Front Foot Sparing V Back Foot Sparing

[stl_karateka]

I would like to add $1.50 worth. There is no such thing as a back leg side kick, unless you mean a reverse or spinning version, as once you have pivoted around it becomes exactly the same as a front leg side kick.

 

Well, I'd argue that point, actually. Yes, you have to turn as you kick to execute a back leg side kick, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. And it is a much different kick then when done with the front leg, in my experience, primarily due to the amount of momentum that is generated in the process of lifting and thrusting the bak leg forward as well as that generated by pivoting the upper body forward...but I digress.

 

One thing ihate about message boards is not having the ability to demonstrate what I mean, so forgive me if I'm not explaining myself adequately.

I agree with TSDguy. My definition of a back leg kick is any kick where the kicking leg is the leg farthest from the opponent at time of execution.

 

Back leg side kick --- perhaps a better term is spin side kick?

 

Also, the front leg on the back leg side kick have different effects. The front leg side kick can be used offensively with a hitch step .

 

The back leg or spin side kick is more defensive. I like to use it on people who haphazardly run in on me.

 

Kita

[tufrthanu]

I dont think he means a spinning side kick Kita because I mentioned that in my post and he said thats not what he meant. Spinning and reverse side kicks being where you turn backward and do a side kick with the leg that was formerly in back. I agree that that is a powerful kick, however, what I think he means is when you lift your rear leg up and pivot toward the front like if you were doing a back leg round kick, but instead then doing a side kick once your formerly rear leg was in front.

[stl_karateka]

gotcha!

[mskickerusa]

i always used to spar with my back foot until i learned tha this was to predictable. i now use my front foot and win a lot more. my favorite kick is the front leg side kick straight into a reverse back kick. hope this helps

[mskickerusa]

i always used to spar with my back foot until i learned tha this was to predictable. i now use my front foot and win a lot more. my favorite kick is the front leg side kick straight into a reverse back kick. hope this helps

[jakmak52]

I too prefer front leg attacks, the back leg style telegraphs my intention too much...

 

Peace,

 

Jack

[MadCapoeirista]

Oh yes! Using the front leg is very very important in sparring. especially throwing that front leg side kick to jam your opponent. I probably use my front leg more than my back leg. I use my back leg to do counters. I just think the back leg really opens you up.

 

NOw i'm puzzled why the W.T.F doesn't use the front leg. Some say the front leg doesn't generate enough power, but I think i can knock someone out with my front leg if i wanted to.

 

WTF fighters do use the front leg but not in the same manner as a point fighter. We don't really use them for side kicks but for fast kick (a type of quick skipping front leg round kick), cut kick (a front push kick to the hip area usually), and front leg axe (either in place as a counter or as a quick forward skipping kick). I'd say the last few years has seen a rise in the amount of people using front leg techniques in WTF sparring/competition.

 

I say have a good mix of both based on your ability. For instance, my left leg is more flexible than my right, so when fighting with left foot forward I could catch people with the two types of axe kicks above much more easily and used it to my advantage. It also depends on the type of stance the two fighters are in. I don't know if you guys know about the concepts of open and closed stance. If you want I can explain further in another post...

[Shorinryu Sensei]

Pardon the intrusion...non-TKD guy raising his hand here!!!

 

Anyway, I';ve been doing this stuff for 29 years (next month), and my all time favorite sparring, or streeet technique is a front foot roundhouse kick to the groing or knee, and while that leg is in the air I sort of "leap" forward by pushing off my back leg because invariably, my opponents hands will go down to block the kick (if he doesn't, I have him anyway). With my bodys forward movement I throw in a good, hard straight punch to his head.

 

Works a good 90% of the time.