Single Leg Entry

The Single Leg Entry is a fundamental wrestling-based takedown that serves as one of the most reliable techniques for establishing top position from standing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This technique involves capturing one of your opponent’s legs while maintaining your own base and balance, creating a powerful mechanical advantage that can lead to various finishing positions including top control, back takes, or leg entanglements. The single leg entry is particularly effective in both gi and no-gi grappling, making it an essential component of any complete BJJ game.

The beauty of the single leg entry lies in its versatility and the multiple finishing options it provides. Unlike some takedowns that commit you to a single outcome, the single leg allows you to adapt based on your opponent’s defensive reactions. Whether they sprawl, hop away, or attempt to whizzer, each defensive response opens different pathways to completion. This adaptability makes it a high-percentage technique at all levels of competition.

From a strategic perspective, the single leg entry represents a crucial bridge between standing grappling and ground work. It allows BJJ practitioners to dictate where the fight takes place, avoiding guard pulls that might give up advantageous positions. The entry phase requires precise timing, proper level change mechanics, and understanding of grip fighting principles. When executed correctly, the single leg entry not only secures a takedown but often provides immediate access to dominant positions or submission opportunities, making it one of the most valuable techniques in modern BJJ.

Starting Position: Standing Position Ending Position: Single Leg X-Guard Success Rates: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 70%

Key Principles

• Execute a deep level change with proper hip flexion and knee bend to lower your center of gravity below opponent’s hips
• Maintain head position tight to opponent’s hip or thigh to prevent them from sprawling effectively and controlling your posture
• Secure the leg capture with both arms creating a strong grip connection around the thigh, preventing opponent escape
• Keep your own base wide and stable with feet positioned for driving power and lateral movement
• Drive forward pressure through your shoulder into opponent’s hip to break their balance and posture
• Adapt finishing technique based on opponent’s defensive reaction rather than forcing a predetermined sequence
• Maintain constant forward pressure and connection throughout the entry to prevent opponent from establishing defensive frames

Prerequisites

• Standing position with both athletes on feet in neutral or clinch range
• Establish grip fighting control or hand fighting advantage to create entry opening
• Opponent’s weight distribution allows for level change without telegraphing intention
• Sufficient space and distance to execute penetration step without obstruction
• Your posture maintained upright until moment of level change to avoid early defensive reaction
• Opponent’s lead leg positioned forward or weight shifted to create accessible target
• Mental preparation for commitment to takedown with proper timing recognition

Execution Steps

1. Establish grip control: Begin from standing position with hand fighting or collar/sleeve grips in gi. Create connection points that will allow you to control opponent’s upper body and prevent them from creating distance. In no-gi, this typically involves head control, overhooks, or wrist control. Set up your entry by manipulating opponent’s posture and weight distribution through these grips. (Timing: Initial setup phase - establish before commitment)
2. Execute level change: Drop your elevation rapidly by bending at hips and knees simultaneously, lowering your center of gravity well below opponent’s hips. This level change should be explosive and committed, with your chest staying upright and eyes maintaining visual contact with target leg. Your back should remain relatively straight to maintain structural integrity and power generation capability. (Timing: Explosive movement - 0.3 to 0.5 seconds)
3. Penetration step: As you change levels, step your lead foot deep between opponent’s legs or to the outside of their target leg, positioning your foot approximately 12-18 inches behind their heel. This penetration step is crucial for getting your hips close to opponent and establishing the proper angle for leg capture. Your trailing leg should remain back initially to maintain base and provide pushing power. (Timing: Simultaneous with level change)
4. Capture the leg: Wrap both arms around opponent’s thigh, with your shoulder tight to their hip bone and your head positioned on the outside of their body. Your hands should clasp together behind their knee or on the back of their thigh, creating a secure grip connection. The grip can be gable grip, S-grip, or over-under configuration depending on gi or no-gi context. Ensure the leg is trapped high on your shoulder for maximum control. (Timing: Immediate upon penetration step completion)
5. Establish head position: Drive your head tight to opponent’s hip or lower abdomen, creating constant forward pressure that prevents them from sprawling backward effectively. Your forehead or temple should maintain contact with their body, serving as a pressure point that disrupts their balance. This head position is critical for both offensive control and defensive protection against guillotine attacks. (Timing: Maintained throughout entire sequence)
6. Stand and elevate: Rise from your deep stance while maintaining leg control, lifting opponent’s captured leg off the mat. Use your legs to stand up powerfully while keeping their thigh clamped to your chest. Your back should remain straight and core engaged to protect your spine during the lifting motion. As you elevate, opponent’s balance becomes compromised as they are forced onto one leg. (Timing: 1-2 seconds after capture)
7. Drive and finish: With opponent’s leg elevated and controlled, drive forward while simultaneously choosing your finish based on their defensive reaction. Options include running the pipe to back control, tripping the standing leg, transitioning to double leg, or pulling guard to single leg X position. Maintain constant pressure and control throughout the finishing sequence, adjusting your direction and technique based on where opponent’s weight shifts. (Timing: Continuous pressure until position established)

