The Single Leg Takedown and its variations represent one of the most versatile and fundamental takedown systems in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling. This technique family involves controlling one of the opponent’s legs while using various finishing methods to bring them to the ground. The beauty of the single leg system lies in its adaptability - when one finish is defended, the practitioner can seamlessly flow to another variation, creating a chain of attacks that overwhelms the opponent’s defensive structure.
Unlike the double leg takedown which commits both arms to leg control, the single leg allows for superior balance and head position control, making it safer against guillotine counters and easier to defend against sprawls. The single leg system includes numerous finishes: the traditional lift and dump, the ankle pick, the knee tap, the inside trip, the outside trip, the back trip, and the run-the-pipe finish. Each variation exploits different defensive reactions, making the single leg a complete takedown system rather than a single technique.
Mastery of single leg variations transforms a grappler’s standing game from predictable to highly dynamic. Elite competitors have demonstrated how single leg entries can be chained directly into leg lock positions, creating seamless transitions from standing to ground submissions. This modern application has elevated the single leg from a simple takedown to a sophisticated entry system that bridges wrestling fundamentals with advanced BJJ leg entanglement strategies.
Starting Position: Standing Position Ending Position: Side Control Success Rates: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 70%
Key Principles
- Control the ankle or lower leg with both hands while maintaining head position on the inside or outside
- Break opponent’s base by elevating their leg or driving them backward while they balance on one foot
- Chain multiple finishing variations together based on opponent’s defensive reactions
- Maintain constant forward pressure to prevent opponent from establishing defensive posture
- Use head position as an additional point of control to off-balance opponent
- Transition seamlessly to leg entanglements if takedown finish is unsuccessful
- Keep hips close to opponent’s standing leg to maximize control and minimize their mobility
Prerequisites
- Standing position with both grapplers on their feet in neutral or clinch range
- Clear entry path to penetrate toward opponent’s legs without telegraphing intention
- Grip fighting advantage or clear moment to shoot without opponent’s hands controlling your head
- Proper distance management - close enough to penetrate but not so close that knees are blocked
- Level change mechanics prepared to drop hips and shoot underneath opponent’s center of gravity
- Head position awareness to avoid guillotine setups during entry phase
- Balanced stance that allows explosive forward drive without compromising defensive position
Execution Steps
- Level change and penetration: Drop your hips explosively while stepping forward with your lead leg. Your head should drive toward the opponent’s centerline as you lower your level beneath their hips. Keep your back straight and chest up to maintain structural integrity during the shot. Your hands should be ready to secure the leg while your head makes contact with their torso. (Timing: Execute the level change in one explosive motion to prevent opponent from sprawling)
- Leg capture and secure grip: As you penetrate, wrap both arms around the back of the opponent’s knee or lower thigh. Your inside hand (closer to their centerline) should cup behind their knee while your outside hand reaches across to complete the grip. Pull the leg tight to your chest and shoulder. Your head should be positioned on the inside (between their legs) or outside depending on the entry angle. (Timing: Secure the grip immediately upon contact before opponent can retract their leg)
- Elevate and drive: Stand up forcefully while lifting the captured leg to break opponent’s base. Drive forward into their standing leg while elevating their captured leg to at least hip height. Your head should drive into their chest or ribs to further disrupt their balance. Maintain tight control of the leg against your torso while keeping your hips close to their standing leg. (Timing: Continuous forward pressure - do not pause between capture and elevation)
- Read defensive reaction: As you drive and elevate, assess how the opponent responds. If they hop backward on their standing leg, prepare for a dump or trip finish. If they plant their standing leg firmly and reach for your head, prepare for an inside trip. If they turn away to defend, prepare for a back trip or run-the-pipe finish. Your ability to read this reaction determines which variation you execute. (Timing: React within 1-2 seconds of initial elevation while opponent is still off-balance)
- Execute appropriate finish variation: Based on their defensive reaction, execute the appropriate finish: (1) Lift and dump - elevate leg high and turn the corner to dump them on their back; (2) Inside trip - use your inside leg to hook their standing leg while driving forward; (3) Outside trip - circle to the outside and hook their standing leg from the outside; (4) Ankle pick - drop your level suddenly and pull their standing ankle while driving forward; (5) Knee tap - release the elevated leg, grab their standing knee, and pull it toward you while driving your shoulder into their chest. (Timing: Commit fully to the finish variation - hesitation allows opponent to recover base)
- Secure top position or transition to leg entanglement: As opponent falls, control their descent and establish your preferred top position. If executing a traditional finish, move immediately to side control, mount, or knee on belly. If they defend the takedown by sitting or rolling, maintain control of their leg and transition to single leg X-guard, inside ashi garami, or outside ashi garami for leg attack opportunities. Do not release leg control until you have established a dominant position. (Timing: Transition occurs immediately as opponent’s back or hips contact the mat)
Opponent Counters
- Sprawl defense - opponent drops their hips and sprawls their legs back while pushing down on your head (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: If they sprawl successfully, transition to ankle pick by circling to the outside, grabbing their far ankle, and pulling while their weight is back. Alternatively, switch to a double leg by securing both legs if they sprawl with legs too wide
