Side Kick
- Striking
- Kicks
- intermediate
- Orthodox stance
- 4 steps
A linear thrust kick driving the heel straight into the target with the body bladed sideways. Also known as the Side thrust 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
Use the side kick to stop an opponent who steps in on a straight line, aimed at the body or the lead thigh. It keeps them at the end of your range like a long jab with the leg. Hide the chamber behind a jab so they do not see it coming.
Step by step
- 01
Set your stance
Prepare to turn the hip over sideways.
- 02
Chamber sideways
Lift the knee across your body and turn your hip so the kicking leg is cocked sideways toward the target.
- 03
Thrust the heel
Drive the leg straight out, striking with the heel as you lean your upper body away to add reach and power.
- 04
Retract and reset
Re-chamber and set the foot back down into your stance.
Key details
- Strike with the heel, toes pointed down and slightly away.
- Blade the body and lean away to align hip, knee and heel.
- Keep your eyes on the target over your lead shoulder.
Common mistakes
- Pushing with the toes instead of thrusting the heel.
- Squaring the hips instead of blading.
- Dropping the hands during the lean.
Common counters
Opponents catch the leg against their body, step off the line and counter, or check it with the lead leg. A slow chamber gives the kick away. Keep the chamber tight and pull the leg back along the same line.
How to drill it
Your partner holds a kick shield and walks forward; side kick into the shield as they step. Do three sets of ten on each leg, checking that your hips are bladed and the heel lands first.
Related techniques
- Calf KickStrikingA low roundhouse that chops the shin into the outside of the calf, attacking the peroneal nerve to buckle the leg.
- 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.
- Axe KickStrikingA kick that swings the leg high and drops the heel straight down onto the head or collarbone.
- Spinning Back KickStrikingA spinning thrust kick that drives the heel straight back into the target like a mule kick.
- Spinning Hook KickStrikingA spinning kick that whips the heel horizontally across the target at head height.
Train it with the AI coach