The Side Snap kick is a very fast (as the name implies) and strong kick. The kick flies out from the side to hit the opponent anywhere on there body, from head down to knee. This kick is performed when you are facing your opponent "side on".
Execution
The Side Snap kick can be practiced either from a natural/ready stance or from a forward stance. Shift your weight to the leg that will NOT be kicking. Raise and
chamber your kicking foot. Begin to extend the kick by extending the leg to the side. As the foot is moving out, pivot the ankle so that the bottom of the foot is
always as parallel with the floor as possible. Also, remember to keep the toes curled up and angled slightly back towards you, as you will striking with the blade of
the foot.
As the kick is extending, you may need the counterbalance by leaning back SLIGHTLY. Also, while the foot is moving out, pivot on your base foot. When the kick is extended, you want your the heel of your base foot to be pointing at your opponent. Once the kick is finshed, retract it IMMEDIATELY (you don't want the foot hanging out in space waiting to be grabbed, do you?!?). After the kick, do not drop the foot right down to the floor. Instead, retract it to the chamber (you may need to kick again), re-pivot your base heel and then place the foot on the floor and return to your stance.
Safety Note: When performing the snap kick, do not lock out the knee! Too much of this could lead to hyperextension of the knee joint (it's pretty painful, believe me). Extend the kick as far as possible, but keep just the slightest bend in the knee.
