Usually this is done by changing velocity.

Also if you just change position, there is danger of stucking in walls (and other solid objects, including enemises) or falling/jumping through them (depends on your collision system and level design).

Also you need to configure friction and/or gravity accordingly, so player will not fly into open space after one kick.

If inertial sliding will be too smooth for you, some engines allowing to attach short-living constant-power pushing forces to objects.

Honestly, it is hard to answer without knowing anything about your physics engine and its capabilities.

Usually this is done by changing velocity.

If you simply change position, there is danger of stucking in walls (and other solid objects, including enemises) or falling/jumping through them (depends on your collision system and level design).

Also you need to configure friction and/or gravity accordingly, so player will not fly into open space after one kick.

If inertial sliding will be too smooth for you, some engines allowing to attach short-living constant-power pushing forces to objects.

Honestly, it is hard to answer without knowing anything about your physics engine and its capabilities.