Instructions for the Heel Kick

The heel kick is most often performed in a spinning motion but can be performed with the lead leg, in a turning motion, a sliding motion, a step behind motion, etc. It is often confused with the hook kick and crescent kick but differs from them in some key important ways. The heel kick strikes with the back of the heel, not the side of the foot like the crescent kick. In addition, unlike the hook kick, the heel kick strikes with a straight leg that does not bend until it is close to the ground.

For instructions focused on other kicks (i.e. spinning hook kick or axe kick), please visit the main Martial Arts Kicks section.

Instructions for Technique

• Lift the leg up straight and turn the hips over as if you where doing a side kick. Turn the hips to wind up the kick. Contract the core muscles to pull the leg through like a baseball bat.

Reference Sources

1. Simon Scher, Northampton Martial Arts, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoVdb3czUT0NHokAoS3yz2A, Added - 09/12/15