Become Fighter
The question-mark kick: Kickboxing guide
A kick that starts like a teep or body kick and finishes up high.
The question-mark kick travels in the shape its name suggests. The knee rises as if for a teep or a body kick, the opponent drops their guard to protect it, and the leg then whips over the top into the head. It is a deceptive kick and, for an experienced fighter, a surprising one.
It demands hip flexibility and control. It is also dangerous if mistimed. If the opponent does not react to the first half, the kick has to be committed or aborted with a normal teep. Do not use it as a first strike.
Key points
- Start with a convincing chamber. If it looks like a teep, the opponent reacts to a teep.
- Open the hip as the knee rises and swing the shin up and over at the head.
- Make contact with the shin or instep on the side of the head or the jaw.
- Keep your guard up and your head still. A tilting head loses balance.
- If the opponent does not drop their guard, stop the kick as a teep.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Throwing it cold with no setup. Establish the teep or body kick first so the opponent reacts to the chamber.
- Dropping the hands. Keep the rear hand on your chin throughout.
- Committing when the guard has not moved. Abort into a teep and reset.
Combinations that use it
- kb-teep-question-mark: Teep, Question-mark kick
Related techniques
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Advanced kicks module of Kickboxing foundations.
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More from Advanced kicks
- The lead round kick: Kickboxing guide
- The spinning back kick: Kickboxing guide
- Hook, axe and flying kicks: what to leave out: Kickboxing guide
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.