Opponent Counters

• Sprawl defense - opponent drops hips back and spreads legs to prevent penetration and leg capture (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Switch to double leg by bringing back leg forward and capturing both legs, or transition to ankle pick by releasing and attacking the far ankle as they sprawl backward
• Whizzer control - opponent secures overhook on your far arm and drives downward pressure to prevent you from standing (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Use the whizzer against them by transitioning to outside position, switching to far side trip or dump, or converting to guard pull if standing finish is prevented
• Guillotine attack - opponent wraps your neck as you shoot in, threatening front headlock choke (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Keep head position tight to hip rather than centerline, complete takedown despite guillotine grip, or hand fight the choking arm while maintaining leg control and adjusting position
• Hop away - opponent hops backward on standing leg to create distance and prevent finish (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Follow their movement by continuing to drive forward, elevate captured leg higher to further compromise balance, or switch to inside trip or outside trip on the standing leg
• Crossface and underhook - opponent uses upper body frames to control your head and create separation (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Circle away from the crossface pressure, maintain tight grip on captured leg, transition to different angle or finish, or accept guard pull to single leg X if takedown becomes too defended

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Reaching for leg without proper level change - attempting to grab leg while remaining too upright
  • Consequence: Easy sprawl defense by opponent, exposure to guillotine or front headlock attacks, failed takedown attempt with poor position recovery
  • Correction: Commit to full level change with hips dropping below opponent’s hips before reaching for leg; explosively bend knees and hips to lower center of gravity first
• Mistake: Insufficient penetration step - stopping too far from opponent’s base when shooting
  • Consequence: Cannot secure proper leg control, opponent easily hops away or sprawls, weak finishing position with no mechanical advantage
  • Correction: Drive penetration step deep between or outside opponent’s legs so your lead foot lands well behind their heel; get hips close to opponent before capturing leg
• Mistake: Loose leg grip with gap between shoulder and opponent’s hip - failing to maintain tight connection
  • Consequence: Opponent can easily extract leg, sprawl becomes effective, you lose control and position becomes defensive
  • Correction: Clamp thigh tightly to your chest with shoulder driven into hip bone; eliminate all space between your body and captured leg throughout entire sequence
• Mistake: Head positioning in centerline or away from opponent - failing to maintain pressure with head
  • Consequence: Vulnerable to guillotine chokes, opponent can sprawl effectively, loss of forward pressure compromises finishing ability
  • Correction: Keep head tight to opponent’s hip or lower abdomen on outside of body; use head as constant pressure point driving into their core
• Mistake: Standing straight up without maintaining forward drive - rising vertically instead of forward
  • Consequence: Opponent regains balance on standing leg, can effectively defend finish, opportunity to complete takedown is lost
  • Correction: Drive forward at 45-degree angle as you stand; combine vertical elevation with horizontal pressure to continuously break opponent’s balance toward completion
• Mistake: Telegraphing intention through poor setup or obvious body language before entry
  • Consequence: Opponent anticipates shot and prepares defense, makes entry timing predictable, reduces success rate significantly
  • Correction: Maintain relaxed upright posture until moment of commitment; use grip fighting and feints to disguise entry timing; explode into level change without warning signals
• Mistake: Failing to adapt finish based on opponent’s reaction - forcing single predetermined outcome
  • Consequence: Opponent’s defensive reaction neutralizes your planned finish, missed opportunity to capitalize on their movement, stalemate or position loss
  • Correction: Read opponent’s weight distribution and defensive choice; have multiple finish options prepared (back take, trip, guard pull, double leg conversion) and flow to appropriate one

