Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The snap-back strike is specifically designed for delivering multiple quick actions to a subject. This technique involves a rapid motion where the striker quickly retracts or "snaps back" their hand or foot after making contact, allowing for immediate follow-up actions without needing to reset their position completely. This speed and efficiency make it effective in situations where quick successive strikes are necessary, such as in self-defense or restraining a subject who poses a threat. The focus on rapid execution allows for maintaining control of the encounter and helps in incapacitating a subject or creating an opportunity to escape.

In contrast, the other types of strikes mentioned have different dynamics: penetrating strikes are typically designed for deep impact, thrusting strikes focus on a forward motion to pierce through defenses, and swinging strikes emphasize momentum and power over speed, which may not allow for as quick of a succession of strikes. Therefore, the snap-back strike is uniquely suited for scenarios requiring rapid response and multiple strike applications.