Defensive Tactics
Defensive attack
If you decide to stand your ground, always initiate an offensive movement of your own just as your opponent moves into range. Long-range linear kicks, such as front and side kicks are effective counters to opponents at long range. Round, hook, and heel kicks may let the opponent slip inside and score. Axe and push kicks may also be effective, but they leave you vulnerable if unsuccessful. The idea is to hit your opponent before he or she hits you, or at least to hit with more force. When you are in a defensive mode, a simultaneous counterattack is seldom expected. The key in delivering this defensive attack is to initiate your technique at the exact moment the opponent begins his or her attack; then it is too late for the attacker to change techniques. If your defensive attack is too early, your opponent may have time to adjust and possibly pull you into a counterattack. If your defensive attack is too late, you may walk into the attacking technique.
Defend/Evade
Alternate between defending and evading before launching a defensive attack. As your opponent tries to strike, use your footwork to evade. The more often you evade attacks rather than countering them, the more frustrated and aggressive your opponent may get. Then, when the opponent is drawn into the belief you are not counterattacking, you catch him or her off guard when you stand your ground with a defensive attack. If constantly defend or avoid attacks, you allow your opponent to maintain superiority of the match. To avoid attacks and regain ring superiority, sidestep or circle your opponent. Never move straight back unless you plan to counter or sidestep within the first two backward steps. If you do counter, but do not connect solidly, add an additional attack to drive your opponent backward. If you do connect solidly, then circle to avoid a counterattack. This allows the judges to keep your previous strong blow in mind.
Sidestep
One effective avoidance movement is the sidestep. If you need to move right to avoid your opponent, push off with your lead leg into the same stance but further to the right. If you need to move left, push off with your rear leg, and then switch your stance as you slide to the left. Be sure to shift both feet simultaneously, keeping them as close to the floor as possible and as evenly as possible. Be conscious of exactly where your move will place you. Ideally, you want to position yourself for a kick counterattack. The step and kick should be performed simultaneously. Step diagonally, not horizontally; stepping slightly forward and to the right or left, or slightly backward to the right or left.