Introduction and Instructor Credentials

This instructional guide covers four distinct counter-techniques following a successful roundhouse kick catch, taught by Palang Pol Pechin Chi (Crew Day), a fighter with over 300 professional bouts and WBA Boxing Asia champion credentials. The techniques demonstrated were recorded during training at Evolve MMA in Singapore and represent proven methods from elite-level competition.

Fundamental Principle: Movement and Control

The foundation of all kick catches requires lateral movement to dissipate the kick's force before securing it. The defender must step offline while simultaneously capturing the leg in a tight, secure grip against the armpit to prevent the attacker from extracting their foot and creating separation.

Counter Technique #1: Catch, Step, and Roundhouse Counter

After catching the roundhouse kick, the defender steps backward to create space while maintaining a square stance facing the opponent. This positioning allows for a powerful counter-roundhouse to be fired through, particularly targeting the attacker's back—a technique that scores high in Muay Thai competition while disrupting balance and angle.

Counter Technique #2: Lift and Push Sweep

Upon catching the kick, the defender elevates the opponent's leg while stepping inward and pushing upward through the torso. This destabilizes the attacker's base, after which the defender immediately pursues and delivers a counter-roundhouse kick before excessive distance develops.

Regulatory Constraint: The Three-Step Rule

In Muay Thai competition, a maximum of three steps is permitted after catching an opponent's kick before executing a counter technique. Exceeding this limit results in referee intervention and cessation of the combination, necessitating immediate offensive action.

Counter Technique #3: Front Shin Sweep

The front shin sweep employs a low ankle hook combined with simultaneous upward pressure on the opponent's head and shoulder. The pushing force creates mechanical leverage that lightens the opponent's base leg, enabling an efficient sweep using either a hooking motion or low shin strike depending on range and opponent structure.

Counter Technique #4: Cross-Leg Sweep Entry

This advanced technique involves stepping forward with the same-side leg while executing an opposite-side leg sweep against the opponent's support leg. The cross-body mechanics create an unexpected angle while simultaneously pushing the upper body, compounding the destabilizing effect.

4 Ways to Catch and Counter (Roundhouse Kick)

fightTIPS

Standard Kick Catch

2 min read·7 key moments·PT9M19S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction and Instructor Credentials
•Fundamental Principle: Movement and Control
•Counter Technique #1: Catch, Step, and Roundhouse Counter
•Counter Technique #2: Lift and Push Sweep

On my trip to Evolve MMA in Singapore, I had a session with 2x Rajadamnern Muay Thai champion, Kru Day (Palangpol Petchyindee Academy), where he showed me 4 ways to counter the roundhouse kick, after catching the leg. Seeing as how the roundhouse kick is one of the most commonly thrown strikes in #MuayThai, these defense & counters are essential! Join our fight team: https://team.fighttips.com EVOLVE MMA►https://evolve-mma.com/instructors/palangpol-petchyindee-academy/ SUBSCRIBE TO GET MORE #FIGHTTIPS►http://bit.ly/1APnzvw FOLLOW: Facebook | http://bit.ly/fightTIPSFacebook Twitter | http://bit.ly/fightTIPSTwitter Instagram | http://bit.ly/fightTIPSInstagram

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about standard kick catch?

This video covers introduction and instructor credentials, fundamental principle: movement and control, counter technique #1: catch, step, and roundhouse counter. It provides detailed instruction from fightTIPS.

How long does it take to learn standard kick catch?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.