Since the 1970's, taekwondo has undergone a significant evolution in both form and style. Perhaps the most striking change has been the development and refinement of taekwondo's devastating spinning kicks. Twenty years ago, spinning kicks were considered too risky for all but the most experienced competitors. It was the era of power taekwondo when knockouts were frequent and the roundhouse and side kicks ruled. Spinning kicks were too slow and too obvious to penetrate the defenses of a skilled fighter. However, with the advent of modern footwork and the refinement of strategic maneuvers, spinning kicks have become the most powerful and dangerous kicks in the taekwondo competitor's arsenal.

The back kick is one of the most powerful kicks in taekwondo, but it is often neglected because it can be risky if done incorrectly. Using the back kick as a counterattack against a roundhouse or axe kick is an excellent means of scoring. This article will describe a few of the most popular offensive and defensive uses of the back kick in taekwondo competition.