The Double Leg Entry is a fundamental wrestling-based takedown that serves as a cornerstone technique for standing grappling exchanges in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This technique involves penetrating your opponent’s defensive space, securing both legs simultaneously, and driving through to establish a dominant position on the ground. The double leg entry is distinguished from the finish itself - it focuses on the critical initial phases of level change, penetration step, and leg capture that create the conditions for a successful takedown. Understanding proper entry mechanics is essential because even perfect finishing technique cannot compensate for poor penetration and positioning. The double leg entry requires precise timing, explosive movement, and tactical deception to bypass an opponent’s defensive posture. Unlike other takedown approaches that rely on upper body control, the double leg entry commits fully to attacking the opponent’s base by removing both legs from the equation simultaneously. This creates an unavoidable mechanical disadvantage for the defender once proper penetration is achieved. Mastery of the double leg entry provides a reliable method for taking the fight to the ground on your terms, establishing top position, and controlling the pace of engagement from the opening exchange.
Starting Position: Standing Position Ending Position: Front Headlock Success Rates: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 70%
Key Principles
- Level change must precede forward penetration to avoid telegraphing the attack
- The penetration step drives deep between opponent’s legs to compromise their base
- Head position on the centerline or outside creates structural control and prevents guillotine exposure
- Both legs must be attacked simultaneously to eliminate defensive posting options
- Hip drive and forward pressure are maintained throughout the entry sequence
- Hands connect behind the knees or thighs to secure leg control before the finish
- The entry creates commitment - hesitation or incomplete penetration results in defensive counters
Prerequisites
- Establish a neutral standing position with squared stance and balanced weight distribution
- Maintain upright posture to disguise the level change until the moment of execution
- Control distance management to position yourself within penetration range without alerting opponent
- Create angle or grip fighting exchange to generate reaction or opening for entry
- Ensure clear path for penetration step without obstacles or entanglements
- Develop explosive power in legs for rapid level change and forward drive
- Possess hand fighting skills to clear or manipulate opponent’s defensive frames
Execution Steps
- Create Setup Opportunity: Engage in hand fighting or grip exchanges to occupy opponent’s attention and hands. Use feints, pushes, or circular movement to create a momentary lapse in defensive awareness. The goal is to disguise the impending level change by keeping opponent’s focus on upper body exchanges rather than preparing for low attacks. (Timing: During grip fighting exchange or opponent’s forward pressure)
- Execute Level Change: Drop your hips explosively by bending at the knees and waist while maintaining a straight back. Your head should remain up with eyes on opponent’s chest or hips. The level change should be sudden and commit fully - hesitant or gradual dropping telegraphs the attack and allows opponent to sprawl or withdraw. Bring your arms into position with elbows tight to body. (Timing: Explosive drop in single fluid motion (0.2-0.3 seconds))
- Penetration Step: As you drop levels, drive your lead leg forward in a deep step that places your foot between opponent’s feet or slightly beyond centerline. The step should be long and low, with your knee nearly touching the mat. This penetration step commits your body weight forward and positions you to attack both legs simultaneously. Your hips should drive forward and down. (Timing: Immediately following level change - one continuous motion)
- Head Position and Upper Body Connection: Drive your head to opponent’s centerline or slightly to the outside of their hip, making firm contact with your forehead against their midsection. This head position serves multiple purposes: it prevents guillotine attacks, provides structural drive, and controls their upper body. Keep your shoulders forward and chest pressed into opponent’s thighs. Never drop your head below their hips initially. (Timing: Simultaneous with penetration step)
- Secure Leg Grips: As your head makes contact and penetration step lands, shoot your arms around both of opponent’s legs. Your hands should connect behind their knees or thighs with fingers laced or gable grip secured. Pull opponent’s legs toward your chest while maintaining forward drive with your hips. The grip should be tight and committed - both legs must be controlled simultaneously to prevent defensive posting. (Timing: Within 0.5 seconds of penetration)
- Establish Drive Position: With both legs secured and head positioned correctly, bring your trailing leg forward to establish a strong base with feet staggered. Your hips should be low and driving forward continuously. Maintain chest-to-thighs pressure while lifting opponent’s legs slightly off the mat. From this position you transition to the finishing sequence (driving through, elevating, or tripping) based on opponent’s defensive reaction. (Timing: Complete entry within 1-1.5 seconds total)
Opponent Counters
- Sprawl Defense - opponent drives hips back and down while pushing head to mat (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Maintain head position and hand control, switch to single leg finish or transition to front headlock position if sprawl is successful. Can also circle out and re-attack or convert to ankle pick.
- Guillotine Choke - opponent secures front headlock grip during entry (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Keep head position high and outside, complete the takedown rapidly before guillotine can be locked in, or immediately abandon attack and defend guillotine if head gets trapped low and inside.
