Switch Kick
Kicks · Lead side (Orthodox left, Southpaw right)
Quick switch of the feet to fire the lead leg with rear-leg power.
How to throw it
Quickly switch your feet by hopping the rear foot forward and the lead foot back, then immediately fire what was the lead leg with the power of a rear kick, pivoting and swinging the shin through the target. The switch loads the hip so the front leg kicks with rear-leg weight, so time the pivot to land as your feet complete the switch. Keep both hands up through the switch and let the arm swing down to drive rotation.
When to use it
Use it to throw a powerful kick from the front leg without stepping through, disguising the load as a small shift of the feet. It is handy when you want body or head kick power on the lead side while staying in your stance line.
Common mistakes
- Making the switch too big or slow, telegraphing the kick and killing its timing.
- Kicking before the feet have finished switching, so the hip is not loaded and the power is lost.
- Bobbing the head up on the switch and dropping the guard, giving the opponent a clear counter window.