Side Kicks

Side kicks are performed outward from the side of the body. Kicker's body is usually perpendicular to the target.

Side Snap Kick

The side snap kick is used by most styles of karate and was used in Taekwondo during its early Shotokan influenced years. Now, when it is seen in Taekwondo, it is usually because the kicker is performing a sloppy side thrust kick.

In a side snap kick:

• Knee. The kicking knee is lifted upward with the kicking foot directly under the knee or even pulled backward toward the other knee.
• Kicking Foot. The kicking foot is held with the toes pulled backward, parallel to the floor, and the outer edge of the sole angled forward toward the target in a foot-sword shape.
• Shin. Shin chambers perpendicular to floor, kicks outward until it is parallel to floor, and retracts backward to perpendicular to floor.
• Striking Surface. The striking surface is the outer edge of the sole, usually nearer the heel.
• Support Foot. Support foot is perpendicular to the target with heel pointed 90 degrees toward the side.
• Action. The foot is snapped toward the target and quickly retracted. When sparring, kicking foot usually move first and it travels from floor straight to the target.
• Pros. Quick. Easy to perform. Easy to score to the middle section. Highly effective in self-defense when used against the opponent's knee. Upward movement lets it slip under an opponent's guard.
• Cons. Easy to jam. Easy to block. Cannot snap body mass into the kick. Not a powerful kick. May be observed in board breaking, but not many boards may be broken with the side snap kick as with the side thrust kick. Kick moves upward toward target, which makes it easy to block. Upward movement means it is easy for the kick to be stopped by the opponent's leg chamber. Upward movement means it may get snagged under opponent's kick and may result in a low blow.
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