- Guillotine counter - opponent wraps your neck in a guillotine choke as you shoot (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Keep your head on the inside during entry to minimize guillotine exposure. If caught, immediately drive forward and turn the corner to relieve pressure while completing the takedown. In no-gi, consider releasing and backing out if the guillotine is deeply locked
- Wizard control - opponent overhooks your arm and controls your head, neutralizing the finish (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: If opponent establishes wizard control, immediately switch to a different variation. Circle away from their overhook side while maintaining leg control, or transition to running-the-pipe finish by circling behind them. Can also drop for ankle pick on standing leg
- Limp leg defense - opponent relaxes their captured leg making it difficult to elevate (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: When leg goes limp, immediately switch to attacking their standing leg. Execute knee tap by releasing the limp leg, grabbing their standing knee, and driving forward. Their relaxed leg actually makes the standing leg more vulnerable
- Frame and create distance - opponent posts hand on your head/shoulder and extends their arm to create space (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Continue driving forward while circling to remove their frame. Use your head to pressure under their armpit rather than against their frame. If frame is strong, drop level suddenly and attack standing ankle with ankle pick variation
Test Your Knowledge
Q1: What is the primary advantage of the single leg takedown system compared to the double leg takedown? A: The single leg allows for better balance and head position control since only one leg is attacked while maintaining base on both your feet. This makes it safer against guillotine counters, easier to maintain during the finishing sequence, and allows for superior adaptability to switch between multiple finish variations. Additionally, the single leg commits only your arms to leg control while keeping your legs and hips mobile for various finishes.
Q2: Why is continuous forward pressure emphasized throughout the single leg sequence rather than pausing to reassess? A: Continuous forward pressure prevents the opponent from recovering their base and establishing defensive structures. The single leg is most effective as a dynamic chain of movements where each action flows into the next. Any pause allows the opponent to plant their standing leg firmly, establish grips like wizard control or overhooks, and potentially counter with submissions or front headlock positions. The pressure keeps them reactive and off-balance throughout the sequence.
Q3: When an opponent successfully sprawls against your single leg entry, what is the most effective counter-adjustment and why? A: When opponent sprawls successfully, immediately transition to an ankle pick finish by circling to the outside while maintaining some leg control. As they sprawl, their weight shifts backward and their far ankle becomes exposed and vulnerable. Circle toward their back while grabbing their far ankle and pulling it toward you while they’re overcommitted to the sprawl. This uses their defensive reaction against them and often results in a successful takedown from a seemingly defended position.
Q4: How does head position affect your defensive safety and offensive options during single leg execution? A: Head position is critical for both safety and finish options. Inside head position (between opponent’s legs) provides strong control and prevents wizard/whizzer counters but makes you more vulnerable to guillotine attempts. Outside head position is safer from guillotines and allows for better run-the-pipe and outside trip finishes but gives opponent potential for wizard control. Elite grapplers switch head position dynamically based on opponent’s hand position and defensive reactions, always keeping their head tight to opponent’s torso to maintain control.
Q5: What specific defensive reaction indicates you should transition from a traditional single leg finish to a knee tap variation? A: When the opponent makes their elevated leg heavy and limp while planting their standing leg firmly, this indicates you should switch to knee tap. The limp leg defense neutralizes lift-based finishes, but it simultaneously makes their standing leg vulnerable because all their weight commits to that one leg. The knee tap exploits this by attacking their standing leg directly - releasing the limp leg and grabbing their standing knee to collapse their entire base.
Q6: In modern no-gi BJJ competition, what position should you transition to if your single leg takedown is defended but you maintain leg control? A: Transition to inside ashi garami or outside ashi garami (depending on your position relative to their leg) by sitting to your hip while maintaining control of their leg. This seamlessly converts a defended takedown into a leg entanglement position where you can attack with heel hooks, knee bars, or ankle locks. Modern grapplers have made this transition a fundamental part of their games, viewing the single leg not just as a takedown but as an entry system into leg attacks.
Q7: Why is it important to keep your hips close to the opponent’s standing leg during single leg execution? A: Keeping your hips close to their standing leg limits their mobility and prevents them from hopping away or creating distance. When your hips are close, you can control the range and direction of their movement, making all your finish variations more effective. Distance allows them to hop backward repeatedly, circle away from your attacks, and potentially disengage entirely. Close hip positioning also improves your ability to feel their weight shifts and react appropriately with the correct finish variation.
Safety Considerations
When practicing single leg variations, controlled execution is essential to prevent knee injuries during takedown finishes. Partners should tap if they feel excessive torque on their knee or ankle during practice. Start all variations at slow speed and gradually increase intensity over weeks of training. Ensure adequate mat space and proper surface to prevent injury during falls. When drilling finishes like inside trips and outside trips, be particularly careful with your partner’s standing leg as sudden sweeps can cause ligament damage if executed with full power on an unprepared partner. In live training, release leg control if your partner taps to prevent joint strain. The transition to leg entanglements should also be practiced progressively, as sudden drops to ashi positions can torque the knee if partner is not expecting the position change. Always communicate with training partners about intensity level and stop immediately if anyone experiences joint pain.