Training Progressions

Phase 1: Fundamental Mechanics (Weeks 1-2) - Level change mechanics and penetration step without resistance Practice solo drilling of proper level change technique, focusing on hip flexion, knee bend, and maintaining upright chest position. Work penetration steps from various ranges and angles. Partner allows complete entry without defense to groove proper form and positioning. Emphasis on muscle memory for explosive level change and deep step placement. (Resistance: None)

Phase 2: Leg Capture and Position (Weeks 3-4) - Securing proper grips, head position, and elevation with compliant partner Partner stands stationary while you execute full entry sequence including level change, penetration, leg capture, and standing up with elevation. Focus on grip security, shoulder-to-hip connection, and head positioning. Practice different grip variations (gable, S-grip, over-under). Begin recognizing proper body mechanics for safe lifting and control. (Resistance: None)

Phase 3: Single Counter Recognition (Weeks 5-6) - Responding to one specific counter at a time with appropriate adjustment Partner provides single predetermined defense (sprawl, whizzer, or hop away) allowing you to practice appropriate counter-response. Work each defensive scenario separately until response becomes automatic. Partner gives 25% resistance to allow successful completion while building muscle memory for adaptation patterns. (Resistance: Light)

Phase 4: Multiple Finish Options (Weeks 7-10) - Developing finishing variations based on different defensive reactions Practice completing single leg from captured position using various finishes: running the pipe to back, inside trip, outside trip, guard pull to single leg X, conversion to double leg. Partner provides 50% resistance and varies defenses. Begin reading opponent’s weight distribution to select optimal finish. Emphasis on maintaining control while transitioning between finishing options. (Resistance: Medium)

Phase 5: Live Situation Training (Weeks 11-16) - Full resistance stand-up grappling with integration of setup and timing Engage in standing-only sparring where both partners attempt takedowns with full resistance. Focus on creating entries through grip fighting, using footwork and feints to set up level change. Work on timing recognition and explosive execution. Partner actively defends all attempts. Begin developing personal preferences for setups and finishes based on body type and style. (Resistance: Full)

Phase 6: Competition Integration (Week 17+) - Using single leg entry in full sparring context with strategic decision making Implement single leg entry during regular rolling sessions, choosing when to attempt takedown versus pulling guard based on match context, time, score, and opponent style. Practice entry from various gripping situations in both gi and no-gi. Develop awareness of when to commit to finish versus accepting guard pull if heavily defended. Integrate with overall game strategy. (Resistance: Full)

Variations

Outside Single Leg: Head positioning on outside of opponent’s body with shoulder to outside of hip rather than inside. This variation provides better defense against guillotine attacks and offers different finishing angles including outside trips and back takes. Particularly effective when opponent has strong whizzer defense. (When to use: When opponent threatens guillotine on standard entry, when you have outside position advantage, or when transitioning to back take finish)

High Crotch Entry: Similar entry mechanics but head positioning goes inside opponent’s stance with shoulder driving up into their hip/groin area. Provides stronger lifting mechanics and better defense against sprawl. Often used when opponent’s stance is narrower or when transitioning to double leg finish. (When to use: Against narrower stances, when opponent’s weight is distributed evenly, or when planning to convert to double leg or body lock)

