Raymond Daniels - How to Set up and Land Spin Back Kicks with Power for Kickboxing / MMA
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Spin-Back Back Kick·Stuart Tomlinson
Spinning back kicks are a hugely powerful tool for anyone who can set them up and land them like Raymond Daniels can. Vi…
Spin-Back Back Kick
SubFamily回転後ろ蹴り(Kaiten Ushiro Geri)
descriptiveTranslation: spinning back kick
Overview
The Spin-Back Back Kick combines a 180-degree spin with a straight back kick, using rotational momentum to increase the power of the heel thrust. [1] The fighter pivots on the lead foot, rotates the body backward while sighting the target over the shoulder, and drives the rear leg straight back as the rotation completes. [1] The spin adds significant power to what is already one of the strongest kicks in martial arts. [1] Unlike the standard back kick which is thrown from a static position, the spin-back version is typically used as an offensive technique to close distance while attacking. [1]
Spinning Back KickReverse Back KickTurn-Back KickSpinning Back Thrust Kick
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Lineage
Practiced across Taekwondo, kickboxing, and MMA. Popularized in sport karate and TKD tournament competition from the 1970s onward. [1]
Competition Record
High-risk, high-reward technique seen in MMA, kickboxing, and TKD competition. Multiple notable KOs in UFC and GLORY kickboxing. Less common than standard kicks but spectacular when it lands. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — 180-degree spin + straight back kick — rotational momentum amplifies linear thrust
Joints Involved — Standing ankle (pivot), full hip rotation (180°), hip extension, knee extension
Force Vector — Initially rotational then linear — hybrid force path
Striking Surface — Heel
Position & Entry
From fighting stance — Pivot on lead foot, rotate 180°, sight target, drive heel straight back
As offensive — Step forward to close distance, spin and kick
Variants
To the midsection — most common target
To the head — maximum damage
With step-in — closes distance before the spin
Videos
Muay Thai Tip: Spin Back Kick
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Spin-Back Back Kick·BAM Channel
Professional Thai Boxing Ming Freeman teaches the students at West Los Angeles College the basic Spin Back Kick with a s…
2 videos
What Instructors Say
The spin-back back kick is executed by stepping toward the opponent while simultaneously looking over the shoulder and rotating the hips to generate power, then driving the leg straight backward in a linear motion similar to a donkey kick. Both BAM Channel and Stuart Tomlinson emphasize the critical importance of the initial step and shoulder check to establish proper distance and alignment before committing to the kick. BAM Channel stresses stepping to the front foot, looking over the shoulder, and firing the kick straight back without allowing the leg to swing around, noting that failure to step properly will cause the kick to arc and miss the target. Tomlinson adds tactical context for combat applications, detailing two primary entry methods: a defensive approach where the fighter stays close and creates space afterward via cross-out footwork, and an offensive approach where stepping forward closes the gap before executing the spin. Tomlinson emphasizes maintaining low posture to generate torque and distinguishes between scenarios where the opponent stands firm versus disengages, requiring different foot placement during the spin. Both instructors agree on the fundamental mechanics of the straight-back trajectory and the necessity of pivoting smoothly back to guard position. Tomlinson provides additional emphasis on distance management and the follow-up cross-out step to safely exit after a high-risk technique, while BAM Channel focuses on repetitive drilling of the isolated movement pattern.
Synthesized from 2 instructors
- BAM Channel — Muay Thai Tip: Spin Back Kick: Established core mechanical principles: step to front foot, look over shoulder, bend legs, fire kick straight back in linear motion without allowing swing, return to guard. Emphasized proper foot placement to prevent involuntary arcing of the kick and advocated repetitive drilling of the isolated technique.
- Stuart Tomlinson — Raymond Daniels - How to Set up and Land Spin Back Kicks with Power for Kickboxing / MMA: Provided tactical application framework distinguishing defensive (close-range, pull opponent's guard) and offensive (stepping forward to close gap) entries. Detailed the simultaneous switch of lead foot to rear foot position while pivoting and throwing the kick, emphasis on low posture for torque generation, and the importance of the cross-out exit step to create space after execution. Addressed distance management based on opponent response patterns.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
9
Extreme9/10
Rotational + linear force through heel = devastating. Body shots cause organ damage; numerous fights ended by this kick.
