Taekwondo Back Kick (Dwit Chagi)
Quick Information
Category
Combat Sports
Difficulty
Advanced
Equipment
None, Kicking Paddle
Primary muscle group
Hip Flexors, Quadriceps, Gluteals
Secondary muscle groups
Adductors, Obliques, Hamstrings, Gastrocnemius
Movement pattern
Rotational Thrust Kick
Training goal
Skill Acquisition
Sport
Taekwondo, Kickboxing, MMA
Overview
Purpose. Deliver maximum linear force by combining a body rotation with a straight backwards thrust of the heel.
How it fits the system. The primary power kick and counter-attack of the taekwondo material in the Combat Sports section. Related work in the library: Taekwondo Spinning Hook Kick and Taekwondo Side Kick.
Primary muscles
Hip Flexors, Quadriceps, Gluteals
Secondary muscles
Adductors, Obliques, Hamstrings, Gastrocnemius
Movement pattern
Rotational Thrust Kick
Equipment
None, Kicking Paddle
Difficulty
Advanced
How to Perform
- Turn the head and shoulders to look over the shoulder at the target as you begin to rotate.
- Pivot on the support foot and chamber the kicking knee close to the chest.
- Thrust the heel straight back along a line towards the target, keeping the body compact.
- Recoil and continue the rotation to face the opponent again, or step out of range.
Coaching Cues
- “Look before you kick; the head leads the turn.”
- “Kick in a straight line, not an arc.”
- “Stay compact through the turn.”
Common Mistakes
- Kicking without looking, which loses accuracy and creates a blind spot.
- Swinging the leg in an arc, which turns it into a weak hook kick.
Progressions & Regressions
Progressions
Increase turn speed, then add it as a counter to a forward step, then add a jumping version.
Regressions
Practise the turn and chamber slowly with a hand on a wall.
When to Use It
When to use
Technical kicking blocks, paddle work and sparring preparation.
When not to use
Hip, groin or knee injury, or when hip mobility does not yet allow the height required.
Programming
3–5 sets of 8–12 kicks per leg, quality first, full recovery between sets.
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