I see this shit in movies all the time and it always just looks insane to me. Even just basic physics should mean that the equal and opposite reaction of one skull banging into the other would knock each person out equally. How does this ever work? The character always walks away like some badass as if they wouldn’t have some major concussion and are invincible. The only use of this I ever appreciated was the parody in an Adam Sandler movie where the guy did it and did actually pass out from it.
In: Physics
Headbutting works because (1) you’ve tensed your neck muscles, (2) because your forehead bones are very hard, and (3) you typically aim your forehead at a painful area. (Edit: there is a very painful spot at the top between your eyebrows, but it is difficult to strike.)
Your opponent likely has not tensed their neck muscles to counter the impact. I’ve experimented with this in martial arts, and believe me when I say that a prepared opponent can feel like running into a cliff wall (even if their name isn’t “Cliff”). And if you manage to place your aim on, say, the bridge of their nose, it will be far more painful to them.
Latest Answers