1. Stance (Muay Thai Guard/Ready Position)

• Foot Position:
  Start in your Muay Thai stance, with your lead foot forward (left foot for orthodox, right foot for southpaw). Feet are shoulder-width apart, and weight is on the balls of your feet for balance and mobility.
• Knees and Hips:
  Keep your knees slightly bent for balance and quick reaction. Hips should stay relaxed but aligned with your center of gravity to maintain control.
• Hands/Guard:
  Both hands are up in a high guard.
  • Your rear hand protects your chin and jaw.
  • Your lead hand is slightly extended, ready to parry or measure distance.

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2. Preparation (Chambering the Short Teep)

• Target Selection:
  The short foot jab is typically aimed at close-range targets like the stomach, hips, or thighs of an advancing opponent. It is used to disrupt momentum rather than push the opponent far away.
• Weight Shift:
  Shift your weight onto your rear foot to free up the lead leg for the strike. This allows for a quick and fluid motion without losing balance.
• Lift the Knee:
  Raise your lead knee towards your midsection. The motion should be tight and compact, as the short teep relies on speed and timing rather than brute force.

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3. Executing the Short Foot Jab (The Strike)

1. Step 1 – Engage the Hips and Extend the Leg:
   Drive your hips forward as you extend your lead leg in a quick and controlled motion. The hip thrust generates the necessary power even over a short range.
2. Step 2 – Strike with the Ball of the Foot:
   Point your toes downward to expose the ball of your foot. This part of the foot should make contact with the target to ensure precision and effectiveness.
3. Step 3 – Maintain a Compact Upper Body:
   • Lean back slightly to maintain balance and avoid being countered by punches or knees.
   • Your rear hand stays up to guard your chin, and your lead hand helps balance the motion.
4. Step 4 – Follow Through with Control:
   The motion should be sharp and quick. Avoid overextending; the short teep is meant for disruption, not heavy impact.

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4. Footwork and Recovery

1. Retract the Leg Quickly:
   After striking, immediately pull your leg back into your stance to avoid leaving it exposed to sweeps or counters.
2. Reset Your Position:
   Once your leg returns, ensure you are back in your balanced Muay Thai stance to defend or attack again.
3. Adjust Footwork if Necessary:
   If the short teep creates space, step forward or reposition to maintain control of the distance.

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5. Defensive Positioning and Protection

1. Guard Maintenance:
   • Keep your rear hand high throughout the motion to defend against punches or elbows.
   • Your lead hand should stay near the centerline or slightly extended for balance but should return to guard after the strike.
2. Head Position:
   Lean back slightly during the teep to minimize the risk of counters, such as hooks or knees.
3. Compact Motion:
   The short teep’s effectiveness depends on its speed and tight execution. Avoid wide or telegraphed movements that leave you vulnerable.

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6. Follow-Up and Recovery

1. Immediate Return to Guard:
   After executing the short teep, bring both hands back to your guard position and prepare for your opponent’s response.
2. Combination Opportunities:
   Use the short teep to set up follow-ups:
   • A jab-cross combination if the opponent is temporarily disrupted.
   • A low kick to exploit their unstable stance.
   • A transition to a clinch if you’ve closed the distance.
3. Control the Distance:
   The short teep is perfect for halting an opponent’s forward momentum. Use it to dictate the pace and reset the range as needed.

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7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Telegraphing the Strike:
   Avoid excessive movement or preparation before executing the short teep, as this gives your opponent time to react.
2. Dropping Hands:
   Never lower your guard during the strike. This leaves you vulnerable to counters, especially punches or high kicks.
3. Overcommitting:
   Keep the motion tight and controlled. Avoid leaning too far back or thrusting too aggressively, as this can compromise your balance.
4. Incorrect Striking Surface:
   Always strike with the ball of your foot. Using the toes reduces the effectiveness of the strike and risks injury.

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8. Advanced Concepts

1. Teep to Disrupt Timing:
   Use the short teep to interrupt your opponent’s rhythm. This is especially effective when they’re trying to close the distance or set up a combination.
2. Multiple Target Options:
   • Aim at the thigh or hip to disrupt their footing.
   • Use the short teep to the midsection to push them off-balance.
3. Fake and Strike:
   Feint a short teep to bait a reaction, then follow up with a different strike like a round kick or cross.
4. Short Teep as a Counter:
   Time the short teep to stop an advancing opponent in their tracks, using their momentum against them for maximum effect.

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Conclusion

The Short Foot Jab (Teep Noi) is a versatile and effective technique in close-range combat. Its primary goal is to disrupt your opponent’s movement and create openings for follow-up attacks. Proper execution relies on speed, compact motion, and maintaining defensive readiness. Whether used as a counter, a setup, or a way to control the pace, the short teep is an indispensable tool in any Muay Thai fighter’s arsenal.