In this lesson, you will learn how to do a Wushu back sweep. In Mandarin Chinese, it is called "Hòu Sǎo". The back sweep is a fundamental Wushu leg technique and should be practiced in every training session.
There are two main types of Wushu sweeps: the front sweep and the back sweep. The back sweep begins and ends in a Wushu bow stance, and the rotation is 360°. Unlike the front sweep, placing your hands on the floor is allowed.
Before learning the Wushu back sweep, make sure you are familiar with the five basic Wushu stances.
Execution
- Start in a Wushu bow stance with your left leg forward. Extend both hands in front of your chest, arms parallel, elbows straight, palms facing forward, and fingertips pointing up.
- Lower into a flat stance (Wushu Pu Bu) while bringing both hands toward your right knee.
- This position builds torso tension, which is used to initiate the sweep. Touch the floor with your hands (under your right knee), then release the tension in your torso to begin a clockwise sweep.
- After completing the 360° rotation, put pressure on your sweeping leg to return to a bow stance.
- End position: the left palm points straight forward, and the right arm is extended behind your back, forming a crane-like pose.
Advice
- Practice and stretch both your Wushu bow stance and Wushu flat stance regularly.
- Try to stand up from a left flat stance without using your hands or putting pressure on the extended leg—this will help improve your balance and leg strength.
Videos/Images
- Wushu Back Sweep – Hòu Sǎo
- Back Sweep Practice in a Wushu Class