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Unified MMA— standard striking technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFWKF Karate— controlled contact required
WKF Kumite Rules 2026PDFWT Taekwondo— kicks are primary scoring technique
WT Competition Rules 2026PDFWAKO Kickboxing— full contact permitted
WAKO Full Contact RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Spin initiates with lead foot pivot
✓Sight target during spin — don't kick blind
✓Final thrust is straight after spin completes — don't arc
✓Spin adds power but also time — use with half-second opening
✓Standing foot must point away from target at impact
Common Mistakes
!Arcing the kick during spin — keep thrust straight
!Not sighting target — blind spin
!Spinning too wide — stay tight
!Over-committing — miss = off-balance
!Telegraphing with upper body before feet move
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Jab-cross to freeze → spin back kick to body
2Front kick feint → opponent drops hands → spin to head
3Punch combo finisher → spin back kick to liver
Sources & References
Primary Source
De Bremaeker, M. & Faige, R. (2010). Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks. Tuttle Publishing.
1BookDe Bremaeker, M. & Faige, R. (2010). Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks. Tuttle Publishing.pp. pp. 151-153
[1] De Bremaeker & Faige, Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks (2010), Section 4.3, pp. 151-153
2CitationDe Bremaeker, M. & Faige, R. (2010). Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks. Tuttle Publishing.pp. pp. 151-153
[1] De Bremaeker & Faige, Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks (2010), Section 4.3, pp. 151-153
Community
Athletics
Requires
rotational balance, spatial awareness, hip extension power
Key muscles
core obliques, gluteus maximus, hamstrings, calves
Frequently Asked Questions
How close should I be to my opponent when throwing a spin back kick?
You want to be very close and tight to your target—almost with your shoulder against them—while keeping your back foot positioned to create space for the kick itself. Stuart Tomlinson emphasizes getting close enough to throw the spin back kick from punching range, then using footwork to maintain the correct distance.
What should I do immediately after landing a spin back kick?
After landing the kick, create space for yourself by 'crossing out' rather than staying in place. This is important because the spin back kick is a high-risk, high-reward technique that requires distance for safety and to set up follow-up strikes.
Why do I keep missing my target when I spin back kick?
The BAM Channel points out that if you don't properly step before firing the kick, the spin will automatically swing your kick around and you'll miss. Make sure you step first, then fire the kick rather than spinning without the correct footwork.
How do I generate more power in a spin back kick?
Stuart Tomlinson recommends stepping into the 'hot zone'—closing the gap with a crossover footwork—to generate more power and force as you transition your stance before executing the spin back kick.
How does the Spin-Back Back Kick work?
The Spin-Back Back Kick combines a 180-degree spin with a straight back kick, using rotational momentum to increase the power of the heel thrust. The fighter pivots on the lead foot, rotates the body backward while sighting the target over the shoulder, and drives the rear leg straight back as the rotation completes.
Where does the Spin-Back Back Kick come from?
Combines the power of the static back kick with rotational momentum from a 180-degree turn. Primarily offensive, unlike the static back kick which is defensive/counter.
Is the Spin-Back Back Kick legal in competition?
Unified MMA: Legal: legal — standard striking technique; WKF Karate: Legal: legal — controlled contact required; WT Taekwondo: Legal: legal — kicks are primary scoring technique; WAKO Kickboxing: Legal: legal — full contact permitted
How dangerous is the Spin-Back Back Kick?
Danger rating 9/10. Extreme — rotational + linear force through heel = devastating. Body shots cause organ damage; numerous fights ended by this kick.
How do I set up the Spin-Back Back Kick?
The standard setup chain: Jab-cross to freeze → spin back kick to body → Front kick feint → opponent drops hands → spin to head → Punch combo finisher → spin back kick to liver.
How do I defend against the Spin-Back Back Kick?
Standard counters include: Angle off during spin / Push forward to disrupt balance / Low kick counter during wind-up.
What are the variants of the Spin-Back Back Kick?
Common variants: To the midsection (most common target); To the head (maximum damage); With step-in (closes distance before the spin).
How effective is the Spin-Back Back Kick in competition?
High-risk, high-reward technique seen in MMA, kickboxing, and TKD competition. Multiple notable KOs in UFC and GLORY kickboxing.
What are common mistakes when doing the Spin-Back Back Kick?
Top errors to watch for: Arcing the kick during spin — keep thrust straight / Not sighting target — blind spin / Spinning too wide — stay tight / Over-committing — miss = off-balance.
What are other names for the Spin-Back Back Kick?
The Spin-Back Back Kick is also known as Kaiten Ushiro Geri, Spinning Back Kick, Reverse Back Kick, Turn-Back Kick, Spinning Back Thrust Kick.