Introduction to the Hook Kick

The hook kick is one of the most powerful and deceptive techniques in martial arts, also known as the reverse round kick or reverse turning kick. This tutorial focuses on the full range of motion hook kick, which generates significantly more power and maintains proper body positioning throughout the technique.

Fundamental Mechanics: Chamber, Extend, Strike, Rechamber

The hook kick begins with a fully chambered leg pulled to the chest with the heel aimed at the target. The leg extends diagonally forward in a straight line aligned with the hip, then the knee bends to strike the target. The critical final phase involves pulling the knee back to the chest, preventing overcommitment and protecting the center line from counterattacks.

Progressive Balance Training with Targets

Practitioners should progress from slow, controlled four-count repetitions to speed work with emphasis on the rechamber snap. Placing a target at hip height forces proper rechamber mechanics and prevents sloppy leg recovery. Advanced practitioners can place a cup with balls on the foot during execution, progressing to water-filled cups to add consequences for improper technique.

Hip and Core Engagement

The true power of the hook kick derives from the gluteal and hip muscles, not the leg alone. Executing the hook kick with a fully extended, straight leg while maintaining circular motion develops the core and hip engagement necessary for maximum power. This foundational work ensures proper muscular recruitment throughout all hook kick variations.

Hand Positioning and Balance Independence

The hands must remain separate from the kicking motion and should never serve as counterbalance. Practitioners should progress from both hands on the bar to single-hand support, then two fingers, one finger, and finally hovering above the bar while executing the kick. This progression develops true balance and stability independent of upper body assistance.

Hip Rotation and Power Generation

Proper hip rotation is essential for maximum power and speed. The practitioner should start in an L-stance with weight on the ball of the foot, rotate the heel inward while chambering the leg, complete the pivot as the leg extends, and follow through with hip drive. This coordinated movement maximizes forward hip translation and pulling power.

Striking Surface Variations: Sparring versus Power

Two distinct applications require different striking surfaces. In sparring, practitioners point the foot and strike with the toes for controlled contact. For board breaking, pad work, and power demonstration, practitioners flex the foot and strike with the back of the heel. Practitioners should develop competency with both surfaces through alternating repetitions.

Advanced Accuracy and Dynamic Application

Practitioners should practice precision striking against suspended targets, such as ping pong balls hung from adjustable kite string. Free-standing bag work develops speed and balance maintenance while delivering repeated strikes. A ground-level rope obstacle forces full range of motion execution at speed with immediate feedback for technique breakdown.

Combat-Realistic Scenarios and Deceptive Advantages

The hook kick's unique trajectory allows practitioners to strike opponents from open stances in arcing patterns. The technique's deceptive nature enables striking through blocks—when the knee contacts an opponent's defense, the foot continues its circular path to strike behind the block. Practicing against wave masters and heavy bags develops this sneaky characteristic.

Combination Techniques and Advanced Variations

Proper rechamber mechanics enable fluid combination techniques essential to Taekwondo—hook kick to side kick, multiple sequential hook kicks, and mixed combinations like round kick-side kick-hook kick. Practitioners should explore hook kick execution from various movement patterns including step-behind, turning, spinning, and jumping variations to develop complete technical mastery.

TAEKWONDO HOOK KICK TUTORIAL

Simon Scher

Standard Hook Kick Technique

3 min read·10 key moments·PT6M27S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to the Hook Kick
•Fundamental Mechanics: Chamber, Extend, Strike, Rechamber
•Progressive Balance Training with Targets
•Hip and Core Engagement

In this tutorial you will learn how to perform and perfect a FULL RANGE OF MOTION hook kick. You will be surprised at the difference between what most people practice as the hook kick and how many aspects of it are left out or ignored. This is one of my favorite kicks. I hope you enjoy this tutorial and get a lot out of it. Please don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about standard hook kick technique?

This video covers introduction to the hook kick, fundamental mechanics: chamber, extend, strike, rechamber, progressive balance training with targets. It provides detailed instruction from Simon Scher.

How long does it take to learn standard hook kick technique?

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.