Krav Maga Elbow Strikes
Quick Information
Category
Combat Sports
Difficulty
Beginner
Equipment
None, Focus Mitts, Kick Shield
Primary muscle group
Deltoids, Triceps Brachii, Obliques
Secondary muscle groups
Gluteals, Quadriceps, Erector Spinae
Movement pattern
Close-Range Elbow Strike
Training goal
Skill Acquisition
Sport
Krav Maga, Self-Defence, Tactical, MMA
Overview
Purpose. Provide a hard, injury-resistant strike for the very close ranges where punches cannot be thrown.
How it fits the system. The close-range striking system of the krav maga material in the Combat Sports section. Related work in the library: Muay Thai Horizontal Elbow and Krav Maga Knee Strike.
Primary muscles
Deltoids, Triceps Brachii, Obliques
Secondary muscles
Gluteals, Quadriceps, Erector Spinae
Movement pattern
Close-Range Elbow Strike
Equipment
None, Focus Mitts, Kick Shield
Difficulty
Beginner
How to Perform
- Identify the target and choose the elbow angle that reaches it by the shortest path.
- Keep the striking hand close to your own body so the elbow point leads.
- Drive with hip rotation or bodyweight into the target, striking with the point of the elbow.
- Chain immediately into another strike rather than resetting.
Coaching Cues
- “Point of the elbow, hand close to your own chest.”
- “Shortest line wins.”
- “One elbow leads to the next.”
Common Mistakes
- Reaching with the arm so the forearm lands instead of the elbow point.
- Throwing one strike then pausing to assess.
Progressions & Regressions
Progressions
Add multi-angle sequences, then from a clinch, then under partner pressure with protective gear.
Regressions
Drill single angles slowly on a kick shield.
When to Use It
When to use
Self-defence technique blocks and stress-inoculation drills.
When not to use
Any joint injury that prevents controlled striking, and always with a competent partner and protective equipment.
Programming
3–5 sets of 10–20 repetitions per side, then 2–3 rounds under pressure with a partner.
Popular
Popular Articles
