Biomechanics of the Cheat-900

Understanding the Cheat-900 Kick: A Beginner's Guide

The Cheat-900 is a flashy kick that requires the athlete to spin 360 degrees on the ground for the cheat step, then 360 degrees in the air, before performing the round kick. Don't ask where the last 180 degrees come from; it's complicated! But don’t worry, I’ll break it down for you step by step.

The Take Off

Similar to tricks like the Cheat 720 (hook), the 540 round, and the Jackknife, the basic setup for tricking kicks is the Cheat Step.

Cheat Step (Set Up)

1. Wind Up: Start by winding your body in the opposite direction of travel and rotation. This action helps you use your body like a slingshot, pulling back before launching forward.

   
   

2. Unwind: Unwind your body by externally rotating your left hip and rotating your torso in the same direction. This generates the necessary rotational force.

   
   

3. Extend Arms: Keep your arms extended while rotating. This can help increase the rotational forces acting on your body. Internally rotate your right hip as you prepare to jump.

   
   

4. Swing Out: As your right leg contacts the ground for the last time, swing your left leg outward in the rotational direction. Your arms should also swing in the same direction, ready to assist in the jump.

   
   

5. Jump: Once you’re facing your target (like the camera in the photo), swing your left leg and arms upward by flexing your hip and shoulders. This generates upward force, making it easier to jump off the ground.

   
   

Note: The first 360 degrees are done during the cheat step; 540 degrees to go!

The Cheat-900 showcases a roundhouse kick after 900 degrees of spinning: 360 degrees on the ground while performing the cheat step and 540 degrees in the air.

Mid-Air Mechanics

1. Twisting Posture in Mid-Air: After jumping off the floor from the cheat step, the athlete should already be facing the target. Keep the jumping leg (which is also the kicking leg) straight by extending the hip and knee. Your torso should remain extended. Keep your arms close to your body to maintain a narrow but tall shape.

   
   

2. Non-Kicking Leg: The non-kicking leg can remain flexed or extended next to the jumping leg. Keeping it flexed is easier for beginners as it minimizes the change of posture and actions needed.

   
   

3. Spotting: Spotting the target before take-off and again in the air after twisting is crucial for stability and knowing when to perform the kick.

   
   

4. When to Kick: The kick is performed in the air, with the knowledge of executing a 540-degree spin. Kick at the 360-degree mark when the entire front side of your body is facing the target. It’s a good idea to practice the spin in the air without the kick first.

   
   

5. How to Kick: Once you’re facing the target mid-air, flex the kicking hip and knee (the chamber) without delay. As your body completes the last 180 degrees of the 900 degrees, extend the knee of the kicking leg towards the target. Both legs should abduct away from each other, allowing you to perform a clean roundhouse kick at the intended target.

   
   

6. The Landing: While the legs are apart during the kick, the landing leg should externally rotate to point the toes down for a safe and soft landing. Keep your knees and hips slightly flexed to protect your joints.

   
   

Strength and Conditioning

Tricks that require a lot of twisting rely heavily on core strength and limb control, especially in the legs. Building a solid foundation is essential.

1. Copenhagen Side Planks

Copenhagen side planks are fantastic for building core stability. In this exercise, you keep your body straight while lying on your side, supported by one arm and one leg. The supporting leg is the one at the top. For example, if you lie on your left side, your right leg should support your body. This trains your leg to adduct while holding your body up, teaching you how to "squeeze your legs together" while building the strength to do so during spins in the air.

2. Single-Leg Hops

Single-leg hops build explosiveness in your one-leg jumping ability. This exercise trains your strength to absorb forces and redirect them for another jump. It also helps protect your joints from the high forces involved in a 900 landing.

The Importance of Flexibility

Flexibility plays a vital role in executing the Cheat-900 kick. A flexible body allows for a greater range of motion, which is essential for high kicks and complex movements. Incorporate stretching routines into your training to improve your flexibility. Focus on your hips, legs, and lower back, as these areas are crucial for executing the kick effectively.

Stretching Techniques

1. Dynamic Stretching: Before your training sessions, engage in dynamic stretches to warm up your muscles. Leg swings, hip circles, and torso twists can help prepare your body for the movements ahead.

   
   

2. Static Stretching: After your training, perform static stretches to maintain and improve your flexibility. Hold each stretch for at least 20-30 seconds, focusing on the major muscle groups used in tricking.

   
   

Building Mental Resilience

Tricking is not just about physical ability; it’s also a mental game. Building mental resilience can help you overcome challenges and improve your performance. Here are some tips:

1. Visualization: Before attempting the Cheat-900, visualize yourself executing the move perfectly. Imagine the take-off, the spin, the kick, and the landing. This mental rehearsal can boost your confidence.

   
   

2. Set Goals: Set achievable goals for your training. Whether it’s mastering the Cheat-900 or improving your overall technique, having clear objectives can keep you motivated.

   
   

3. Stay Positive: Embrace mistakes as part of the learning process. A positive mindset can help you bounce back from setbacks and keep pushing forward.

   
   

Conclusion

The Cheat-900, although it seems simple, requires attention to detail. It demands a disciplined body with enough strength to maintain a specific shape while spinning in the air. You also need body control and awareness to kick in the correct direction. So, are you ready to take your kicking skills to the next level? Let’s get started!

For more training options, check out our Kicks of Fury sessions and elevate your skills even further!