BASIC ELBOWS
Horizontal Elbow – The horizontal elbow is an elbow that is thrown horizontally at an opponent. The strike is usually aimed at the lower jaw or the chin of an elbow. If the elbow lands, it will usually have devastating effect because of the momentum behind the elbow. Another target you can aim for is the side of your opponent’s head in the temple area.
Uppercut Elbow – The Uppercut elbow is an elbow technique that is used to penetrate the high guard of an opponent. Unlike the horizontal elbow which can easily be blocked by an opponent’s guard, the uppercut elbow is a technique that is designed to pierce right down the middle of a guard.
Forward Elbow Thrust – Like the Uppercut elbow, the forward thrust elbow is a technique that is designed to pierce through the guard of an opponent. The elbow is designed to be able to penetrate between a very tight Muay Thai guard and cut an opponent. This is one of the best elbows for cutting the forward of opponents because it is vicious in its execution of the elbow.
Slashing Elbow – The slashing elbow is another basic elbow that is extremely effective in Muay thai. The slashing elbow is a technique that is designed to slash the guard of an opponent and cut above the eye. If it lands on any part of an opponent’s face it will cause damage. Generating your full momentum behind the elbow strike can cause a lot of damage to the opponent.
ADVANCED ELBOWS
Backwards Elbow – The backwards elbow is an elbow strike that comes under an opponent and strikes upward aiming at the chin. This is a strike that can have devastating effect if you are able to land it cleanly on the opponent.
The Downward Jumping Elbow – This technique is just like the forward thrust elbow but it has a jumping motion with the elbow. This is a great elbow that you can use to close the distance from an opponent and land surprise strike against them.
Spinning Back Elbow – The back elbow is one of the more popular elbow techniques among westerners. The back elbow strike is an elbow that should be set up properly in order to land on an opponent. They are particularly effective if an opponent is coming forward and you throw the strike right away. If you telegraph the elbow and opponent can simply lean back to avoid.
Diagonal Elbow
The diagonal elbow is a tricky elbow that comes through in the clinch position. This is an elbow that you can throw when you are right up close to your opponent and aim for their chin. If you land this elbow on target it will render them unconscious. The diagonal elbow is difficult to block because of the distance and position of the elbow.
Downward Elbow Chop
The downward elbow chop is a technique that is great for splitting the forehead of an opponent open during a fight. This elbow chop comes down in a chopping motion and is very effective if you can close the distance on the opponent. It can go above the opponent guard and land or it can go through the middle of an opponent’s guard.
Reverse Horizontal Elbow
The reverse horizontal elbow is a technique that is utilized after you miss a forward elbow, you come back to the side and reverse the elbow. This is a technique that is difficult to pull off and is a very advanced technique that can be utilized in fights.
Double Chop Elbow
The double chop elbow is a technique that utilizes both elbows in the attack. It is a very difficult technique to pull off and it doesn’t generate as much power as the other elbow techniques that you have at your disposal. The double chop elbow is something that you can use when you are ahead of your opponent on points and want to showcase your dominance in the fight.