How to Do a Single Leg Takedown in Wrestling

The single leg takedown is the most fundamental move used on the feet in wrestling. A takedown scores points, as well as puts the attacker in a position to control the direction of the match. All beginning wrestlers should learn the single leg.

Things You'll Need

  • Sparring partner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Drop your level from your normal stance so that you are better able to attack your opponent's legs.

    • 2

      Drive forward with your legs, in the lowered position. As you drive, snake one of your arms around the outside of your partner's opposite leg. You should attack whichever leg your partner has closer to you in his stance.

    • 3

      Continue driving until you can lock your hands under the leg that you are attacking.

    • 4

      After locking your hands, drive up with your head in your partner's chest so that you end up standing up, with his knee in your grip, forcing him to stand on one leg. Once you get to this position, you can finish the takedown using several different methods.

    • 5

      Finish the takedown. One simple method of finishing once you have the leg is to drop your level a second time and drive, grabbing the other free leg. You can also finish by raising the trapped leg high up by the heel, which will force all but the most flexible opponents to fall. Any method you choose for finishing the takedown will involve tripping your opponent off his support leg, and then staying close behind him after he falls.