This page provides details on the martial arts heel kick. The heel kick is most often performed in a spinning motion but can be performed with the lead leg, in a turning motion, a sliding motion, a step behind motion, etc. For information on other martial arts kicks (i.e. axe kick), please visit Black Belt Wiki’s main Martial Arts Kicks section.
A heel kick is often confused with the hook kick and crescent kick but differs from them in some key important ways. The heel kick strikes with the back of the heel, not the side of the foot like the crescent kick. In addition, unlike the hook kick, the heel kick strikes with a straight leg that does not bend until it is close to the ground. For information on the spinning version of this kick, please visit the spinning heel kick page.
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.
Instructions for Technique
- Lift the leg up straight and turn the hips over as if doing a side kick. Turn the hips to wind up the kick. Contract the core muscles to pull the leg through like a baseball bat.
Taekwon-Do Spinning Heel Kick (high, middle and low)
Reference Sources
- Simon Scher, Northampton Martial Arts, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoVdb3czUT0NHokAoS3yz2A