Introduction to Side Kick Analysis
Paul Dreychuk introduces the eighth installment in a series analyzing variations of the side kick. He recommends viewers reference the previous seven analyses to identify similarities with their own technique.
Comparing Low and High Side Kicks
The analysis compares two images of the same practitioner executing a standard side kick and a higher side kick near the limits of their range. The higher kick demonstrates a noticeably elevated right hip position relative to the lower version.
Hip Abduction Limitations
To achieve greater height, the pelvis must tilt upward, which constrains further abduction of the kicking leg. The limiting factor is typically either maximum hip joint abduction capacity or insufficient flexibility and strength in the kicking leg at shorter ranges.
Supporting Leg Turnout and Hip Geometry
The supporting leg demonstrates increased outward rotation in the higher kick position. Without external rotation of both legs, hip abduction is limited to approximately 45 degrees per leg, yielding a maximum 90-degree total height when legs remain internally rotated.
Injury Risk from Improper Alignment
Attempting high side kicks without proper supporting leg turnout forces the body into unnatural hip joint positions, creating significant injury risk. Practitioners must respect the hip joint's natural range of motion and avoid hyperextension or forward body lean as compensation.
Torso Positioning and Flexibility Trade-offs
As the side kick rises, the torso naturally drops to accommodate spinal lateral bending limits. Most practitioners kick at their maximum spine flexion range, though advanced fighters can kick the body with reduced trunk rotation, preserving shoulder height for head-level strikes.
Deceptive Height Variation Strategy
Professional fighters exploit an opponent's expectation that shoulders drop with ascending kicks. By maintaining upper body position on lower kicks and then delivering higher strikes, practitioners achieve a tactical surprise element that catches opponents unprepared.
Combination Applications
The deceptive height strategy is effectively employed through kick combinations such as roundhouse to body followed by roundhouse or hook kick to the head, or side kick to body transitioning to roundhouse, hook kick, or side kick to the head.
How to do a Side Kick Analysis #8
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to Side Kick Analysis
- •Comparing Low and High Side Kicks
- •Hip Abduction Limitations
- •Supporting Leg Turnout and Hip Geometry
How to do a Side Kick Analysis #8? I'm going to first bring my knees up, pivot, and snap out with the bottom of my foot while twisting your hip, like this, and bringing it back. One more time. Knees up. And do the side kick. I'm going to bring my knees up slowly, and boom, try to kick the center of the target. And you can drop it down or bring it back. In this video, I will analyze a side kick and show you what needs improvement. You can read the full article here: https://elasticsteel.com/blogs/kicking-corrections-and-tips/side-kick-analysis-part-8
Related Techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about snapping side kick?
This video covers introduction to side kick analysis, comparing low and high side kicks, hip abduction limitations. It provides detailed instruction from Elasticsteel.
How long does it take to learn snapping side 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.
What are the key details for finishing snapping side kick?
Professional fighters exploit an opponent's expectation that shoulders drop with ascending kicks. By maintaining upper body position on lower kicks and then delivering higher strikes, practitioners achieve a tactical surprise element that catches opponents unprepared.
