How to Do a Rear Leg Kick in Kickboxing

The rear leg kick is similar to a roundhouse, but the targeted area is the back of the thigh instead of the head. You use the hips to swing the back leg around and hit the opponent in the back of the thigh with your shin. There's a nerve running down the back of the leg, so a rear leg kick can take down an opponent quickly without serious injury.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Stand with feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, one foot slightly behind the other. Turn the body very slightly to the side in the direction of the back foot. The rear leg kick will come from the back foot.

2. Raise both fists a few inches in front of the chin, as far apart as each cheek, with elbows bent to protect the face.

3. Rotate the back hip forward toward the opponent.

4. Lift the back foot off the floor and swing it forward so the top of the foot is leading.

5. Aim for the back of the opponent's thigh and extend the knee to complete the kick.

6. Retract the kick in the reverse motion if you successfully strike the back of the thigh. If you miss, use the momentum to turn 360 degrees on the ball of the grounded foot and return to a position facing your opponent.

7. Return to a fighting stance. Rotate the hip back and pace the kicking foot back on the ground slightly behind the other foot.

Tips & Warnings

• Kick with enough momentum so you can quickly turn completely around and face your opponent if you miss.

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