Taekwondo · Kicking

Spinning back kick and turning kicks

Build the dwit chagi and spinning hook kick from a slow walk-through on the floor to full-speed kicks on a shield, in short sets.

S1H1S2H2S3H3S4H4
Start / 6
Time
20 min
Players
2–20
Age
U15+
Area
Mat
Equipment
kick shieldskick paddles

Setup

  1. Pairs spread out on a clear, dry mat with at least two body lengths of space around each pair.
  2. Kicker in fighting stance; holder about a long step away with a kick shield held against the forearms, away from the face.
  3. Students warm up hips and knees first, ideally with the dynamic warm-up for kicking.

How it runs

  1. Walk-through: on the sabeom's count, the kicker turns the back to the holder, looks over the rear shoulder and steps back to stance. No kick, five each way.
  2. Slow kick: turn, look, lift the knee into a tight chamber and push the heel slowly into the shield at trunk height. Five each side.
  3. Full speed: dwit chagi (back kick) through the shield in sets of five, landing balanced and facing the holder.
  4. Spinning hook kick (momdollyeo huryeo chagi): the holder lifts a paddle to shoulder height and the heel sweeps across it. Five each side.
  5. Swap roles after every set. Finish with three counters: the holder steps in with a slow roundhouse and the kicker answers with a spinning back kick to the shield.

Coaching points

  • Eyes find the target over the shoulder before the leg leaves the floor.
  • Back kick travels in a straight line from chamber to target, heel first, toes pointing down.
  • Pivot fully on the ball of the standing foot so the knee is not twisted.
  • Land in stance with the guard up; if the landing wobbles, slow the next one down.
  • Holders brace the shield with a firm wrist and lean in slightly; kickers wait for a nod before each kick.

Common mistakes

  • Kicking blind: the leg fires before the head turns to see the target.
  • Swinging the back kick round in an arc, so it lands like a side kick off line.
  • Over-rotating after the hook kick and stumbling out of balance.
  • Too many fast reps in a row; the knees and hips get sore before the technique gets better.

Say it: “Turn, look, heel through.”

Make it harder

  • Holder moves the shield one step left or right before each kick; the kicker adjusts the angle.
  • Add a fake front-leg kick before the spin.
  • Counter from a moving holder who attacks at half speed.

Make it easier

  • Stay with the slow push into the shield and leave the hook kick for later.
  • Turn with a hand on a wall or partner's shoulder for balance.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.