- Wizard/Whizzer Overhook - opponent secures deep overhook on attacking arm (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Continue driving forward with one-armed finish, or switch to high crotch position using the trapped arm as a post. Can also step around to opponent’s back using the whizzer as a pivot point.
- Crossface and Hip Withdrawal - opponent pushes face away while pulling hips back (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Fight through the crossface by maintaining forward pressure, or abandon the double leg and transition to upper body takedown or re-engage from standing position.
- Knee Block - opponent brings knee up to block penetration (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Continue driving through the knee barrier or switch to single leg by securing the blocking leg. The knee block only works if penetration is shallow.
Test Your Knowledge
Q1: What is the correct sequence for double leg entry execution? A: The correct sequence is: 1) Create setup opportunity through grip fighting or feints, 2) Execute explosive level change by dropping hips with straight back, 3) Drive forward with deep penetration step between opponent’s legs, 4) Establish head position on centerline or outside while driving into opponent’s midsection, 5) Secure both legs with arms wrapped behind knees/thighs and hands connected, 6) Maintain continuous forward drive to complete entry position. This sequence must flow as one continuous motion with each element triggering the next.
Q2: Why is proper head position critical during double leg entry? A: Head position serves three essential functions: First, keeping the head up with forehead driving into opponent’s midsection prevents guillotine choke opportunities which occur when the head drops below the opponent’s hips. Second, proper head position provides structural drive and leverage to control opponent’s upper body and maintain forward pressure. Third, positioning the head on centerline or outside creates angles that make defensive sprawling less effective. Head position is often the difference between successful entry and defensive submission.
Q3: How should you respond if opponent successfully sprawls during your double leg entry? A: If opponent achieves a strong sprawl position, you have several response options depending on what control you maintained: 1) If you still have leg control, continue driving forward and circle to opponent’s side to recover position, 2) If head position is good but legs are withdrawn, transition to front headlock control and look for snap down or go-behind, 3) If one leg is still available, convert to single leg finish, 4) If opponent has superior position, abandon the attack and work to return to neutral standing position or establish defensive guard. The key is recognizing early when the entry has failed and transitioning rather than committing to a lost position.
Q4: What setup or timing creates the highest percentage double leg entry opportunity? A: The highest percentage opportunity typically occurs when opponent is pressuring forward or has committed their weight forward in response to upper body attacks, grip breaks, or feints. This forward commitment compromises their ability to sprawl effectively because their weight is already moving in the direction of your attack. Other high-percentage moments include: immediately after opponent releases a grip and their hands are out of position, when opponent is circling toward your penetration side, after a collar tie snap that draws them forward, or when opponent is fatigued and maintaining less defensive vigilance. The common thread is attacking when opponent’s defensive structure is temporarily compromised.
Q5: What is the most common error that leads to guillotine exposure during double leg entries? A: The most common error is dropping the head below the opponent’s hips during the level change or penetration phase, combined with reaching for legs before establishing proper position. This creates a bent-over posture with the neck extended and exposed, allowing opponent to easily secure a front headlock grip and lock in the guillotine. The correction is to maintain head position up with eyes on opponent’s chest/hips, drive the forehead into their midsection, and ensure the level change and penetration occur before the arms reach for leg control. The head should be the first point of contact and should remain above or at the height of the opponent’s hips throughout the entry.
Q6: How does penetration step depth affect the success of a double leg entry? A: Penetration step depth is critical because it determines how much you compromise opponent’s base and structure. A deep penetration step that places your lead knee between or beyond opponent’s feet accomplishes several things: 1) Removes space for them to sprawl their hips backward, 2) Forces their weight onto their heels where they have poor balance, 3) Positions your hips close to theirs for maximum drive, 4) Makes it mechanically difficult for them to withdraw legs from your grip. Shallow penetration leaves space for effective sprawl defense, allows opponent to maintain balance and base, and requires you to reach for legs rather than securing them from proper position. The penetration step must be long, low, and committed - half-measures result in defensive positions.
Safety Considerations
Double leg entries carry inherent risks that must be managed through proper technique and training progression. The primary safety concern is guillotine choke exposure - improper head position or premature reaching for legs creates immediate submission vulnerability. Always maintain head position awareness and drill defensive guillotine responses. During training, partners should apply guillotine pressure slowly to allow recognition and escape rather than sudden application. For the person being taken down, learning to breakfall properly is essential - landing with arms extended can cause wrist, elbow, or shoulder injuries. Practice taking the fall by turning to the side, distributing impact across back/shoulder, and keeping chin tucked. When drilling entries, the defending partner should allow controlled completion rather than explosive counter-resistance that can lead to knee injuries, muscle strains, or collision injuries. Progress resistance gradually over weeks rather than immediately applying full defensive intensity. For both practitioners, ensuring adequate mat space and awareness of walls, other students, or obstacles prevents collision injuries during dynamic takedown practice. Knee health is paramount - penetration steps place significant stress on the lead knee, so proper warm-up, gradual intensity progression, and attention to any knee pain is critical.
