Instructions for a Front Kick (Instep)

This page provides details on how to do a martial arts front kick that strikes the target with the instep of the foot (top of foot). Most basic front kicks either hit the target with the instep or the ball of the foot. While a front kick is a very basic kick, it is useful for self-defense situations such as kicking an attacker in the groin.

A front kick that strikes with the instep is most commonly used in Taekwondo. For more instructions on different martial arts kicks, please visit our main kicking techniques page.

Technique Instructions

• Raise your knee
• Thrust your foot forward
• Hit the target with the instep of your foot (where the laces would be on your shoes)
• Make sure your toes are bent downwards (away from target) as it is easy to break your toes with a misplaced kick
• Quickly withdraw your leg (to avoid being grabbed) and move back into a fighting position
• Target examples - Front kick to an attacker's groin, front kick from the side against a bent over attacker's stomach or head, etc.