Ushiro Geri - Part 1

First I believe that done properly this is an easy kick to execute
properly. The difficulty comes from the teachings of the technique as
you rise through to black belt. First are the common things that
students usually do incorrectly and the results. Second than is to refine
what is the essence of the proper technique.
All those bad habits and things that go wrong.
1. It may seem counter-intiutive but, bringing your foot up and knee
high as you spin around for a wind up has two bad side effects. One in
the contraction to bring your leg up fast you will most likely do the
following
a.) Straightening the supporting leg - The inertia of raising the leg
tends to lift you vertically. This = straight leg = pulled hamstring
b.) Your whole body moves vertically up raising your center of gravity
when if fact you should be doing the EXACT OPPOSITE and lowering your
center of gravity
c.) Hunching back / shoulders using your core and back to pull the
knee upward
2.) During the spin the knee comes up and is already traveling in a
circular motion like an ice skater in a spin. This causes the knee to
spin around the body in a circular motion instead of a linear path
towards the target. Result rolled hip and kick looks more like a side
kick and telegraphs move. Easy to recognize as toes are not pointed
down in the kick.
3.) During the spin the arms flail out like an octopus on crack. In
fact you again do the EXACT OPPOSITE and keep the arms in close to
the body. Good for defense, speeds spin, and it is essential for
proper kimae as I will speak to later. Last, the inertia of the arms
will cause the shoulders to spin early and where the shoulder goes so
to will the hip start to turn in the same direction.
4.) Head dunking towards the floor like one of those glass bird toys
that bobs up and down. Hey, over half you body weight is in your trunk
and if you send all that weight plus that big melon of a head over
yours is sending all that body mass and therefor energy in the exact
opposite direction.
5.) Blocking arm (same side as kicking leg). What and where is it
supposed to go. Believe it or not it is tremendously important and I
think most likely to be a mystery to the student.
6.) Kick has no power. Every thing that detracts from the proper
technique, robs it of power. If you have no power you have no
technique.