Double Leg Entry

Takedown

The double leg entry is a power takedown where the attacker shoots in to control both of the opponent's legs, driving them to the mat. It can be reached by transitioning from a single leg or high crotch when the opponent's stance opens up, or initiated directly from standing guard engagement.

Quick Reference

Key principles

  • · A deep level change with bent knees—not bending at the waist—is essential to penetrate below the opponent's center of gravity.
  • · The penetration step must land your lead knee between the opponent's feet to close distance and maintain driving angle.
  • · Head position stays tight to the opponent's hip or abdomen on one side to avoid guillotine counters.
  • · Driving forward at an angle rather than straight ahead prevents the opponent from sprawling effectively.
  • · Clasping hands behind both knees and pulling them together eliminates the opponent's base.

Execution

  1. 1 From your setup position, use a snap, push, or feint to create a reaction, then drop your level by bending your knees while keeping your back straight.
  2. 2 Fire your lead leg forward in a deep penetration step, placing your knee between the opponent's feet while your hands attack behind both knees simultaneously.
  3. 3 Drive your shoulder into the opponent's hips, lock your hands behind their knees, and pull their legs together while your head stays tight against their side.
  4. 4 Continue driving forward and slightly to the angle of your head side, cutting the corner to take the opponent off-balance and down to the mat.
  5. 5 Follow through to land in top side control or top half guard with your chest pressure on the opponent.

Common mistakes

  • × Bending at the waist instead of the knees during the level change, which exposes the neck to guillotines and removes driving power from the legs.
  • × Leaving the head in the center of the opponent's chest rather than to one side, making it easy for them to sprawl and apply a front headlock.
  • × Stopping forward drive after initial contact instead of continuing through the opponent, allowing them to recover their base and sprawl or re-pummel.

Do it from

Positions and situations where the Double Leg Entry shows up.

High Crotch takedown Single Leg Entry takedown
2 less common
Russian Tie Standing Guard

Common defenses

How opponents shut the Double Leg Entry down.

Sprawl Defense counter