How to Do an L-stance in Taekwondo

The L-stance (or back stance) in taekwondo works well for kicking off your front leg. It's also a good defensive stance to counter attacks from the side. Your feet appear in the shape of an L, thus its name. Your back leg holds most of your weight, so some practitioners call it a back stance.

Instructions

    • 1

      Turn your right foot out 15 degrees while in a standing position. It will be sideways and shape the bottom part of the L-formation.

    • 2

      Take a medium step forward with your left leg, foot pointing straight ahead. The distance between your feet can vary depending on instructors, but shoulder-width to shoulder-and-a-half width is a good guide.

    • 3

      Check the back of your heels to see that they are aligned, completing the L-formation. Your right foot should point at about 3 o'clock; your left foot at about 12 o'clock.

    • 4

      Bend both knees, but distribute about 70 percent of your weight onto your back leg. You should feel as if you are leaning back a bit (back stance).

    • 5

      Engage your abs and keep your back straight with all taekwondo stances.

    • 6

      Place your arms down and out from your sides with your hands in loose fists. Some advanced taekwondo forms require different positioning of the hands.