Kick and Strike are both cross-sport athletic movements that people often meet — and mix up — together. This page sets out, from each movement's own definition, how they differ, what they share, and how to tell them apart.
How they differ
A kick is a strike performed with the foot or leg rather than the hand, arm or an implement; the two share proximal-to-distal sequencing but differ in the contact segment and in the single-leg balance demand.
Both are ballistic impacts built on a proximal-to-distal kinetic chain, but a strike is delivered with the hand, arm, head or a hand-held implement, whereas a kick uses the foot or leg.
What they share
- Both build on the rotation and lunge pattern.
- Both develop power, balance and coordination.
- Both work the abdominals and obliques.
What each emphasises
Neither is “better” — they simply ask for different things.
Kick
Strike
Explore both movements
Related techniques
Exercises that train them
The science behind them
Common questions
- What is the difference between kick and strike?
- A kick is a strike performed with the foot or leg rather than the hand, arm or an implement; the two share proximal-to-distal sequencing but differ in the contact segment and in the single-leg balance demand.
- Are kick and strike the same movement?
- No — although they are often mentioned together, they are separate movements with their own mechanics. They do share some ground: both build on the rotation and lunge pattern.
Educational, not a verdict
More movement comparisons
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Follow the threads that connect Kick vs Strike to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Movement patterns
- KickA ballistic single-support leg swing that whips force from the plant foot through the hip and knee to strike or propel a ball or target with the foot, distinct from the weight-bearing steps of locomotion.
- StrikeA ballistic, whole-body hitting action that channels ground-generated force through a proximal-to-distal kinetic chain to deliver momentum to a target via the hand, an implement or a body part at the moment of contact.
- BoundAn exaggerated, horizontal springing stride that transfers from one leg to the opposite leg with a long flight phase, amplifying the mechanics of running.
Practice & sessions
Knowledge Atlas
- Explore by EquipmentThe gear of sport — grouped by kind and linked to the sports and beginner guides that use it.
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- Explore by TechniqueThe specific, named ways skills are executed in each sport — linked to the skills, movements and sports behind them.
- Explore by RuleHow sports are governed — the rules, and the officiating and scoring that enforce them.
- Explore by MovementThe fundamental patterns and cross-sport athletic movements the body is built on.
Glossary
- SupersetA superset pairs two exercises performed back-to-back with little or no rest between them.
- EagleIn golf, completing a hole in two strokes fewer than its par.
- Half TimeThe interval that separates the two halves of a match, giving teams a break before they change ends and resume play.
- KnockoutIn combat sports, ending a bout by a strike that leaves the opponent unable to continue.
- OffsideA rule that penalises an attacking player for being in an illegal forward position when the ball is played to them.