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Kick Ball Change: How to Do the Step, Count and Common Mistakes

The Kick Ball Change is a classic, beginner-friendly move that you will encounter everywhere from energetic jazz dance routines to your favorite country line dancing classes. It is a quick, three-part step that shifts your weight rapidly, giving your dancing a snappy, rhythmic feel. You will love how easily it links different moves together on the dance floor.

Step card

Count
1-and-2
Level
Beginner
In short
Kick, step on the ball of that foot, change weight to the other foot

The timing

step (weight change) touch, kick or sound hold

How to do it

  1. Start by standing with your feet together and your weight on your left foot.
  2. On count 1, kick your right foot forward without putting any weight on it.
  3. On the 'and' count, step down lightly onto the ball of your right foot.
  4. On count 2, quickly shift your weight onto your left foot, stepping in place.
  5. Hold for the final 'and' count before moving into your next step.

Tips

  • Keep your kicks low and controlled so you can easily shift your weight to the ball of your foot.
  • Stay light on your feet by keeping a soft bend in your knees throughout the entire movement.
  • Count the rhythm out loud as 'one, and, two' to help your body internalize the quick timing.

Common mistakes

  • Kicking too high. Keep your kick below knee level to ensure you have enough time to step down on the beat.
  • Stepping flat footed. Make sure you land only on the ball of your foot during the middle step to keep the transition fast.
  • Forgetting the weight change. Actively press your weight onto the second foot on count two so your first foot is free to move again.

Variations and practice

  • Practice traveling slightly backward or forward on the weight change instead of staying perfectly in place.
  • Try a cross ball change by kicking forward, stepping on the ball of your foot, and crossing your other foot over the front.

Related steps

When to check in with a doctor or physical therapist

  • Pain in a knee, ankle or hip that sharpens when you turn, pivot or land
  • Dizziness, chest discomfort or unusual shortness of breath
  • Pain that is still there the next day or keeps coming back after practice

General information, not medical advice. If you have a heart, joint or balance condition, are pregnant or are returning after an injury, check with your doctor or physical therapist before starting a new dance workout.

How this page was made. Step data (count, timing pattern, level, styles) compiled by the Rhythm Desk from common teaching practice; counts can differ between teachers. Text drafted with AI assistance and checked by the Rhythm Desk; see how we write. Last checked October 2026.