Become Fighter
Kicking into the advance: Kickboxing guide
Hit the opponent with a kick as they step in to throw.
Against a fighter who pressures, your best kick is the one that lands as they arrive. Their forward momentum adds to your kick, and they cannot check or move because their feet are busy.
Three kicks work well against an advance: the teep to the hip, the lead low kick to the front thigh and the rear body kick to the open ribs. Pick one and practise it until it is automatic.
Key points
- Throw as the lead foot lifts to step in, not after it lands.
- Use a lead low kick or teep to stop the step. Use a rear body kick when they lead with the hands.
- Angle slightly off the line. Do not meet them head-on.
- Throw a single, clean kick and leave. Don't stay for a trade.
- Pair it with a jab to the face if they raise their hands.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Kicking after they land. The window is while the foot is in the air. Once it is down, they are balanced.
- Backing away as you kick. Stay on your base. Backing away makes you miss and invites their punches.
- Staying to trade. Land and leave. A single counter is a win; a brawl is a coin toss.
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
- Catch and sweep: 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.