Position Integration
The double leg entry serves as a foundational transition from standing engagement to ground control, functioning as a critical bridge technique in the overall BJJ positional hierarchy. From a strategic perspective, the double leg entry is typically attempted from neutral standing position or various clinch configurations where neither player has established dominance. Successful execution leads to several advantageous ground positions depending on finishing mechanics: Front Headlock if opponent defends with sprawl but you maintain head control, Side Control or Half Guard if the takedown is completed with traditional drive-through finish, or even direct Back Control if opponent turns away during the takedown. The entry itself can be chained with other takedown attempts - if the double leg is defended, common transitions include converting to single leg attacks, transitioning to front headlock snap downs, or re-establishing standing position to reset. Understanding these positional relationships allows the practitioner to view the double leg entry not as an isolated technique but as part of a comprehensive standing-to-ground transition system. The technique also integrates with broader strategic concepts including controlling engagement distance, dictating pace of the match, and forcing opponent reactions that create additional offensive opportunities. In competition contexts, the double leg entry is often used to secure takedown points, establish top position for the remainder of the match, or force guard-pulling opponents to engage in standing exchanges. Modern BJJ increasingly emphasizes wrestling competency, making the double leg entry a fundamental skill that separates well-rounded grapplers from guard-specialist players.
Expert Insights
- Danaher System: The double leg entry represents a fundamental study in the physics of human balance and structural integrity. When we analyze this technique from a biomechanical perspective, we observe that the human body maintains standing balance through a base of support defined by foot placement. The double leg entry’s strategic brilliance lies in its simultaneous attack on both pillars of this base, creating a mechanical impossibility for the opponent to maintain upright posture once proper penetration is achieved. The level change must be understood not as a preparatory movement but as the actual initiation of the attack - it functions to lower your center of gravity below your opponent’s, establishing the leverage differential required for successful execution. The penetration step serves to bisect opponent’s base while positioning your center of mass inside their defensive perimeter, creating geometric advantages that overwhelm structural defensive capabilities. Head position deserves particular emphasis: it must provide upward pressure against opponent’s center of mass while simultaneously protecting the neck from guillotine exposure. This dual function makes head position the single most critical detail determining success or failure. Students must understand that the entry and finish are distinct technical phases - many practitioners fail because they conflate these elements, attempting to finish before entry is secured. Master the entry in isolation, achieving the position where both legs are controlled and opponent’s base is comprehensively compromised, then proceed to finishing mechanics as a separate problem-solving exercise.
- Gordon Ryan: In high-level competition, the double leg entry succeeds or fails based on timing and commitment rather than technical perfection. I’ve found that opponents who defend takedowns effectively are constantly monitoring for the tell-tale signs of level change - any hesitation or gradual dropping motion gets shut down immediately with sprawl defense. The key to high-percentage entries is creating situations where opponent’s attention and defensive resources are committed elsewhere: after breaking a grip, during their forward pressure, or immediately following a feint to upper body attacks. What separates competition-effective double legs from practice room technique is the absolute commitment required - you cannot half-step the penetration or ease into the position. The moment you initiate level change, you must explode through the entire sequence with complete commitment because any pause allows defensive reaction. I particularly favor using the double leg entry against opponents who are pressuring forward aggressively or those who have pulled guard unsuccessfully - these moments create the forward weight commitment that makes sprawling nearly impossible. Understanding the risk-reward calculation is critical: double leg entries against defensive specialists with strong guillotine games require different setups and greater head position discipline than entries against less submission-oriented opponents. In my competition preparation, I drill entry mechanics until they become completely automatic, allowing me to recognize and exploit timing windows that exist for fractions of a second during live engagement.
- Eddie Bravo: While traditional wrestling double leg entries are highly effective, I’ve adapted them for the specific demands of no-gi grappling where submission threats are more accessible and sweat makes traditional control methods less reliable. The key adaptation involves maintaining constant awareness of guillotine exposure - in no-gi, the front headlock choke is available much faster than in gi grappling, so head position discipline becomes absolutely critical. I emphasize to students that the double leg entry in BJJ contexts often serves as a transitional attack rather than a primary finishing technique. What I mean is: the entry creates scramble situations that, for practitioners trained in my system, present opportunities to attack leg entanglements, transition to back attacks, or establish unconventional control positions. When opponent sprawls on your double leg attempt, rather than viewing this as defensive success, I see it as an opportunity to dive under for leg attacks or transition to truck position. The setup phase is where creativity really matters - I’ve developed numerous feint patterns and grip fighting sequences specific to no-gi that create the split-second openings required for entry. Timing the entry to opponent’s breathing patterns, weight shifts, or grip adjustments provides massive advantages. I also encourage students to develop their double leg entry from unconventional positions: from seated guard, during ground-to-standing transitions, or even from bottom positions where opponent stands. The technical mechanics remain consistent but the timing and application become far more dynamic than traditional standing-only approaches.