Ushiromavashi geri is by far one of the hardest techniques in kickboxing and karate.
Not many guys are able to do it the right way because the spinning high kick is a move that requires a lot of strength in your leg and near-perfect balance.
- Start in your kicking stance. You will use your rear leg in this kick. To master this kick, you should already know how to perform a basic hook kick.
- If you are in a right kicking stance, turn your body to the right until you are facing directly away from your target. During this movement, you should pivot on your left foot.
- Continue turning to the right and look over your right shoulder at your target – you need to see what you are hitting.
- Easy method – Sweep your leg back in a big arc (your knee will be raised up & out as you kick). Easier to gain momentum but also easier for your opponent to see & counter.
- More difficult method – Thrust your kick backward like a back kick. Harder to gain the circular momentum but it is a faster and more deceptive kick.
- Snap the kick as you approach the side of the target (i.e. head). This is the hook part of the kick.
- Hit the target with the back of your heel (lots of bone – so this is a very powerful hick) or with the sole of your foot. Do not hit with the side of your foot.
- Sweep through the target and bring your right leg back to your original starting position after you have completed your kick. Be ready to follow up with your next attack or to counter your opponent’s attack.
