Snap Decisions
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Thrusting
A thrusting technique is similar to a snapping technique except that a little extra motion is added so the technique penetrates the target 3 to 6 inches more than a snapping technique penetrates. A thrusting technique is basically a deeper penetrating version of a snapping technique. To illustrate the difference between a snap and a thrust, imagine executing a side kick against a drywall in a room. A snapping side kick will break through the drywall quickly with minimum penetration. A thrusting side kick will break through the drywall and penetrate beyond the wall, possibly breaking through the drywall on the opposite side of the wall.
- In boxing, a cross is a thrusting technique.
- Thrusting techniques are linear, which makes them difficult to block but easier to slip.
- In a thrusting technique, the fist or foot moves at about the same speed as a pushing technique but at lesser than a snapping technique. The speed of a thrusting technique may be illustrated using by the motion of a whip. If the whip is slung forward and not snapped backward, the tip of the whip will not make a snapping sound. If the whip is slung onto a person's back, a lesser pain will be felt over a larger area and for a longer time than with the snapping motion described above.
- A thrusting technique has more contact time with the target than does a snapping technique. Therefore, it absorbs more of the reactionary force than does a snapping technique. However, it applies its force for a longer period.
- In a thrusting motion, the body tenses at the moment of impact, maintains the tension for a few milliseconds of thrust, and then relaxes on retraction.
- Thrusting techniques are relatively easy to control when sparring so injuries are reduced.