Foundation: Fighting Stance and Initial Setup

The back kick begins from a standard fighting stance. The practitioner steps with the non-kicking (front) leg to the side, creating a clear line of sight from the kicking leg to the target without obstruction from the body.

Proper Hip and Knee Positioning

The back kick differs from a side kick in hip and knee mechanics. The knee remains low while the back faces the target, with the heel positioned higher than the toes. Lifting the knee too high rotates the hips into a side kick position, compromising the technique.

Power Generation: Floor and Hip Integration

Power in the back kick derives from two sources: the floor and the hips. The practitioner must push off the floor and immediately extend into the kick, rather than chambering the knee first, which dissipates force generated from the ground.

Execution Sequence

The complete back kick consists of three movements: stepping across, opening the kicking leg, and driving the heel straight backward into the target. This sequence should flow continuously without hesitation or unnecessary repositioning.

Disguise Technique: The Foot Switch

To avoid telegraphing the back kick, the practitioner can replace the step-across movement with a quick feet switch while maintaining fighting range. Executed with sufficient speed and precision, this disguise allows the back kick to be delivered unexpectedly while sparring.

Feint Strategy

A knee chamber can be used as a feint to suggest an incoming kick, prompting the opponent to react defensively. This opening creates an opportunity to execute the actual back kick while the opponent is committed to blocking the false technique.

Combination Application: Side Kick into Back Kick

The side kick can be chained directly into a back kick when the opponent expects only a single technique. If the opponent blocks or parries the initial side kick, the back kick follows immediately while defensive positioning is still committed.

Advanced Strategy: Reading and Countering Opponent Adaptation

After establishing a pattern of back kicks, opponents anticipate the technique and prepare to cover. A spin kick delivered after repeated back kicks exploits this defensive readiness, catching an opponent expecting only the previously established pattern.

Back Kick Tutorial - Increase Your Power

Scott Adkins

Short Back Kick

2 min read·8 key moments·PT6M32S video

Key Takeaways

•Foundation: Fighting Stance and Initial Setup
•Proper Hip and Knee Positioning
•Power Generation: Floor and Hip Integration
•Execution Sequence

World renowned martial artist Scott Adkins teaches you how to improve the speed and power of the BACK KICK. One of the most powerful kicks in martial arts when performed correctly. Subscribe for more of the Adkins Diet https://www.youtube.com/c/SCOTTADKINSOFFICIAL The Most Complete Kicking Tutorials Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6TGfz7ZsXZ2cBXD6VZshriuhPuDvL2po The Top 5 Scott Adkins Movies Rerospective: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6TGfz7ZsXZ28cBna2H1ZQ7xhYBjtue7h The Scott Adkins Training Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6TGfz7ZsXZ2spHfpjMQ1MacJ_-0Tb7mh MUSIC by: Track: Max Brhon - The Future [NCS Release] Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds. Watch: https://youtu.be/dRe_rS19E04 Free Download / Stream: http://ncs.io/TheFuture Say hi on social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescottadkins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialscottadkins Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheScottAdkins

Related Techniques

Back Ghost Lift Kick Double Drop Back Kick Drop Back Kick Drop Hooking Back Kick Drop Overhead Back Kick

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about short back kick?

This video covers foundation: fighting stance and initial setup, proper hip and knee positioning, power generation: floor and hip integration. It provides detailed instruction from Scott Adkins.

How long does it take to learn short back kick?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.