Become Fighter
The teep to the face: Muay Thai guide
A rare, high-reward teep to the chin or forehead.
The face teep, or high teep, is a surprise weapon. The foot pushes the chin or forehead and snaps the head back. It does not need much power to score and it can stop an opponent who keeps their head forward.
It needs flexibility and balance. Use it sparingly and with control in training. Aim to push, not to strike hard, and only on a pad or a partner who knows it is coming.
Key points
- Throw it when the opponent leans forward or drops their hands.
- Lean back from the hips and push the foot to the chin or forehead.
- It is a push, not a kick. Light on a live partner.
- Warm up the hips before you throw it.
- Retract fast. The leg is at risk of a catch.
- Use it a few times a round, never every time.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Throwing it cold. Warm the hips first. Cold hamstrings and hips tear.
- Kicking hard at a live partner's face. Pad or light touch only.
- Overusing it. A rare shot surprises. A frequent shot gets caught.
Combinations that use it
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 Teep game and distance module of Muay Thai foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Teep game and distance
- The lead teep as a range tool: Muay Thai guide
- The rear teep: Muay Thai guide
- Scoring and stopping pressure with the teep: Muay Thai 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.