Double Leg Finish

Takedown

The Double Leg Finish refers to the completion phase of a double leg takedown, where the attacker has already secured both legs and must drive the opponent to the ground. It is used when the initial penetration step and leg contact have been achieved but the opponent is still standing or bracing.

Quick Reference

Key principles

  • · Keep your head tight to the opponent's hip on the side you want to finish, acting as a steering wheel for direction.
  • · Drive forward and at an angle rather than straight back, cutting the corner to break their base.
  • · Maintain chest-to-thigh pressure so there is no space for the opponent to sprawl or re-establish their hips.
  • · Pinch the knees together to trap both legs as a unit, preventing the opponent from stepping out.
  • · If the opponent whizzers or sprawls, immediately transition to lifting or tripping rather than stalling in place.

Execution

  1. 1 With both arms locked around the opponent's legs and your lead knee on the mat, pop your hips forward to stand into a strong driving posture.
  2. 2 Turn the corner by stepping your outside foot laterally while pressing your head into their near hip, angling their body off-balance.
  3. 3 Drive forward on a diagonal line, using short choppy steps to keep constant pressure and prevent them from re-establishing base.
  4. 4 As they fall, follow them to the mat, sliding immediately into side control or mount with your chest heavy on their torso.
  5. 5 If they resist the drive, lift their legs by clasping your hands behind their thighs and elevating while sweeping their feet with a trip.

Common mistakes

  • × Keeping the head in the center of the opponent's body instead of to one side, allowing them to sprawl and crossface effectively.
  • × Trying to finish by pulling the legs backward instead of driving through at an angle, which stalls the takedown and exposes the back.
  • × Stopping the feet after the initial drive, giving the opponent time to base out, sprawl, or guillotine.

Where it lands

The position you end up in.

Side Control Top

Variations

Double Leg Takedown takedown