The turning back kick (also known as a heel kick or a reverse roundhouse kick) involves a rotational movement culminating in striking with your heel. Based on the video excerpt, the key is to keep the knee low and drive straight in, avoiding a swinging motion. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Steps to Perform a Turning Back Kick:
- Stance: Begin in a fighting stance, generally with one foot forward.
- Turn the Head and Body: Rotate your head and body, looking over your shoulder in the direction you intend to kick. This rotation is critical for generating power.
- Lift the Knee: Bring your kicking leg's knee up towards your chest. Keep the knee relatively low. This is emphasized to avoid a telegraphed swinging motion.
- Extend the Leg: Drive your leg straight out, extending from the hip. Focus on striking with the heel. The motion should be a direct, linear thrust rather than a sweeping arc.
- Chamber and Recoil: After impact, quickly chamber the leg back to the starting knee position, then return it to the ground.
- Maintain Balance: Throughout the kick, maintain your balance by engaging your core and using your arms for counter-balance.
Key Considerations:
- Target Focus: Maintain visual contact with your target throughout the turn and kick.
- Power Generation: Power comes from the rotation of your hips and core, not just the leg extension.
- Accuracy: Focus on hitting the target with the heel for maximum impact.
- Speed: While power is important, speed is also crucial for landing the kick effectively. Practice will improve speed.
- Safety: Practice in a controlled environment with proper instruction to avoid injury. Begin slowly and gradually increase speed and power as your technique improves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Swinging the Leg: A wide, sweeping motion telegraphs the kick and reduces power. Keep the knee low and drive straight.
- Lack of Rotation: Insufficient body rotation limits power and accuracy.
- Looking Away: Losing focus on the target reduces accuracy and can affect balance.
- Not Chambering: Failing to chamber the leg properly before and after the kick reduces power and control.
By focusing on proper technique and consistent practice, you can effectively execute a turning back kick.
