How to Kick Open a Locked Door

If you have ever had a situation where you needed to kick a door down, you may need to learn this skill. The aim and strength of the kick control how to bring a door down. This is an important skill to know in case of an emergency when you need to get through a locked door.

Instructions

1. Take a deep breath to keep yourself composed when kicking down the door. The calmer you are, the better your aim will be.

2. Check the hinges to discover which way the door opens. When kicking a door in, the door should open inward. If the door opens toward you, kicking it in will be close to impossible.

3. Stand right in front of the door you want to kick down.

4. Aim at the spot directly above or directly below the door handle if there is not a deadbolt on the door. If there is a deadbolt, aim directly above or below that.

5. Raise your foot in the air ready to strike. If you are right handed, use your right foot and if you are left handed use your left foot.

6. Kick at the spot you are focusing on, keeping most of the pressure on your heel as you kick. Kick swiftly and squarely on the spot, putting your whole weight into it.

7. Back up and aim again at the same spot you connected with and kick again.

8. Keep kicking until the door finally comes open.

Tips & Warnings

• Make kicking down the door the last resort. Try picking a lock first or getting inside the room or house another way, such as through a window.

• Do not kick directly onto the deadbolt if there is one. This could break the bones in your foot.

• Be aware what kind of door you are kicking. A wooden door will give more easily than a steel door. Do not attempt to kick down a steel door.