Back Kick Setup and Initial Movement

The back kick begins from a sideways guarded position. The practitioner lifts their lead heel to allow the front foot to pivot, then turns to look over their back shoulder. At this point, the front foot is rotated so the heel points toward the target.

Striking Position and Mechanics

From the rotated position, the kick travels straight backward using the heel as the striking surface. Unlike a turning side kick, the back kick maintains relatively fixed shoulders and hips, resembling a horse or mule kick rather than opening into a side kick position.

Speed and Unpredictability Advantages

The back kick's mechanical structure—with the knee traveling straight rather than flaring outward—makes it faster and less predictable than alternative kicks. This variation is commonly observed in sparring matches due to its efficiency.

Jumping Back Kick Execution

The jumping back kick adds aerial movement to the standard technique. Practitioners pick up their feet and knees while turning so the back foot becomes the front foot, then execute the back kick during the jump.

Jumping Back Kick Tactical Application

The jumping variant functions as a trap technique, allowing a practitioner to retreat while simultaneously kicking. As an opponent advances or attacks, they encounter the kick while the practitioner appears to be moving away.

Common Execution Errors

A frequent mistake involves lifting the kicking foot before completing the turn and acquiring the target, resulting in a hopping motion. Practitioners should establish proper form by turning fully, visually acquiring the target, and then executing a straight back kick.

Over-Rotation and Distance Correction

Excessive rotation during the kick indicates the practitioner is too far from the target. Proper execution requires closer proximity to allow the leg to travel straight backward without compensatory rotating movements.

How to Do a Taekwondo Back Kick

Taekwondo Guide

Standard Back Kick

2 min read·7 key moments·PT5M15S video

Key Takeaways

•Back Kick Setup and Initial Movement
•Striking Position and Mechanics
•Speed and Unpredictability Advantages
•Jumping Back Kick Execution

Paul Van Schoyck of Taekwondo Guide demonstrates how to do a back kick (the most deceptive kick in Taekwondo) along with some common mistakes. For free Taekwondo video courses, visit: www.tkdguide.com

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 standard back kick?

This video covers back kick setup and initial movement, striking position and mechanics, speed and unpredictability advantages. It provides detailed instruction from Taekwondo Guide .

How long does it take to learn standard back kick?

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.