Single leg vs double leg
The single leg attacks one leg; the double leg attacks both legs at once. Both are takedowns that bring the other person to the ground.
Takedown: you bring the other person from standing to the ground and land on top. Level change: you bend your knees and drop your hips before you step in.
Side by side
| What to look at | Single leg | Double leg |
|---|---|---|
| What you hold | One leg, above the knee | Both legs, behind the knees |
| Head position | On the inside, pressed into their chest | Up, with a straight back. It ends on the outside of their hip. |
| Best when | One of their legs is forward and close to you | Their feet are side by side and close to you |
| Finish | Lift the leg to your hip and run them down, or trip the other leg. | Drive through, then turn the corner to land past their legs. |
| Where you often land | Half guard, on top | Side control, if you turn the corner |
| Common mistake | Head on the outside. They push your head down and sprawl. | Shooting from too far away. You reach with your arms and they sprawl. |
When to use which
- Their front leg is close to you: shoot the single leg.
- They stand square with feet side by side: shoot the double leg.
- They lean forward or step into you: the double leg fits.
Your partner stands with the right leg forward. You change levels, step in, and catch that leg above the knee. You lift it to your hip and trip the other leg. You land on top in their half guard.
Your partner stands with both feet side by side, close to you. Which takedown fits best?
In the library
Read the full pages: Single Leg Takedown and Double Leg Takedown.
Train it on the Path
The map of positions unit turns this into short lessons: you see a position and pick the best move.
The Path goes in order: start free from lesson one and you reach The map of positions on the way. With Rolla Plus you can jump straight here.