The KKB Feint β Step Kick is a clean timing trap: you show a small βfakeβ (eyes + shoulder), your opponent reactsβ¦ and you steal distance with a step kick. π¦΅π₯
This drill is simple and brutal when done correctly: 3 Γ 8 reps focused on timing, not power. Your feint should be small β no big arm swing, no dramatic head movement. Just enough to pull a reaction. π
π Table of Contents
- 1. What Is the KKB Feint β Step Kick?
- 2. Why It Works (Timing Trap)
- 3. Key Details: Eyes/Shoulder Feint (No Big Motion)
- 4. Distance & Set-Up Rules (So It Lands Clean)
- 5. The Drill: 3 Γ 8 Reps (Exact Plan)
- 6. Combos After the Step Kick (Follow-Ups)
- 7. Common Mistakes (And Fixes)
- 8. Progressions: Easy β Hard
- 9. Keep Building Your KKB System
- 10. FAQ
1. What Is the KKB Feint β Step Kick?
This is a feint-based step kick designed to create a reaction first, then attack the opening. In KKB, the goal is:
- π Make them freeze, flinch, or shift weight
- π¦Ά Steal distance safely (step in without eating a counter)
- 𦡠Land a clean kick (body / arm / line) and reset
Think of it like a βdoor opener.β The feint opens the door; the step kick walks through it.
2. Why It Works (Timing Trap) πͺ€
Most fighters defend based on what they think is coming. A smart feint forces a predictable reaction:
- π They look at your shoulders and eyes
- π§± They raise guard or brace
- 𦡠They shift weight to check or step back
Thatβs your timing window. You donβt chase the kick β you collect the reaction, then step kick into the space they give you.
3. Key Details: Eyes/Shoulder Feint (No Big Motion) π
In KKB, the feint is small and sharp. The best feints look like βnothingβ β but they force a reaction.
- ποΈ Eyes first: glance at the target (body line) for half a second
- π§ Shoulder second: tiny shoulder twitch like a jab/cross loading
- π§€ Hands stay honest: guard stays up (no dropping)
- π§ Stay relaxed: tension kills speed + timing
Rule: If your feint is big enough for the crowd to notice, itβs too big. π
4. Distance & Set-Up Rules (So It Lands Clean) π
Most people miss step kicks because they start from the wrong range.
- β Start at jab range (you can touch with jab without leaning)
- β Step kick lands best when you step into the pocket after the feint
- β Your base foot slides first, then hip turns (donβt jump)
- β After contact, recover fast (kick returns to stance)
Quick cue: βFeint β step β kick β reset.β Clean and calm.
5. The Drill: 3 Γ 8 Reps (Exact Plan) β
This is the exact structure you asked for, designed for timing traps, not power.
| Set | Reps | Focus | Coaching Cue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Set 1 | 8 | π Reaction | Eyes + shoulder feint, tiny motion |
| Set 2 | 8 | π Distance | Step in clean, no jump, no reach |
| Set 3 | 8 | 𦡠Recovery | Kick lands + fast reset to guard |
Rest: 45β60 seconds between sets. Intensity: 60β70% power, 90% technique.
6. Combos After the Step Kick (Follow-Ups) π₯
Step kick is often the first key that unlocks the combo. Use simple follow-ups:
- Option A (safe): Feint β Step Kick β Exit angle β©οΈ
- Option B (pressure): Feint β Step Kick β Jab-Cross π₯
- Option C (damage): Feint β Step Kick β Body kick π¦΅
- Option D (close range): Feint β Step Kick β Step in β Knee π¦΅
Important: Donβt βadmireβ the kick. Either exit or add one clean follow-up.
7. Common Mistakes (And Fixes) π«
- β Big feint / acting β β tiny eyes + shoulder only
- β Leaning forward β β step in with base, stay upright
- β Jumping into the kick β β slide step, keep balance
- β Dropping hands β β guard stays high during feint + kick
- β Slow recovery β β kick returns fast, stance ready
8. Progressions: Easy β Hard π
- β Level 1: Shadow boxing only (feint β step kick β reset)
- β Level 2: On pads (coach calls reaction timing)
- β Level 3: Partner drill with light defense (partner βshowsβ guard reaction)
- β Level 4: Controlled sparring: score only with feint β step kick
If you want it to work in fights, train it with a reaction β not just repetition.
9. Keep Building Your KKB System π
Link this drill inside your technique silo so readers keep clicking and learning:
- π Full technique hub: Kun Khmer Techniques
- π§ Feint reading drill: Feint to Jab (Read Reaction)
- π¦Ά Footwork foundation: Step In / Step Out Footwork
- β©οΈ Exit angles: Angle Exit Drill
- π₯ Shadow base: Shadow Boxing KKB
- π₯ Weekly system: KKB Weekly Training Schedule
10. FAQ β
Where should the step kick land?
Most of the time: body line (midsection), arms/guard line, or the space they step into. The goal is clean contact + balance, not wild power.
How small should the feint be?
Small enough that you stay balanced and protected. Use eyes + shoulder like a βmicro-load.β If your feint makes you slow, itβs too big.
How often should I train this drill?
2β4 times per week is perfect. Add it to warm-up shadow boxing, then confirm it on pads or partner drills.
Why do I keep missing the step kick?
Usually range. Start from jab range and step in first. Donβt reach with the leg. Step β kick β reset.
Is this good for beginners?
Yes, if you keep it light and technical. Beginners should focus on balance, guard, and clean recovery before power.

