Single Leg Takedown
A wrestling-derived takedown where you capture one leg, elevate, and finish by running the pipe or driving through to the mat.
From Standing NeutralTo Top Control (Half Guard or Side Control)
Overview
The single leg is a versatile takedown for gi and no-gi. By off-balancing the opponent, shooting with level change, and controlling the captured leg, you finish with a variety of options while staying tight to avoid counters.
#Set Up & Level Change
Create the reaction that exposes the leg.
- Snap or pull opponent forward to force step reaction
- Lower level with a strong penetration step to the outside
- Lead knee penetrates between opponent’s legs, trail leg drives in
- Lock hands above their knee while keeping head tight
#Capture & Elevate the Leg
- Circle toward the trapped leg to off-balance opponent
- Lift the leg by straightening your posture and driving upward
- Pin their foot between your knees to control the limb
- Maintain pressure with head and shoulder into their ribs
#Finish the Takedown
Choose finish based on opponent’s reaction.
- Run the pipe: rotate body while pulling leg inward, dropping opponent
- If they square up, switch to double leg and drive through
- For whizzer defense, step behind and trip while lifting
- Follow opponent to the mat, landing past their guard and stabilizing
Key Grips & Control Points
- Collar tie or lapel grip to pull opponent into step
- Underhook or tricep control on shooting side
- Hands locked around opponent’s single leg above the knee
- Head tight against ribs to steer direction
Timing & Movement Cues
- Initiate off opponent’s forward step or stance switch
- Shoot immediately after snapping their head down
- Exploit reactions to collar drag or fake guard pull
Pressure & Weight Distribution
- Keep back straight and hips under shoulders during lift
- Drive head into ribs to prevent sprawls
- Squeeze knees around their leg to maintain control
Typical Counters to Expect
- Opponent sprawls hips back and cross-faces downward
- Turning to a whizzer and hopping out
- Rolling into a sumi gaeshi or flying submission (no-gi)
Follow-Up Options
- Run the pipe and spiral them to the mat
- Switch to double leg if they square up
- Elevate leg and transition to back control when they turn
Setups & Entries
- Snap down to front headlock then shoot as they recover posture
- Fake guard pull to make them step forward and expose the leg
- Use wrist control to drag arm across before level changing
Training Drills
- Shot-entry reps focusing on level change and penetration step
- Finish sequence: run-the-pipe, lift and trip, switch to double leg
- Positional sparring starting from single-leg control on the feet
Coaching Notes
- Keep your ear glued to opponent’s hip to avoid sprawls
- Finish immediately—pausing allows them to counter
- Angle off the finishing side rather than driving straight forward
Related Study
Connect this movement with complementary positions and attacks.
Summary
The single leg rewards clean entries and persistent leg control. Create the step, change levels, capture the leg, then finish decisively before the opponent can counter or sprawl.