How to Do a Single Leg Takedown

The single leg takedown allows a fighter to opportunistically transform a failed knee or leg attack into a powerful takedown. Although slightly more risky than its double leg cousin, the single leg takedown can deliver a blistering setback to an opponent. Follow these steps to do a single leg takedown in grappling.

Instructions

    • 1

      Stay focused on the opponent's upper body. Keep your eyes on your opponent's head and chest so he doesn't expect a leg shoot. Fake an upper body punch or a clinch attempt if you need to get attention off of his lower half.

    • 2

      Position yourself for the takedown. You want to get into the same stance as your opponent. If he is standing in a right leg forward stance then you should switch into that same stance, and the same if his stance is left leg leading.

    • 3

      Crouch down and swing your leg. To start the grappling takedown, crouch down into a semi-squat, leaving your legs configured in your starting stance. Move forward by swinging your rear leg from behind you around to his front leg. Allow your front leg (that becomes your rear leg as you shoot) to straighten out. Bring your swinging leg forward enough so that your knee makes contact with the side of your opponent's upper thigh.

    • 4

      Hug your opponent's leg. As you swing your rear leg forward in the shoot, hug your opponent's front leg. Swivel around on his leg so that you get your head directly against his body or between his legs so that he can't attack you with his free leg.

    • 5

      Take the opponent down. Use your back leg to push your weight forward. Keep your front leg posted behind your opponent's front leg in order to trip him. Push your weight back and towards your posted leg so your opponent falls around it, and not just straight back. Once on the ground, go immediately for a superior grappling position.