Straight Leg Kickback
Learn how to perform Straight Leg Kickback, a Legs exercise, with setup, breathing and common mistakes.
Straight Leg Kickback · Preview
Setup
Set up on your hands and knees in a quadruped position. Brace your core to keep your lower back from arching.
Start phase
Lift one leg straight back with the knee extended. Drive the leg from your glute while keeping your hips square.
End phase
Slowly bring the leg back to the starting position. Keep your glute engaged until just before your foot touches the floor.
Target muscles
Feel your glute squeeze briefly. Glute tension matters more than how high your foot rises.
Common mistakes
Arching your lower back to lift the leg higher makes your back tense first. Shorten the range if needed, but prioritize hip alignment and a stable torso.
Breathing
Exhale as you lift your leg and inhale as you return. Keep your core braced while breathing steadily.
Coach tip
Pause for 1 second at the top to feel the glute contraction more clearly. Use the same range and tempo on both sides to stay balanced.
