Calf Kick
- Striking
- Kicks
- intermediate
- Orthodox stance
- 4 steps
A low roundhouse that chops the shin into the outside of the calf, attacking the peroneal nerve to buckle the leg. Also known as the Outside calf kick or the Peroneal kick. Here is the exact breakdown from the DARCE app: 4 steps, the details that make it work, and the mistakes to avoid.
When to use it
Throw the calf kick when the opponent stands in a long stance with their weight on the lead leg. Time it as they step forward or plant to throw, so the leg cannot lift away. A jab or a feint to the head first draws their eyes up.
Step by step
- 01
Set your stance
Hands up, weight ready to shift onto the lead leg.
- 02
Step and pivot
Step out and pivot the lead foot to open the hips, timing it as their weight settles onto the lead leg.
- 03
Chop into the calf
Whip the rear shin low and down into the outside of their calf, just below the knee, swinging through with the hips.
- 04
Retract and reset
Snap the leg back and return to your stance so it cannot be caught.
Key details
- Target the outside of the calf just below the knee, over the peroneal nerve.
- Land when their weight is on that leg so it cannot lift away.
- Strike with the shin and swing through, not at, the calf.
Common mistakes
- Kicking the shin or knee instead of the calf muscle.
- Throwing it into an unweighted leg that simply lifts.
- Telegraphing by dropping the hand before the kick.
Common counters
Opponents check it by turning the lead knee out, or step the lead foot back so it misses. Some throw a straight punch as you kick, while you stand on one leg. Stay behind your hands and pull the leg back quickly.
How to drill it
Your partner holds a Thai pad low against the outside of their lead calf and steps forward on your call; kick as the foot lands. Do three rounds of two minutes, turning the base foot fully on every rep.
Related techniques
- Rear Roundhouse KickStrikingA whipping rear-leg kick that drives the shin through the target via full hip rotation.
- Switch KickStrikingA lead-leg roundhouse set up by a quick stance switch to generate rear-leg power.
- Low KickStrikingA rear roundhouse aimed at the thigh or calf to chop the base out from under the opponent.
- Inside Low KickStrikingA fast lead-leg kick that snaps up into the inner thigh to buckle the opponent’s base.
- Teep (Push Kick)StrikingA straight push-kick with the lead leg that controls distance and stops forward pressure.
- Side KickStrikingA linear thrust kick driving the heel straight into the target with the body bladed sideways.
Train it with the AI coach