Table 1.

Categories, codes, and categorical core of the observational tool used.

Criteria	Categories	Code	Categorical core or description
Tactics	Direct attack	DIA	Offensive action with the objective of scoring, ending with an impact on the opponent but without previous movement
	Indirect attack	INA	Offensive action in order to score, ending with an impact on the opponent and with previous movement such as a step, skip, opening, guard change, kicking trajectory modification, etc.
	Anticipated counterattack	ACA	Action that starts during the opponent's attack with the purpose of scoring. The athlete kicks the attacker during the preparatory phase (guard) and/or initial phase (when the opponent's knee is being raised)
	Simultaneous counterattack	SCA	Action that starts at the same time as the opponent's attack and has a scoring purpose. The athlete kicks at the same time as the opponent. Thus, the counter attacker kicks at the end of the attacker's initial phase (leg raised) or during the impact momentum (impact phase) of the attacker's kick
	Posterior counterattack	PCA	Action that begins after the opponent's attack (during the descending phase, or when attacker's leg touches the ground) with a scoring purpose. Athletes kick at the same time. This action (sometimes) includes a previous backward displacement to dodge the opponent's attack
	Opening	OPE	Movement to control the distance with the opponent or bridge the gap between both competitors
	Block	BLO	Defensive actions to avoid the impact of a kick by placing one arm or leg between the protector and the leg of the opponent. This does not have a scoring objective
	Dodge	DOD	Defensive actions to avoid the impact of a kick by placing one arm or leg between the protector and the leg of the opponent. This does not have a scoring objective
	Cut	CUT	Defensive forward movement to avoid being beaten by a close opponent, and to prevent the attacking action from being completed. This does not have a scoring objective
Techniques	Linear	LIN	The kicking leg is directed toward the front of the opponent's body with a pushing motion in an attempt to kick the opponent with the sole of the foot
	Circular	CIR	The kicking leg is directed toward the opponent's side, with a circular movement in an attempt to kick the opponent with the instep
	Spin	GIR	Action performed with a previous rotation, at least 180° from the initial position, before kicking the opponent
Kicking zone	Trunk	PET	Kick to permitted areas of the trunk
	Head	CAB	Kick to permitted areas of the head
Score	0 points	SC0	Action does not impact on the permitted areas, or impacts in these areas but not with enough force to score
	1 point	SC1	Score obtained by a valid action performed to the trunk with a linear or circular technique
	2 points	SC2	Score obtained by a valid action performed to the trunk using a spin beforehand (in 2012)
	3 points	SC3	Score obtained by a valid action performed to the head with a linear or circular technique or spinning technique to the chest (in 2016)
	4 points	SC4	Score obtained by a valid action performed to the head using a spin beforehand