This side kick is the most commonly used version in Taekwondo and should be learned before advancing to other side kicks.
Although you would normally turn your body sideways during the side kick, for now you should start sideways to practice the motion of the kicking foot only. This is a straight kick so you must have your heel pointing at the target before straightening your leg.
You will always strike with the blade of your foot for this strike so make sure you remember this. Aim to the body of your opponent. Make sure that your heel is higher than your toes when striking.
Pay very close attention to the movement of this foot.
You can push off your foot as it turns so that you can use your strong hip, bum and core muscles to drive your kicking foot out at your target. This rotation means you turn power from the ground into the power going forward in the kick, making the kick stronger and harder. As a beginner you can rotate your foot before straightening your knee to strike your target. As you progress make sure you are rotating your foot at the very end of your strike (when your knee is almost straightened) so that you rotate your hip into the kick. This generates more power and strength.
For example, if you bring your knee to waist height at first it should stay at waist height when you make contact with the target and while you bring your foot back to your body. Dropping your knee will cause a loss of power and will prevent your kick from going horizontally through the target.
Be sure you use the same technique as earlier, where you flexed your foot to keep your sole facing the ground as much as possible.
Your non-kicking foot will rotate back about 90 degrees to point in the direction you are facing.
You should master the normal side kick before attempting the skipping side kick.
You will not be jumping in a huge leap forward. You will just be jumping to bring your body and leg to the right distance from your target for your side kick. [9] X Research source raymer
If you are sparring, then it is better to strike with the sole of your foot. If you are trying to break something such as a brick or board you should use the heel of your foot. This way you drive all the strength and force of your kick through your heel, which is the strongest part of your foot. [11] X Research source raymer
This should be the same as the normal side kick. [12] X Research source raymer
This kick is also called a spinning side kick.
For example, if your front foot is your right foot then you turn your right foot so that it is pointed back and bring your head around counterclockwise. You will then be looking over your left shoulder at your target.
For example, if your kicking foot (back foot) is your left foot then you will continue rotating counterclockwise while bringing your left knee to your chest. There should then be a straight line between your left hip, left heel and the target. This is the “spin” of the spinning (or reverse) side kick. This side kick gains additional power from this spin due to the momentum. The smoother and faster your spin is, the stronger your kick will be.
You should strike with the blade (outside edge) of the foot or the heel. These areas will transmit the most power to your target.
This is a longer range technique than a regular side kick. The run-up to the kick provides a lot of momentum, making this a very powerful kick.
You should also bring your non-kicking foot up so that your opponent cannot sweep it away from you.
The farther you bring your knee to your chest, the stronger your kick will be. Keep your heel pointing towards your target.
A lot of your power comes from straightening your knee at the correct time. Be sure you are the right distance from your target to straighten fully but not so far that the kick barely touches the target.
Striking with the blade (or outside edge) of the foot is also effective and helps your ankle to absorb the impact of the kick.
Thus if you are kicking with your right foot, then after the strike you can keep turning counterclockwise to complete a full circle and face the target once more. Make sure you land on your feet and stay balanced.
You can use a punching bag, a partner holding a pad or just shadow kick without anything at all. [11] X Research source
You should practice this with both legs so try it in both directions. After practicing with one leg, switch your stance and practice with the other leg also. Your hands should be in front of your chin and mouth to protect your face. You should be sideways to your target. [12] X Research source
Make sure you are extending straight forward into contact. This means you will have to be turning your body and hips simultaneously. Think of the kick as a stomping motion to give you extra power and strength. Do not lock out your knee, or extend it completely, or else you could hurt yourself. You will want to maintain a slight bend even when making contact. [13] X Research source
The non-kicking foot should rotate about 180 degrees so that it faces backwards when you make contact. This rotation is very important so make sure it is moving correctly during your kick. It will feel like you are giving your back to the target because you are rotating your hips into the kick. [14] X Research source
Your non-kicking foot will have to rotate back to its original position when landing. You can shuffle back after your foot is on the ground to bring you away from your opponent. [15] X Research source
