Single Leg Takedown
Takedown
Also known as:
Single Leg
The single leg takedown involves capturing one of the opponent's legs and using leverage, angles, and driving pressure to bring them to the ground. It is one of the highest-percentage takedowns in both gi and no-gi grappling, effective from various ranges and adaptable against many defensive reactions.
Quick Reference
Key principles
- · A deep level change with bent knees—not bending at the waist—is essential to reach the leg while maintaining posture and balance.
- · Your head must stay tight against the opponent's chest or ribcage on the inside to prevent guillotine attacks and maintain control.
- · Clasping the leg high near the hip and pinching your knees together traps the leg and prevents the opponent from pulling it free.
- · Cutting an angle to the outside of the captured leg removes the opponent's base and makes finishing far easier.
- · Anticipate the common whizzer (overhook) counter by keeping your posture upright and circling away from the pressure.
Execution
- 1 Set up with hand fighting or a snap-down to create a reaction, then shoot by dropping your level with a deep penetration step, placing your lead knee between the opponent's feet.
- 2 Wrap both arms tightly around the opponent's lead leg, locking your hands behind the knee or thigh, with your head pressed firmly into their torso on the same side as the captured leg.
- 3 Stand up tall while hugging the leg tightly to your chest, lifting the foot off the mat to eliminate their base on that side.
- 4 Cut a 45-degree angle toward the outside of the captured leg while driving forward with shoulder pressure to topple the opponent.
- 5 Follow them to the mat and immediately establish a dominant top position such as side control or pass to mount.
Common mistakes
- × Bending at the waist instead of dropping the hips during the level change, which leaves you off-balance and vulnerable to sprawls and front headlocks.
- × Keeping your head on the outside of the opponent's body, which exposes you to guillotine chokes and makes it easy for them to crossface and sprawl.
- × Holding the leg too low near the ankle without controlling the hip, allowing the opponent to hop away, re-establish base, or easily counter with a whizzer.
Where it lands
The position you end up in.
Side Control Top
Common defenses
How opponents shut the Single Leg Takedown down.
In the family
Named branches of Single Leg Takedown in the graph.
