Unit 3 Defensive Tactics Techniques - Lesson 8 Blocks and Strikes PDF

Unit 3 Defensive Tactics Techniques Lesson 8 Blocks and Strikes Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will be able to demonstrate blocking techniques and properly executed and effective strikes to distract, incapacitate, or gain control of a subject. Blocks Blocks are reaction technique...

Unit 3 Defensive Tactics Techniques Lesson 8 Blocks and Strikes Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will be able to demonstrate blocking techniques and properly executed and effective strikes to distract, incapacitate, or gain control of a subject. Blocks Blocks are reaction techniques using the arms, legs, or body to deflect or redirect an impending strike from a subject to areas of the body. This lesson covers blocks to defend the upper and mid areas of the body. ✅ HL438.1. Demonstrate blocking techniques Upper Area Block In the upper area, use the arms to protect from the neckline to the top of the head. The officer can transition to another action, such as counterstrikes. (See Figure 4-34) Figure 4-34 Upper area block Chapter 4 Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics / 263 Mid Area Block In the mid area, use the arms to protect the torso and the face. The officer can transition to another action, such as counterstrikes. (See Figure 4-35) Figure 4-35 Mid area block 264 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (HL): Volume 2 Strikes An empty-hand striking technique is any impact technique using hands, arms, elbows, feet, legs, knees, or head to strike a subject in an offensive or defensive situation. The entire body can be used as a weapon. This could include punching, hitting, kicking, or slapping. Figure 4-36 Empty hand target areas ✅ HL438.2. Identify target areas for empty-hand strikes Striking techniques have specific target areas. Some target areas involve nerve motor points in muscles. When struck, the impact may cause disruption of nerve tissue leading to incapacitation or motor dysfunction. Temporary motor dysfunction is a type of incapacitation that causes temporary impairment of muscle control, such as a cramp. Strikes to the skeletal structure are also effective. Chapter 4 Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics / 265  Target Areas—Empty-Hand Strikes DF means deadly force, and NDF means non-deadly force. (See Figure 4-36) The expected effect of NDF strikes is to disable or cause temporary motor dysfunction. Front of Shoulder (NDF)—Strike with an empty hand. Top of Forearm (NDF)—Strike with an empty hand. Inside of Forearm (NDF)—Strike with an empty hand. Outside of Thigh (NDF)—Strike with an empty hand, leg, or knee. Inside of Thigh (NDF)—Strike with an empty hand, leg, or knee. Center of Abdomen (NDF)—Strike with an empty hand. Top of Calf (NDF)—Strike with an empty hand, foot, knee, or leg. Chest (NDF)—Strike with an empty hand. Side of Neck (NDF)—Strike with an empty hand. Head (NDF)—Strike with an empty hand. Strikes to certain areas of the head have the potential for injury depending on the amount of force used. Throat (DF)—Strike with an empty hand. Striking the throat is considered deadly force. Eyes (NDF)—Strike with an empty hand. Striking the eyes is considered non-deadly force, but gouging the eyes is considered deadly force. Groin (NDF)—Strike with an empty hand, knee, or leg. Striking a subject in the groin may be an effective escape from a close-quarter body hold. There are two methods of delivering strikes: penetration and snap-back. A penetrating strike is typically used to strike a muscle. The penetration of the muscle and nerves in the target area results in a full transfer of kinetic energy that increases the power of the strike. All targets are struck with the intention of preventing or stopping aggressive action. A snap-back strike is delivered and then retracted very quickly, thus enabling multiple strikes, creat- ing distance, setting up the next techniques, and causing distraction to the subject. A snap-back may be delivered with any body part used for striking, kicking, punching, and so on. A boxer’s jab is one example of a snap-back. Swinging and thrusting are two types of strikes. A swinging strike generates less power on impact due to the greater amount of surface area of the target. A thrusting strike magnifies the delivered power due to the smaller surface area making contact with the target area. Two variables account for the amount of power generated in a strike; the amount of mass delivered with the striking weapon (that is, fist, foot, baton) and the velocity (speed) at which it is delivered. 266 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (HL): Volume 2 To generate maximum power effectively, you need a wide stable stance. Twist your upper torso and hips into the strike to allow the maximum amount of mass to complement the striking weapon. The faster the strike, the more power you will generate. This section covers several types of striking and kicking techniques: palm heel strike elbow strike punches knee strike hammer fist strike front kick backfist strike angle kick ✅ HL438.3. Demonstrate striking techniques Palm Heel Strike You can use the palm heel strike to defuse a situation and gain control of a subject. This strike may be delivered to the center of the subject’s chest primarily as a diversion technique or to the face as an incapacitating technique. 