Also called Back kick, Ushiro geri, Dwi chagi
The spinning back kick turns your back to the opponent and drives the heel straight back into their body. The rotation and body weight go behind a thrusting heel, so it hits hard, especially against an opponent stepping in. It is the core spinning kick of taekwondo and karate and the base for flashier spins.
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How to do it
- 1Pivot on the lead foot and turn your back toward the opponent.
- 2Look over your shoulder to spot the target before the kick leaves.
- 3Lift the rear knee and keep it close to the standing leg.
- 4Drive the heel straight back in a line, toes pointing down.
- 5Set the foot down and finish facing the opponent, guard up.
- Kicking before you have turned your head to see the target.
- Swinging the leg out in an arc instead of driving it straight back.
- Over-rotating and finishing with your back still turned.
Safety: Learn it slowly on a bag or shield; it is powerful and hard to control, so keep it off partners' bodies until your coach approves.
Drills
Your partner holds a kick shield at stomach height and steps forward on a count; turn and land the back kick into the shield as they arrive, then reset.
Legends known for it
1977–2000
2009–2023
We teach it in Traditional Striking. A coach will fix the details you can't see yourself. Join now and book your first class for $20, paid online.
Related techniques
The front kick lifts the knee, then snaps the leg straight out to strike with the ball of the foot or the heel. Where the teep pushes, the front…
The side kick thrusts the leg out sideways and strikes with the heel or outer edge of the foot. With the hips turned side-on it has long reach and…
The hook kick extends the leg just past the side of the opponent's head, then snaps the heel back into it from an angle the guard does not cover.…
The axe kick lifts a nearly straight leg high above the opponent's guard, then drives the heel straight down onto the face, collarbone or chest.…