Low Single to Ankle Pick: Deeper level change targeting the ankle rather than thigh, often used as adjustment when opponent sprawls or as initial entry against taller opponents. Requires less penetration but demands excellent timing and grip strength on the ankle. Can be combined with off-balancing pulls. (When to use: When opponent sprawls on initial entry, against significantly taller opponents, or when opponent’s defensive reaction creates ankle accessibility)

Single Leg Guard Pull: Rather than completing takedown, intentionally pull guard while maintaining leg control, establishing single leg X-guard or outside ashi garami. Strategic choice when opponent’s takedown defense is too strong or when leg entanglement game is preferred outcome. (When to use: When takedown finish is heavily defended, in no-gi when leg locks are legal, or when your guard game is stronger than top game)

Single to Double Leg Conversion: After capturing single leg, recognize opportunity to secure second leg by stepping through and capturing both legs. Often occurs when opponent hops or when their standing leg becomes accessible during finish attempt. Provides more stable takedown completion. (When to use: When opponent hops away on standing leg bringing both legs together, when they fail to sprawl effectively, or when their base becomes narrow during defense)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: Why is proper level change mechanics essential for single leg entry success, and what are the key components of an effective level change? A: Proper level change is essential because it allows you to get your hips below opponent’s hips, which is necessary to penetrate their base and secure the leg without being sprawled on. Key components include explosive hip and knee flexion that drops your center of gravity rapidly, maintaining upright chest position to preserve structural power, keeping eyes on target throughout the movement, and executing the penetration step simultaneously with the level drop. Without proper level change, you remain too high and vulnerable to sprawl defense, guillotines, and front headlock attacks. The level change must be committed and explosive rather than gradual or tentative.

Q2: What is the optimal head positioning during single leg entry and why is this position critical for both offensive success and defensive safety? A: Optimal head positioning is tight to opponent’s hip or lower abdomen on the outside of their body, with constant forward pressure maintained throughout the technique. This position is critical offensively because it prevents opponent from sprawling effectively by blocking their hip movement backward, maintains your structural connection to their base, and allows you to drive forward pressure that breaks their balance. Defensively, outside head position protects you from guillotine chokes by keeping your neck away from their centerline and choking arm. The head serves as both a pressure point for control and a defensive shield against submission attacks.

Q3: How should you adapt your finishing technique based on opponent’s defensive reaction, and what are the three most common counters with their appropriate responses? A: Adapting your finish based on opponent’s reaction is fundamental to single leg success. The three most common counters are: (1) Sprawl - respond by switching to double leg, transitioning to ankle pick, or circling to different angle while maintaining leg control; (2) Whizzer - respond by using it against them to transition to outside position, executing far side trip or dump, or accepting guard pull to single leg X; (3) Guillotine - respond by maintaining tight head-to-hip position, completing takedown despite grip, or hand fighting the choking arm while adjusting head position. The key is to maintain leg control throughout all adaptations and read their weight distribution to select the highest-percentage finish option available rather than forcing a predetermined outcome.

Q4: What are the most critical errors practitioners make during single leg entry and how do these errors compromise technique effectiveness? A: The most critical errors include: (1) Insufficient level change - staying too upright allows easy sprawl and guillotine defense; (2) Shallow penetration step - stopping too far from opponent’s base prevents securing control and allows easy escape; (3) Loose leg grip with gap between shoulder and hip - enables opponent to extract leg and sprawl effectively; (4) Poor head positioning in centerline or away from opponent - creates guillotine vulnerability and loss of forward pressure; (5) Telegraphing intention through obvious setup - allows opponent to anticipate and prepare defense. Each of these errors fundamentally compromises the mechanical advantage that makes the single leg effective, either by failing to establish proper control or by creating defensive opportunities for opponent.

