SLX Drill

Mastering the Single Leg X (SLX) Guard involves a drill that transitions from side to side while maintaining high hips and tight hooks. The drill begins with an overhook on the opponent's leg and shooting the legs up to establish the SLX. The practitioner then alternates sides, ensuring the hips are lifted and both hooks remain tight—one on the hip and the other on the hamstring.

Emphasis is placed on executing each repetition with precision, as if in a match, to ensure that the movements become second nature. This not only improves the SLX Guard but also serves as an abdominal and hip movement workout.

Transitioning from the SLX to the X-Guard and back is also covered. The transition starts with the feet, moving to the X position, followed by a slight kick out and a pull on the back of the knee to secure the underhook and establish the X-Guard. The same feet-first principle applies when transitioning back to the SLX Guard.

The importance of starting the drill slowly is stressed, focusing on the details and tightening the technique before increasing speed. The drill should be practiced until the transitions between the SLX and X-Guard are seamless and automatic, with no unnecessary space or flopping feet during transitions.