Skipping Side Kick (Sliding Side Kick) – Martial Arts Technique

This section provides details on the martial arts skipping side kick. This kick is also known as a hopping side kick, step behind side kick, sliding side kick, etc. For information on other martial arts kicks (i.e. spinning hook kick), please visit Black Belt Wiki’s main kicking techniques page.

A hopping side kick or skipping side kick is a method used to quickly close the distance with an opponent and land a powerful kick. This kick is usually used for breaking demonstrations or in the movies as it is less effective in sparring and/or self-defense situations (as an opponent has more time to dodge an attack). In order to master the hopping or skipping side kick, a martial arts student needs to have learned the basic side kick.

Martial arts kicks and all other martial arts techniques should only be practiced under the supervision of a trained martial arts instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized. In addition, all martial arts techniques and training should be used safely and responsibly.

Written Instructions – How to do a Hopping, Skipping, Sliding or Step Behind Side Kick

  • To perform a hopping or step behind side kick, the martial artist starts in a fighting stance.
  • They will take a sideways leap towards their opponent then quickly move their rear foot up to their front foot or beyond the front foot (as their back leg crosses behind their front leg).
  • As the momentum carries the martial artist forward, they will push off with their rear foot and fire a quick side kick at the opponent.
  • This kick is supposed to be fast and cover a lot of ground. It is also less “telegraphed” than the traditional rear leg side kick (where you must rotate & cock your leg) because it utilizes a front leg side kick.

Taekwondo Skipping Side Kick

Bruce Lee Using a Hopping Side Kick