Q5: Describe the progression from initial standing position through completion, including the relationship between grip fighting, timing recognition, and explosive execution? A: The complete progression begins with establishing grip fighting control or hand fighting advantage in standing position, which serves to both control opponent’s movement and disguise your entry timing. From this setup, you must recognize the optimal moment for entry based on opponent’s weight distribution, stance, and defensive awareness. The execution phase requires explosive level change simultaneous with penetration step, dropping your hips well below opponent’s while stepping deep into their base. Immediately upon penetration, you secure the leg with both arms while establishing head-to-hip pressure. The relationship between these elements is sequential but must appear as one fluid motion - grip fighting creates the opening, timing recognition identifies the window of opportunity, and explosive execution capitalizes on that window before opponent can react. The speed of transition from setup to completion is critical, as hesitation at any point allows opponent to establish defenses.

Q6: What role does the penetration step play in single leg entry success, and where should your lead foot be positioned relative to opponent’s base? A: The penetration step is critical because it determines how close your hips get to opponent’s base, which directly affects your ability to control their leg and prevent escape. Your lead foot should land approximately 12-18 inches behind opponent’s heel, positioned either between their legs or to the outside of their target leg depending on variation. This deep placement allows you to get your hips close to opponent, establishing the proper angle for leg capture and creating the mechanical advantage necessary for finishing. A shallow penetration step that lands too far from their base is one of the most common errors, resulting in weak control and easy defensive extraction of the leg.

Safety Considerations

When practicing single leg entries, execute with controlled application to avoid knee injuries to your partner during the capture and elevation phases. The lifting and driving motions can place significant torque on the opponent’s knee joint, so gradual progression and communication with training partners is essential. Ensure adequate mat space for the takedown completion, as both athletes will be moving dynamically and may cover significant ground during the finish. During drilling, partners should provide appropriate resistance levels that match the practitioner’s experience - beginners should face minimal resistance while developing proper mechanics. For the person executing the technique, maintain proper lifting mechanics with straight back and engaged core to protect your spine during the elevation phase. When defending single leg entries, avoid hyperextending your captured leg or making explosive movements that could cause joint injury. Build up speed and power gradually over weeks and months rather than attempting full-power entries immediately. Always tap or verbally submit if caught in a compromising position during scrambles, and respect your partner’s taps immediately during competitive drilling.

Position Integration

The Single Leg Entry serves as a critical bridge technique in the BJJ positional hierarchy, connecting standing neutral position to multiple advantageous ground positions. From a strategic perspective, it represents one of the primary methods for establishing top position without conceding guard, making it essential for competitors who prefer to work from top control. The technique integrates with the broader takedown system, often being used in combination with other entries like double legs, high crotch, and body locks, creating a comprehensive standing game where each technique sets up the others through opponent’s defensive reactions.

Within the context of modern BJJ competition, the single leg entry has become increasingly important as athletes recognize the positional and scoring advantages of dictating where the match takes place. Rather than accepting guard pulls that may give opponents their preferred positions, the single leg allows you to establish top control, score takedown points, and begin the match from a position of advantage. The entry also connects directly to leg entanglement systems in no-gi competition, where the single leg can be intentionally converted to single leg X-guard, outside ashi garami, or 50-50 guard, creating immediate submission threats even if the takedown itself is not completed.

The single leg entry should be viewed as part of a larger positional ecosystem that includes grip fighting, stance and movement, and multiple finishing options. Each component reinforces the others: effective grip fighting creates entry opportunities, proper stance allows explosive level changes, and having multiple finishes prevents opponent from keying on single defensive response. This integration makes the single leg not just an isolated technique but a fundamental element of a complete grappling system that connects standing position to dominant ground positions and submission opportunities.

Related Techniques

• Single Leg Finish - Direct follow-up - natural continuation after successful entry establishes leg control
• Single Leg Takedown - Complete technique - combines entry with finishing sequence for full takedown
• Single Leg Variations - Concept framework - explores different approaches and adaptations of single leg system
• Single Leg X Entry - Alternative completion - guard pull option when takedown finish is defended
• Double Leg Entry - Complementary technique - often used in combination or as conversion option
• High Crotch - Related variation - similar mechanics with different head positioning and finish
• Ankle Pick - Alternative attack - used when single leg is sprawled or as adjustment entry
• Sprawl Defense - Primary counter - understanding defense improves offensive execution
• Takedown Defense - Defensive concept - studying defenses enhances ability to overcome them
• Body Lock Pass - Related control - similar body lock mechanics applied in different context
• Front Headlock - Counter position - understanding this threat improves head positioning during entry
• Guillotine Choke - Primary threat - awareness of this submission shapes proper head positioning
• Single Leg to Back Take - Advanced finish - one of the highest-percentage completions from leg control
• Snap Down - Setup technique - often used to create reactive entry for single leg
• Kimura from Standing - Alternative attack - can be combined or used as feint to set up entry

