Single Leg Option

When facing an opponent who is reluctant to engage in the De La Riva guard and prefers to stay back on their heels to avoid attacks, a single leg takedown becomes a viable option to score points. This approach capitalizes on the opponent's defensive posture.

1. Start with the De La Riva hook in place. If the opponent is keeping their weight back and not engaging, this can limit your ability to execute Berimbolos or Leg Drags.
2. Instead of forcing the position, which may lead to the opponent countering with a knee cut pass, use their backward momentum to set up an Ankle Pick.
3. Post your foot on the mat and sit up while switching your hands. This movement should be fluid and quick to prevent the opponent from closing the gap and gaining control.
4. Immediately scoop your buttocks back and lift the opponent's leg from underneath them. This action should be executed without any pause to maintain the element of surprise and control.
5. With the leg lifted, you can transition into a Leg Drag or Toriando Pass. The advantage of this single leg approach is that the opponent has no grips on you, while you control their leg, opening up various passing opportunities.
6. The key to success with this technique is to prevent the opponent from establishing any grips, allowing you to move into a dominant position with ease.