Spinning Hook Kick
- Striking
- Kicks
- advanced
- Orthodox stance
- 4 steps
A spinning kick that whips the heel horizontally across the target at head height. Also known as the Spinning heel 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 spinning hook kick against an opponent who circles toward your rear side or sits at the end of your kicking range. A teep or a feint that makes them stand tall sets it up. Keep it rare so it stays a surprise.
Step by step
- 01
Set your stance
Square enough to start the turn.
- 02
Turn and spot
Step across and turn, finding the target over your shoulder as you begin to spin.
- 03
Whip the heel across
Extend the leg and whip the heel horizontally across the target at head height as the spin unwinds.
- 04
Retract and reset
Let the momentum carry you back to facing your opponent.
Key details
- Spot the target first, then let the leg whip through it.
- The heel is the striking surface. Keep the leg slightly bent then snap.
- Keep your balance over the base leg through the spin.
Common mistakes
- Throwing it without spotting the target.
- Reaching with a stiff straight leg the whole way.
- Losing balance and falling off the spin.
Common counters
Opponents lean or step back so the heel passes, then counter as you finish the turn. A fast fighter crashes in and clinches during the spin. Spot the target first and recover facing them.
How to drill it
Your partner holds a mitt at head height. Do two rounds of slow reps to the mitt focused on spotting it over your shoulder, then two rounds at speed, finishing every rep in your stance.
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.
- Side KickStrikingA linear thrust kick driving the heel straight into the target with the body bladed sideways.
- 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.
Train it with the AI coach