Overview of Spinning Back Kick vs Spinning Side Kick
The spinning back kick and spinning side kick are distinct techniques despite superficial similarities. Master David Wright and the instructor discuss the fundamental differences between the Taekwondo spinning back kick and the karate spinning side kick, then demonstrate each technique and explain their practical applications.
Spinning Back Kick Mechanics
The spinning back kick begins from a sparring stance with the front foot pivoting to point the heel toward the target. The practitioner maintains visual contact over the shoulder with one eye while tilting the upper body downward, then extends the heel straight backward with the knee drawn up tight to the body.
Back Kick Shoulder Drop and Body Position
Beginners are taught to drop the shoulders during the spinning back kick to prevent spinal interference that would restrict extension and height. This lower body posture, similar to a skiing position, increases distance between the head and target while maintaining torso protection.
Spinning Side Kick Mechanics
The spinning side kick uses a similar front foot pivot and back shoulder turn but requires a more drastic rotation, resulting in a more bladed stance toward the opponent. The foot chambers in a side kick formation rather than being driven straight back, and the practitioner uses both eyes to track the target rather than peeking with one eye.
Defensive Advantages of Back Kick
The spinning back kick offers superior defensive positioning after execution—whether striking or missing, the practitioner's head position and body angle allow safe disengagement before re-engagement. In contrast, the spinning side kick can create rotational momentum that drives the body forward, leaving the practitioner exposed to counterattacks if the technique misses.
Knee Position and Rotation Control
A critical detail for the spinning back kick is keeping the knees together as the leg sweeps upward and backward, which prevents the kick from converting into an unintended side kick. Maintaining knees together restricts unwanted body rotation and preserves linear delivery of the technique.
Stance Width and Linear Direction
A wider stance in the spinning back kick creates rotational momentum that carries the body forward after the kick, a disadvantageous position in sparring. Practitioners should maintain a narrower, more linear stance to move straight backward and preserve defensive positioning if the attack misses.
Relationship to Spinning Wheel Kick
The spinning wheel kick (or back hook kick) in karate uses the same turning side kick setup as the spinning side kick, where the knee chambers high and the foot extends through the target. The spinning back kick operates from a fundamentally different setup and serves different tactical purposes than the wheel kick in combat applications.
Spinning BACK KICK vs Spinning SIDE KICK
Key Takeaways
- •Overview of Spinning Back Kick vs Spinning Side Kick
- •Spinning Back Kick Mechanics
- •Back Kick Shoulder Drop and Body Position
- •Spinning Side Kick Mechanics
Here are the main similarities and differences in the Spinning Back Kick vs Spinning Side Kick!! Now, everybody calls the TKD back kick and the karate spinning side kick different things. its all semantics. Idc what you call it, its all right and its also all wrong. Get off your high horse. Master David Wright and I talk about things like pivots, foot angle for the kicks, head movement, targeting of the kick in more when it comes to the spinning back kick and spinning side kick. he is a long time practitioner in WT Taekwondo and I am the same way with Okinawan Kempo Karate. This is simply how we teach it! What do you think? In taekwondo it is called the Dwi Chagi, in Karate it is called the Ushiro geri Like what you see? consider subscribing! Want to learn kicks from me? senseiseth.teachable.com SENSEISETH.com Songs.. Intro music: “Flintstone” by Cxdy https://www.youtube.com/user/ACRProdu... https://youtu.be/A0c44Ffjj-4 Outro Music: “Pillow Talk” X I X X Music Provided by YouTubers Music https://youtu.be/jb_R8RjTbKs Karate, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Kung , MMA, UFC, Sensei Seth, Kata, Kumite, Sparring, Fight, Boxing, Kick, Side Kick, Yoko Geri, Roundhouse Kick, Spinning Wheel Kick, Tricking, Bottlecap Challenge Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXYOXWWqgtSrk27402V_JMw/join
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about back kick?
This video covers overview of spinning back kick vs spinning side kick, spinning back kick mechanics, back kick shoulder drop and body position. It provides detailed instruction from Sensei Seth.
How long does it take to learn 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.
What are the key details for finishing back kick?
A wider stance in the spinning back kick creates rotational momentum that carries the body forward after the kick, a disadvantageous position in sparring. Practitioners should maintain a narrower, more linear stance to move straight backward and preserve defensive positioning if the attack misses.
