Taekwondo · Kicking

Back kick on a shield

Learn dwit chagi (back kick): look over the shoulder, drive the heel straight back into a shield and land facing the target.

S1H1S2H2S3H3S4H4T
Start / 5
Time
15 min
Players
2–30
Age
U10+
Area
Mat
Equipment
kicking shields (one per pair)

Setup

  1. Pairs of similar size: a kicker and a holder with a kicking shield.
  2. Holder braces the shield in both hands just off the body, one foot back and knees soft, face clear of the top edge.
  3. Kicker starts in fighting stance a long step from the shield.

How it runs

  1. Walk-through: kicker turns the back to the shield, looks over the rear shoulder, chambers and slowly extends the heel to touch it.
  2. Kicker checks the holder is ready, then kicks five at moderate speed, landing facing the holder in fighting stance.
  3. Counter version: holder steps forward with the shield; kicker turns and back kicks as they arrive.
  4. Five each side, then swap. Rest between sets if anyone feels dizzy.

Coaching points

  • Look first: the eyes find the target over the shoulder before the leg leaves the floor.
  • Keep the knees close together as the kick passes, so the heel travels in a straight line.
  • Strike with the heel, toes pointing down to the mat.
  • The hips stay closed; finish the turn after the kick, not during it.
  • Land with the kicking foot in front and the guard up.

Common mistakes

  • Kicking blind, before the head has turned.
  • Opening the hips so the kick swings round like a spinning hook.
  • Over-rotating and landing with the back still to the target.
  • Holder hugging the shield against the chest.

Say it: “Look, heel, land facing.”

Make it harder

  • Back kick straight after a front-leg cut or roundhouse.
  • Holder calls 'now' at random; kicker turns and kicks on the call.
  • Two back kicks in a row, landing and turning again.

Make it easier

  • Start with the back already turned, so the student only looks and kicks.
  • Kick to knee height with a slow count.
  • Use a hand on a wall or partner's shoulder for the look-and-chamber.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.

Back kick on a shield · Taekwondo drill | Sportdify