Single Leg Takedown

Single Leg Takedown

The single leg takedown is one of the most popular and effective takedowns in wrestling (folkstyle and freestyle). One of the main reasons for this is that there are boundless variations on the exact technique, so many that the move can be adjusted to almost any ones wrestling style. Variations include snatch single, sweep single, low single and many others.

All grappling techniques are potentially dangerous and should only be practiced under the supervision of a trained martial arts instructor. For more grappling techniques, please visit Black Belt Wiki’s main Grappling page.

How to Perform a Single Leg Takedown

Basic Single Leg Takedown

  • First setup your opponent. There are more setups than takedowns and many elite wrestlers will even create their own setups to suite their needs.
  • The setup for a single leg will almost always involve getting your opponent to step forword with the leg you want to attack. Just find one you are comfortable with.
  • Once you have gotten your opponent to step forward, you will let go of any tie you were in and grab his/her leg.
  • Timing is key, this will take hours of practice to perfect.
  • When you go for your shot remember to keep your elbows as close to your sides as possible. If you do this right, it will be nearly impossible to defend.
  • You must also use your hips and legs for the shot DO NOT BEND OVER to grab the leg. Even the most inexperienced wrestlers can defend from this.
  • The footwork for the shot is fairly simple, take your leg closest to the leg you are attacking and step outside of that leg. This is called the penetration step, the deeper you get the leg the better, just do not over extend yourself.
  • Then you will use your hips to drive his leg up once you’ve grabbed it, this will feel like a hip thrust from a lunge.
  • You will grab the leg as soon as possible. Remember to keep you arms tight to your sides. Don’t reach out to grab the leg, instead lock your arms around the leg at the knee joint when your chest is near his side.

Single Leg Takedown Highlights

Reference Sources

  1. Minnesota state high school league wrestling coach Jair Toedter, Added – 07/08/15