Position Integration
The Single Leg Takedown system serves as a critical bridge between standing grappling and ground positions in BJJ. From a strategic perspective, it represents the primary takedown entry for grapplers who want to maintain defensive safety while establishing top position. Unlike throws or double legs that require full commitment, the single leg allows for measured entry with multiple exit options if the technique is unsuccessful. Within the broader positional hierarchy, successful single leg finishes lead directly to dominant top positions: side control, mount, knee on belly, or turtle top depending on how the opponent falls. The modern evolution of the single leg has expanded its integration to include seamless transitions to leg entanglement positions (inside ashi, outside ashi, 50-50) when traditional finishes are defended. This makes the single leg particularly valuable in no-gi competition where the threat of leg locks is prevalent. Elite competitors use single leg entries as part of a complete standing-to-ground system that includes takedowns, guard pulls, and leg attacks as interconnected options rather than separate techniques. The single leg also integrates defensively - when opponents shoot on you, understanding single leg mechanics helps you defend and counter with your own attacks. From a pedagogical standpoint, single leg variations should be taught as a complete system rather than isolated techniques, emphasizing the flow between entries, finishes, counters, and transitions to ensure students develop a comprehensive understanding of standing grappling that integrates smoothly with their ground game.
Expert Insights
- Danaher System: The single leg takedown represents a complete system rather than a single technique, and this is a crucial distinction that separates novice from expert execution. The biomechanical principle underlying all single leg variations is the disruption of bilateral base - by controlling one leg and attacking the standing leg, you create an unsolvable defensive problem for the opponent. The key to systematic single leg mastery is understanding that each defensive reaction opens a specific offensive finish. When opponent sprawls, their weight goes back making ankles vulnerable. When they plant firmly, their standing leg becomes the primary target for knee taps or trips. When they turn away, you have access to their back through run-the-pipe mechanics. The most sophisticated aspect of single leg execution is the seamless integration with leg entanglement positions in modern no-gi grappling. The single leg should be viewed as an entry system that can terminate in traditional takedowns OR in leg lock positions, making it doubly dangerous because opponents must defend two distinct threats simultaneously. Train the single leg as a decision tree where each branch represents a different finish variation triggered by specific defensive cues. This systematic approach transforms a wrestling technique into a complete attacking system that bridges standing grappling with ground-based submissions.
- Gordon Ryan: In competition, the single leg is my highest percentage takedown because it offers the best risk-reward ratio of any standing technique. Unlike throws or double legs that can be countered with guillotines or front headlocks, the single leg allows me to maintain defensive safety while creating multiple finishing threats. The critical factor in competitive application is understanding that you rarely finish with your first attack - the single leg is about creating a chain of attempts that overwhelm the opponent’s defense. I shoot the single leg knowing that even if they defend the initial dump, I have inside trip, outside trip, knee tap, and ankle pick variations all available within seconds. What makes my single leg effective against elite opponents is the integration with leg entanglement positions. If they defend the takedown, I immediately transition to inside ashi or outside ashi and attack their legs with submissions. This makes them choose between defending the takedown or defending the leg lock, and that split second of confusion is when I finish. In training, I emphasize the transition phase - the moment when the takedown is defended but I still have leg control. This is where most grapplers give up and reset, but this is actually a position of opportunity where leg lock attacks are highly available. The single leg to ashi garami transition has become such a fundamental part of modern no-gi competition that you cannot be considered a complete grappler without this skill. My advice is to drill the defensive transitions as much as the successful finishes, because that’s where championships are won.
- Eddie Bravo: The beauty of the single leg system is how it fits perfectly with 10th Planet’s philosophy of creating positions that give opponents multiple problems to solve simultaneously. When I teach single leg variations, I emphasize the creative finishing options that most wrestlers never explore because they’re stuck in traditional thinking. The run-the-pipe finish is absolutely money in no-gi because it gives you access to back control even when the takedown is defended. I also love teaching the single leg as an entry to the truck position - when they defend by turning away, you can maintain leg control and take them directly to the position we use for twister setups. One variation we use extensively is the single leg to electric chair transition, where you convert the standing single leg into a lockdown position as you bring them down. This catches opponents completely off guard because they’re defending a takedown and suddenly they’re in a submission position. The key innovation in our single leg system is treating it as a transition technique rather than just a takedown - it’s a vehicle to get to the positions where we excel. We also integrate single leg entries from seated guard positions, which is unconventional but highly effective. If someone is standing in your guard, you can grab a single leg and use it to off-balance them into positions where you have advantages. The single leg is not just about taking people down, it’s about controlling their leg to create opportunities for your entire system of attacks. Think of the leg as a steering wheel that lets you direct where the match goes next.