Expert Insights

• Danaher System: The single leg entry represents one of the most mechanically sound methods of establishing top position in grappling, but its effectiveness is entirely dependent on the quality of your level change and penetration mechanics. The critical concept that most practitioners fail to understand is that the single leg is not primarily about leg control - it is about hip proximity to your opponent’s base. When your hips are close to their hips, you have mechanical advantage regardless of their defensive responses. The level change must be explosive and committed, dropping your center of gravity below their hip line in a fraction of a second. Any hesitation or gradual descent allows them to sprawl and establish defensive frames. Furthermore, the head position serves a dual purpose: offensively it prevents sprawling by blocking hip movement, and defensively it protects against guillotine attacks by keeping your neck away from their centerline. Most importantly, you must understand that the single leg entry is a decision tree rather than a linear technique - every defensive response they make opens a specific offensive opportunity, and your success depends on reading their weight distribution and adapting your finish accordingly. The practitioner who can fluidly transition between running the pipe, inside trip, outside trip, double leg conversion, and guard pull based on opponent’s reaction will have exponentially higher success rates than one who attempts to force a single predetermined finish.
• Gordon Ryan: In competition, the single leg entry is one of my highest percentage techniques because it’s fundamentally a reaction-based system rather than a strength-based contest. When I shoot a single leg, I’m not trying to overpower my opponent - I’m creating a situation where every defensive choice they make leads to a different finishing option that I’ve already drilled thousands of times. If they sprawl, I’m switching to their ankle or converting to a double. If they whizzer, I’m using that overhook against them to take their back or dump them to the side. If they try to guillotine, I’m keeping my head glued to their hip and finishing the takedown anyway. The key insight from competition is that you need to be comfortable finishing from the single leg position for extended periods while they’re defending - sometimes I’ll have someone’s leg elevated for 15-20 seconds while I’m waiting for them to make the mistake that opens my finish. Most guys give up too early and either force a bad finish or let the leg go. The other competition-critical element is the setup - I never shoot a naked single leg in high-level matches. It’s always set up through grip fighting, stance manipulation, or as a counter to their attack. The best time to hit a single leg is when they’re moving toward you or when you’ve broken their posture through upper body control. Master the entry from these contextual situations rather than just drilling the technique in isolation.
• Eddie Bravo: The single leg entry is fundamental wrestling, but in the 10th Planet system we look at it through a different lens - it’s not just about getting the takedown, it’s about creating the specific ground position we want to work from. A lot of times when I hit a single leg, I’m intentionally pulling guard to single leg X because that’s where my leg lock game starts, or I’m using it to get to the truck position if they defend in certain ways. The beautiful thing about the single leg is that it gives you so many options to flow into your game even if the traditional wrestling finish isn’t there. When I teach this to my students, I emphasize that you should have a plan for what happens after you secure the leg based on your overall strategy - are you trying to get to top position, are you setting up leg locks, are you creating a back take opportunity? The entry mechanics are the same as wrestling, but the finish should be dictated by your BJJ game plan. Also, from a no-gi perspective, the single leg entry combined with guard pulling creates immediate leg entanglement opportunities that can catch people off guard. They’re defending the takedown and suddenly they’re in outside ashi with you attacking their knee. That element of surprise and the ability to transition seamlessly between takedown and guard is what makes the single leg so valuable in modern no-gi grappling. Don’t just think about it as a wrestling move - think about it as a position entry that connects your standing game to your ground game in whatever way serves your overall strategy.