Switch Kick

  • Striking
  • Kicks
  • intermediate
  • Orthodox stance
  • 4 steps

A lead-leg roundhouse set up by a quick stance switch to generate rear-leg power. Also known as the Switch roundhouse or the Lead-leg round kick. Here is the exact breakdown from the DARCE app: 4 steps, the details that make it work, and the mistakes to avoid.

Step by step

  1. 01

    Set your stance

    Stay light on the feet, ready to switch.

    Switch Kick step 1 of 4: Set your stance
  2. 02

    Switch the stance

    Hop and switch your feet, bringing the lead foot back and the rear foot forward to load the lead leg.

    Switch Kick step 2 of 4: Switch the stance
  3. 03

    Whip the lead shin

    Pivot on the now-rear base foot and whip the lead leg up and through the target with the shin.

    Switch Kick step 3 of 4: Whip the lead shin
  4. 04

    Retract and reset

    Snap the leg back and return to your stance so it cannot be caught.

    Switch Kick step 4 of 4: Retract and reset

Key details

  • The switch is small and quick, a tiny hop, not a big jump.
  • Pivot the base foot fully so the hip turns over.
  • Disguise the switch within your footwork so it is not telegraphed.

Common mistakes

  • A slow, obvious switch that signals the kick.
  • Standing tall and losing balance on the switch.
  • Failing to pivot the base foot.

Related techniques

See it animated in DARCE

Film a round and the app finds which techniques showed up in your game, where the Switch Kick fits, and what to drill next. Private beta, 50 founding seats.

Join the waitlist