A great technique to have in your Muay Thai arsenal is being able to catch kicks. The impact catching the opponent’s kick can have on him—is massive. You’ll be able to gain the upper hand when you do so and potentially counter with a strike or a sweep.
To catch kicks in Muay Thai, you want to observe the opponent and see the kick coming in, whether it’s a Roundhouse kick, Teep, or even a Switch kick. Once you see the kick coming toward you, you want to step in closer to the opponent and grab it, whether it’s in the front if it’s a Teep, or on one of the sides.
I won’t lie to you; it’s not as simple as it sounds. However, some fighters seem to overcomplicate it, so it’s also not complicated. It’s an intermediate technique that will allow you to counter the opponent swiftly. In my eyes, it’s one of the most morally devastating techniques, making it something you want to learn.
Before we dive into the step-by-step breakdown of catching kicks, I want to address a key point you must understand here. Rome wasn’t built in a day and so won’t your kick-catching abilities. You’d have to practice it all the time to ensure proper understanding and implementation.
So without further ado, let’s now dive into the article!
Table of Contents
- How to Catch and Sweep
- How to Catch the Teep
- How to Catch the High Kick
- How to Catch the Roundhouse Kick
- Final Words
How to Catch and Sweep in Muay Thai
The first part of this article will focus on catching kicks (all types) and sweeping. Or, as most trainees are familiar with, the Catch and Sweep. It’s a widely known technique in Muay Thai and is used by fighters who are confident in their kick-catching abilities.
What we’ll cover in this part is how to recognize which kick your opponent is throwing at you, how to time your catch properly, and how to catch it in the right way.
So without further introduction, let’s dive into the first step.
Step #1 – Recognize the Kick
The first step is to recognize which kick is the opponent throwing. It also means that you want to understand that he’s throwing one in the first place. How can you be sure of that? Well, the more sparring and fighting experience you have, the more you’ll be able to see it coming.
You need to be able to recognize the type of kick coming your way, whether it’s a Roundhouse Kick, Teep (front kick), or any other Muay Thai kick.
This is the first step.
Step #2 – Time Your Catch
The second step is to time your catch. To do so, you must observe your opponent. Make a habit of watching your opponent and trying to figure out what he’s doing. If you see him chambering what seems to be a kick (which is not a low kick), then prepare yourself.
Catching a kick requires precise timing. You want to catch the opponent’s leg during the early stages of their kick before it gains full power and speed. Imagine catching the kick when it’s almost making contact with your body after complete extension. Frankly, catching the kick in this instance would be arduous.
Step #3 – Use Your Opposite Hand
To catch a kick, use your opposite hand to the leg being kicked. For example, if your opponent throws a right kick, use your left hand to catch it, and vice versa.
Avoid turning to use your dominant hand to catch a kick coming from the left.
Another point here is to understand that each kick isn’t likely to come in a straight line at you, other than a Teep. For instance, when you check the opponent’s kick, you want to raise your leg at a 45-degree angle. There’s a reason you don’t check your leg without an angle.
Learn more about the check in Muay Thai and how to perform it properly by following this link!
So understand that all kicks come in an angle, which is critical for the 5th step.
Step #4 – Step In
As the kick comes toward you, step in slightly toward your opponent to close the distance. This helps you get in position to catch the kick more effectively.
Step #5 – Catch the Kick
As the opponent’s leg approaches your body, grab the lower part of their shin (above the foot) with your hand. Your fingers should be on the outside of the leg, and your thumb on the inside, forming a firm grip.
I want you to experiment with the different grips whenever you practice your kick-catching abilities. It’ll be worth it if you play around with different grips, as it’ll ensure you differentiate between good and bad grip styles.
For now, the grip I’ve described in the first paragraph should be enough to start.
Step #6 – Sweep
After catching the kick, you have several options for counter-attacking. You can sweep the standing leg, push your opponent off balance, or deliver a strike of your own. It’s crucial to practice these follow-up techniques under the guidance of an experienced instructor.
How to Catch the Teep
Unlike catching a regular kick, catching a Teep often requires both hands. As the Teep comes toward you, use both hands to secure the opponent’s foot or shin.
Position your hands so that your palms are facing upward and your fingers are wrapped around the opponent’s foot or shin. This grip will help you control the Teep better.
As you catch the Teep, be prepared to absorb the force of the kick. You may take a step back or brace yourself to reduce the impact.
I’m a fan of following the Teep-catch with a hook (of the same side you caught the kick in.) This is a great way to show your dominance in a fight.
How to Catch a High Kick
To catch a high kick, you need to be at the appropriate distance from your opponent. If you’re too far away, you won’t be able to reach the kick in time. If you’re too close, you risk getting hit.
Catching a high kick often requires both hands for better control and stability. As the kick comes toward you, use both hands to secure the opponent’s lower leg or foot.
Position your hands with your palms facing upwards and your fingers wrapped around the opponent’s lower leg or foot. This grip will help you control the kick effectively.
And again, you have many follow up and combinations you can use in this instance. The cross-hook-right kick is an example. However, you have others you can use and be successful with!
How to Catch a Roundhouse Kick
The last section of this article will be entirely about catching the Roundhouse kick. It’s one of the most popular ones in Muay Thai, so that means that you want to learn to counter it. A fantastic way of countering it will be to catch it. So here’s how to do so:
Position yourself at an appropriate distance from your opponent. Being too far away won’t allow you to reach the kick in time, and being too close puts you at risk of getting hit.
Depending on the height of the kick and your comfort level, you can use either one arm or both arms to catch the Roundhouse kick. If the kick is directed toward your upper body, you can use one arm to catch it. For kicks aimed at your lower body, using both arms may provide better control.
Position your arm(s) correctly to catch the kick. If using one arm, place it across your body with your palm facing outward and fingers pointing up. If using both arms, position them to form an X shape to catch the lower part of the opponent’s shin.
Final Words
And this is how you catch different types of kicks in Muay Thai. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to learn this skill in a short period. It’ll take a lot of time, effort, and proper implementation to see noticeable results.
So make sure you stay as focused as possible on your goal, which should be to catch as many kicks in spars, fights, and in your training. Although it’s not the most effective counter for kicks, it’s another option you now have in your arsenal, making you a better, more complete fighter.
If you want to learn about the best defensive moves in Muay Thai, follow this link. Defense is one of the most important aspects of being an excellent fighter, so make sure you read it.
Here are other articles you’d benefit from reading:
The Ultimate Guide to Muay Thai Footwork – Including Drills!
Slip 101 (Muay Thai) – How to Slip and Follow-Up
Is the Bob and Weave Used in Muay Thai and MMA?
Check 101 – A Complete Muay Thai Technique Breakdown
Muay Thai Basic Head Movement – Techniques, Drills, and Tips