Terminology: Spinning vs. Turning

The back-kick is technically a turn, not a spin. A spin rotates the body completely around, while a turn rotates only halfway before executing a straight kick. Understanding this distinction is fundamental to executing the technique efficiently.

Optimal Setup: Reading Opponent Rotation

The back-kick is most effective when the opponent rotates away from the striker's power hand. When the opponent moves away from a jab or begins rotating defensively, this creates the ideal window to execute the technique with maximum efficiency.

Footwork and Heel Alignment

Proper heel alignment determines kick accuracy. The striker must point the heel directly at the target before executing; if the heel points elsewhere, the leg will follow that direction instead. A simple step combined with precise heel pointing ensures the foot reaches the intended target.

Range Management: The Standing Leg

The standing leg's position determines both distance and impact effectiveness. If positioned too far away, even a perfect technique misses; if too close, the kick becomes stuffed. The correct distance allows the striker to connect fully when the kicking leg extends.

Power Development: The Falling Step

Power is generated through a falling step, where the striker pushes off the grounded foot to shift weight backward during the kick. This motion mirrors Jack Dempsey's falling step principle used in punching combinations and transfers substantial force into the technique.

Power Development: The Lockout

Locking out the kick—holding full extension momentarily—displaces the target more effectively than quick retraction. This principle applies to heavy bag training as well; a locked-out kick transfers significantly more power than a snapped-back technique, even with identical initial velocity.

Setting Up with Strikes

Strikes serve as distance and reaction gauges rather than primary techniques. When the opponent maintains distance and elevates their guard, the center becomes exposed and vulnerable for a straight back-kick. Conversely, if the opponent moves away or closes distance significantly, alternative techniques become more appropriate.

Feinting and Pattern Training

Establishing false patterns, such as repeated spinning hook-kicks, conditions the opponent's defensive response. Once the opponent's guard rises predictably to defend the hook-kick, switching to the back-kick on the third repetition exploits their trained reaction.

Visual Mechanics and Execution

The striker need not maintain visual contact with the target once the standing leg is properly positioned. Peripheral vision or a brief shoulder peek suffices; between setup and impact, opponent movement is minimal enough that precise foot placement ensures connection.

Common Error: Sloppy Hook-Kick Hybrid

A frequent mistake occurs when excessive rotation converts the back-kick into an uncontrolled hook-kick. Maintaining proper guard positioning and controlled rotation prevents this deterioration, ensuring the technique remains a straight-line power strike rather than a curved motion.

“Spinning” Back Kicks: footwork so you can actually land them

Ramsey Dewey

Hand-on-the-Floor Spinning Back Hook Kick

2 min read·10 key moments·PT12M23S video

Key Takeaways

•Terminology: Spinning vs. Turning
•Optimal Setup: Reading Opponent Rotation
•Footwork and Heel Alignment
•Range Management: The Standing Leg

How to land more spinning back kicks in your fights- or should I say “turning back kicks”? Shanghai based MMA coach and Kunlun Fight ringside commentator Ramsey Dewey teaches all about targeting for the spinning back kick fir Mixed Martial Arts fighters, kickboxers, and other combat sports athletes. If you don’t have the the footwork down, you’ll be relying purely on luck. Make sure you’re the one calling the shots to very specific targets when you throw kicks.

Related Techniques

Bent-Body Hook Kick Bent-Body Spin-Back Hook Kick Downward Hook Kick Drop Hook Kick Drop Spin-Back Downward High Hook Kick

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about hand-on-the-floor spinning back hook kick?

This video covers terminology: spinning vs. turning, optimal setup: reading opponent rotation, footwork and heel alignment. It provides detailed instruction from Ramsey Dewey.

How long does it take to learn hand-on-the-floor spinning back hook kick?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 10-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.