Breaking with rebreakable boards

Setup

1. Rebreakable plastic boards only for this age group. Start with the easiest strength, and check your federation's grading guidance on breaking.
2. Holders are the sabeom or trained senior students: board gripped firmly at both edges, arms locked straight, one foot back, face turned clear of the board.
3. Set the board with its break line the way the maker's guide shows for the technique. One or two breaking stations, the rest wait in a line behind a mark.

How it runs

1. Everyone rehearses the technique on a paddle first: three front kicks (ap chagi) striking with the ball of the foot.
2. One student at a time steps up, measures the distance with the foot, checks the holder is ready and breaks with a kihap.
3. The board is reassembled and the student returns to the back of the line.
4. Second round with side kick (yeop chagi) and the heel. Move up a board strength only after a clean break.

Coaching points

• Aim through the board, not at its surface.
• Correct striking surface: ball of the foot for the front kick, heel for the side kick.
• Measure the distance before the attempt and don't step closer during it.
• Breathe out and kihap on the strike.
• If a board doesn't break, go back to the paddle and fix the technique; two attempts at most per round.

Common mistakes

• Slowing down just before contact.
• Kicking with the toes.
• Holder's elbows bending, so the board gives way.
• Waiting students drifting into the breaking area.