Become Fighter
Catch and sweep: Kickboxing guide
Where the rules allow it, take the standing leg after you catch the kick.
A caught kick lets you do something to the opponent that most striking exchanges do not: take them off their feet. A sweep to the standing leg while you hold the kick turns a defensive catch into a scoring move in many rule sets.
Rules differ widely. Full-contact and many K-1 style rules allow only a limited hold and strike. Others allow sweeps, and some penalise any hold of the leg. Never use this technique in a fight until your coach has checked the rules.
Key points
- Catch with the arm on the kicking side, clamping the leg to your ribs.
- Step to the side so the caught leg is off line and the opponent is off balance.
- Sweep the standing leg from the inside with your own foot, at the ankle, as you push the caught leg across.
- Keep your head up and chin tucked. A caught fighter will often throw a punch.
- Let go after the sweep and return to your stance. Do not follow them to the floor.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Sweeping without trapping the leg. If the kick is not clamped to you, they will simply put the leg down.
- Falling with them. Release the leg and stay on your feet. You are not grappling.
- Using it where it is not allowed. Know the ruleset. In some events a sweep is a foul.
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 Counter-kicking and catching kicks module of Kickboxing foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Counter-kicking and catching kicks
- Check and return: Kickboxing guide
- Kicking into the advance: Kickboxing guide
- Winning the kick exchange: 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.