Most kicks and a lot of other karate techniques can be delivered in both kiage (snap), and kekomi (thrust) form, in the case of the yoko geri (side kick) the kicks are completely different, while they both still use the sokuto (edge) of the foot, the targets are different, and the way the kicks are delivered are also different.
At this stage both kicks still use the kiba dachi (horse stance), but this will change after this grade to the zenkutsu dachi (front stance), using the kiba dachi (horse stance) for now, will help to ensure the correct part of the foot is used to deliver the kicks.
YOKO GERI KIAGE
(SIDE SNAP KICK)
Start this kick in exactly the same way as the yoko geri (side kick) in the 9th kyu grading. From kiba dachi (horse stance), stepping through and bringing the foot up in line with the supporting leg, this time allow the knee of the kicking leg to slightly move forward in the same direction as the intended kick while raising it, then allow the kicking foot to travel in an arc to arrive at the target just as the leg is straightened. The supporting foot does not move or turn, it stays exactly where it is. This kick must snap into the target, and snap back out again before landing foreword with the same leg in kiba dachi (horse stance) once again. As with the basic yoko geri (side kick) in the 9th kyu grading the foot must stay in line with the supporting leg. The arms are used in exactly the same way as the basic yoko geri (side kick) in the 9th kyu grading. The main targets for this kick are under the throat, under the armpit, under the muscles and elbow of an out stretched arm, and the groin, muscles and knee of an outstretched leg.
Most common faults with yoko geri kiage
1. Not using the sokoto (edge) of the foot.
2. Failing to snap the foot in or out of the kick.
3. Not using the arms properly to guard.
4. Poor stances.
5. Allowing the foot to move out of line with the supporting leg.
YOKO GERI KEKOMI
(SIDE THRUST KICK)
Again start this kick in exactly the same way as before. From kiba dachi (horse stance) step through and bring the foot up in front of the supporting leg, but this time don’t allow the knee of the kicking leg to move forwards, you wont to keep it as close to the body as possible so that it has more travel and picks up more speed for making contact. The sokoto (edge) of the foot is now thrust straight out to the target. This is achieved by allowing the foot of the supporting leg to turn away on contact and encouraging the hip of the supporting leg to drive the kick into the target, the foot is momentarily held in the kicking position for less than a second before returning to a kiba dachi (horse stance). The arms are once again used in the same guarding position as before. A good exercise for higher grades is to have them kick kiage, kekomi (snap thrust) with the same leg before putting it down, it will test strength and balance in the legs
Most common faults with yoko geri kekomi
1. Failing to use the sokoto (edge) of the foot.
2. Not turning the supporting foot.
3. Failing to use the hip to thrust the kick into the target.
4. Not using the arms properly to guard.
5. Poor stances.
6. Not keeping the foot in line with the supporting leg.
7. Failing to lock the foot for a split second before returning it.