The front snap kick has been used in mixed martial arts (MMA) since its early days. Royce Gracie often peppered opponents with it to set on his takedowns on this way to winning three of the first four Ultimate Fighting Championship tournaments.
Despite its early use, the front snap kick wasn’t prevalent in MMA until Anderson Silva put Vitor Belfort to sleep with it at UFC 126. The finish was so impressive that it was featured on a few magazine and video game covers. Also known as the front kick, the technique has become much more popular since then, but it’s still an underused move, given how effective it can be.
Mastering The Front Snap Kick For Mixed Martial Arts
One theory on why front snap kicks remain underused in MMA is how underwhelming the technique usually looks when performed on heavy bags. You won’t send a thunderous sound through the gym like you would when throwing roundhouse kicks, but don’t let that fool you.
The front snap kick might be a simple technique, but it can end any fight abruptly. The technique is typically aimed at the abdomen, but it can also be aimed at the thighs or head. Connecting with any of these targets can be a game changer.
Breaking Down The Mechanics
The “snap” in the technique’s name describes how it should be thrown. Unlike most kicks used in Muay Thai that involve following through, the snap kick should be whipped out at your opponent and right back into your stance.
The way the technique is thrown is what makes it so effective. It’s super-fast with minimal telegraphing since it’s thrown with one swift motion. The easiest target to aim the kick at is your opponent’s midsection, but you can also attack your opponent’s face with it if your flexibility allows it.
Here’s what its mechanics look like:
- Start In A Balanced Stance: Your weight should be evenly distributed with both legs when setting up the technique while standing light on your feet. This allows you to perform a front snap kick without losing your balance. It also lets you snap out the kick and quickly retract your leg to your stance.
- Chamber Your Knee: Your knee should come straight up as your front foot leaves the ground. The higher you move your knee, the more power the kick lands with.
- Extend Your Leg: With your knee chambered, whip your leg toward the target in a snapping motion. The ball of your foot should make contact with the target before you bring your leg back. Keep your foot flexed while swinging your leg. Don’t forget to exhale as you make contact. You should be doing this when throwing any strike.
- Retract And Reset: Retract your leg when you make contact and return to your stance. Bringing your leg back quickly protects you against counterattacks.
The key to making the front snap kick a valuable tool in your striking arsenal is performing the first three steps in one fluid motion.
Ways To Use The Front Snap Kick In MMA
Now that we’ve gone over the mechanics of the front snap kick, let’s go over when and how you can use the technique inside the cage:
One of the primary uses of the front snap kick is distant management. Use it to remind opponents that you can hurt them if they get too close for comfort. A front kick to the abdomen drains their gas tank, and it has even led to some ending fights.
A front snap kick to the face can cause a knockout, but it is a little riskier than aiming at the abdomen since your foot has to travel further.
2) Setting Up Other Strikes
The front snap kick can also set up other strikes like your jab. The teep is often called the kicking version of the jab, but some would say the front snap kick is better suited for that role since it’s faster than the teep.
A front snap kick to the midsection could cause your opponent to lower their hands to block it or catch your leg, leaving their head vulnerable to strikes.
3) Targeting The Liver
The front snap kick effectively targets the liver, given the upward trajectory your foot follows. The liver is located right under the bottom of the left rib cage, and a strike to the area leaves most people unable to continue fighting. Muay Thai fighters often love to connect with their toes when targeting the liver to make the kick even more devastating.
4) Disrupting Your Opponent’s Rhythm
The front snap kick is an excellent way to disrupt opponents as they prepare to throw combinations. You can also throw one to disrupt their rhythm if they’re starting to outland you. The front kick follows an upward path, making it harder to see than kicks like the roundhouse that require you to pivot on your feet and torso. Throw a front kick, and your opponent will be more hesitant to close the distance on you.
Watch any MMA fight where a front snap kick is thrown, and you’ll notice an instant shift in tempo.
Mistakes To Avoid When Throwing A Front Snap Kick
Now that we’ve gone over when and how to use the front snap kick in mixed martial arts, let’s go over some of the common mistakes fighters make when using the technique:
- Telegraphing: Little things like leaning back or dropping your hands before kicking reveal your intent to your opponent. Practice the technique without telegraphing it in any way.
- Overcommitting: While it might be tempting to follow through for more power when throwing a push kick, don’t. You’re more likely to lose your balance when you overcommit, leaving you vulnerable to counters.
- Slow Retraction: Taking your sweet time to bring your leg after throwing a snap kick leaves you open to counters. Snap your leg at your opponent and bring it back just as quickly.
You Can’t Go Wrong With The Front Snap Kick
The front snap kick is one of those techniques every MMA fighter should have in their arsenal, along with its cousin, the push kick. It helps you maintain kicking range, and a flush connect can bring any fight to an end.
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