick and drains its heavier power.
- Telegraphing the chamber, since the rear-leg load gives the opponent more time to read it.
- Over-committing the lean so a miss leaves you off balance and out of position.