1. Use loud, clear verbal commands throughout the application of the technique. 2. Assume an appropriate position. 3. Identify the target area. 4. Thrust the hand forward, striking the target area with the palm heel of the hand. 5. Rotate your shoulders and hips to deliver the strike. 6. Follow up with the appropriate action(s). (See Figure 4-37) Figure 4-37 Palm heel strike Chapter 4 Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics / 267 Punches You can punch to gain control of a situation by stunning the subject before using other techniques, such as a takedown followed by handcuffing. 1. Use loud, clear verbal commands throughout the application of the technique. 2. Assume an appropriate position. 3. Identify the target area. 4. Make a fist. To make a proper fist, roll the fingers, tuck, and lock into the palm of the hand with thumb pressure. 5. Use the knuckles to strike the specific target area. 6. Follow up with the appropriate action(s). (See Figure 4-38) You can use punches from multiple angles and deliver punches to different areas of the body. Examples include jabs, crosses, hooks, upper cuts, overhands, and strikes with the back of the hand, forearm, or knuckles, or a variety of combinations. Figure 4-38 Punches 268 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (HL): Volume 2 Hammer Fist Strike The hammer fist strike is one of the most powerful strikes you can use. A properly delivered strike usually causes the subject to release their grip in a situation where the subject suddenly grabs your wrist, equipment, or part of your clothing. Using a hammer fist temporarily disables the subject and lets you escalate, de-escalate, or disengage. 1. Use loud, clear verbal commands throughout the application of the technique. 2. Assume an appropriate position. 3. Identify the target area. 4. Make a fist. 5. Use the bottom of the fist to strike the target area. 6. Follow up with the appropriate action(s). (See Figure 4-39) Figure 4-39 Hammer fist strike Chapter 4 Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics / 269 Backfist Strike When attacking from the rear, a properly delivered backfist strike can often give you a tactical advantage and may incapacitate or break the concentration of the attacker. 1. Use loud, clear verbal commands throughout the application of the technique. 2. Assume an appropriate position. 3. Identify the target area. 4. Make a fist. 5. Use the back of the fist to strike the target area. 6. Follow up with the appropriate action(s). (See Figure 4-40) Figure 4-40 Backfist strike 270 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (HL): Volume 2 Elbow Strike You can use the elbow strike as an initial or follow-up strike to incapacitate the subject and create distance when you are close to the subject. This strike is not executed with the tip of the elbow but with the area of the arm about 1 inch below or above the elbow. 1. Use loud, clear verbal commands throughout the application of the technique. 2. Assume an appropriate position. 3. Identify the target area. 4. Make a proper fist. 5. Bend your elbow to a 90o angle. 6. Rotate your shoulders and hips to deliver the strike. 7. Follow up with the appropriate action(s). (See Figure 4-41) Figure 4-41 Elbow strike Chapter 4 Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics / 271 Knee Strike You can use the knee strike when you are near a resistant or combative subject. Use it to gain control or distance. 1. Use loud, clear verbal commands throughout the application of the technique. 2. Assume an appropriate position. 3. Identify the target area. 4. Drive your knee forward into the target area. 5. Follow up with the appropriate action(s). (See Figure 4-42) Figure 4-42 Knee strike ✅ HL438.4. Demonstrate diversion techniques Some strikes may be used as a diversion technique. Diversion is a technique that interrupts the subject’s concentration so that energy is redirected from the current focus. Diversion techniques can be used to gain space when you are held in a close-quarter body hold and can assist in apply- ing other defensive tactics, such as takedowns and transporters. In certain situations, any strike can be used as a diversion. 272 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (HL): Volume 2 ✅ HL438.5. Demonstrate kicking techniques Front Kick When an aggressive subject advances toward you, use the front kick to stop the subject’s forward momentum. 1. Use loud, clear verbal commands throughout the application of the technique. 2. Transfer your balance to the support leg. 3. Lifting the knee, snap the foot forward. 4. Strike the target with either the ball or bridge of the foot. 5. Follow up with the appropriate action(s). (See Figure 4-43) Figure 4-43 Front kick Chapter 4 Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics / 273 Angle Kick The angle kick can disable a subject who begins to attack you. For maximum effectiveness, use a penetrating strike. This kick can be delivered without getting close to the subject. 1. Use loud, clear verbal commands throughout the application of the technique. 2. Transfer your balance to the support leg. 3. Lift the knee of the kicking leg and rotate the hip. 4. Either snap or thrust the leg toward the target area. 5. Strike the target with the shin or top of the foot. 6. Follow up with the appropriate action(s). (See Figure 4-44) Figure 4-44 Angle kicks 274 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (HL): Volume 2