The Front Snap Kick is a reasonably easy technique to throw, making it both fast and versatile.
This kick is performed by lifting the quadriceps and simultaneously throwing the kick out using your knee. This kick is performed 2 different ways, for example, the kick performed in Do San Tul is for closer distance than when performed in Yul Gok Tul. During pattern Yul Gok, the upper body leans back slightly as the kick is thrown to add distance and to give the kick reach.
Getting its force mainly from the quadriceps and gluteus muscles as well as the knee tendon and arch tendon areas, the Front Snap Kick is an attacking technique, rather than a stretching exercise such as the Front Rising Kick.
The kick can be thrown a number of ways for a variety of purposes. Thrown high, this kick is an attack to the face. Thrown straight out in front or slightly lower, this kick can be used on targets such as the solar plexus and/or groin area.
Because balance is so easily places on the rear leg while executing this technique, the Front Snap Kick can be easily followed with hand techniques.
In Korea, the Front Snap Kick is enjoying a renewed following with tournament fighters using it as a pushing type of technique for defense, as well as backing it up as a double technique for offense.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake when it comes to the Front Snap Kick is to bring the kicking leg too far in front of you before throwing the technique. This prevents you from gaining the speed and power from your hips and quadricep muscle.
This is also a common cause of knee injuries, because the knee must bear the full brunt of the kick’s forward force.
Other mistakes include not pulling the toes back, striking the target with the toes rather than the ball of the foot, separating the cocking of the leg and the throwing of the leg (these should happen together), and leaning too far forward.
Breathing
Inhale before throwing the kick, and as you execute the technique, exhale sharply. As you return to ready stance, inhale again.
