The Best Single-Leg Takedown for BJJ

🥋 The Perfect Single-Leg Takedown for BJJ

1️⃣ Set It Up (Never Shoot Naked)

A great single leg starts with a reaction, not a guess.

High-percentage setups:

• Collar tie → snap → level change
• Post on the shoulder → fake ankle pick → single leg
• Arm drag → penetration step
• Hand fight → inside tie → drop

Key rule:
✅ Make them step before you shoot.

2️⃣ Level Change & Penetration Step

This is where most people fail.

• Drop your level before you step
• Lead foot steps deep between their feet
• Knee lightly kisses the mat
• Head stays tight to their ribs or chest

✅ Your spine should stay straight
❌ Don’t bend at the waist

3️⃣ Perfect Leg Capture

• Wrap both arms around one leg
• Clamp your hands behind the knee
• Pull the leg tight to your chest
• Pinch your elbows in

Head Position Is Critical:

• Head on the inside = drive finish
• Head on the outside = run-the-pipe finish

4️⃣ Angle & Off-Balance

Once you have the leg:

• Step your outside foot at a 45° angle
• Pull the leg slightly across your centerline
• Drive your shoulder into their hip

✅ Now they’re standing on one post

✅ Best Finishes for BJJ

🔹 Run the Pipe (Most Reliable Finish)

1. Rotate toward the captured leg
2. Drop your shoulder slightly
3. Pull the leg down like a lever
4. They spiral to the mat

Why it’s great for BJJ:
Low risk, keeps you on top, minimal scrambles.

🔹 Drive & Lift (Wrestling Power Finish)

• Step both feet in
• Lift with your legs
• Dump them straight back

⚠️ Use only if your posture is perfect

🔹 Trip Finish (Inside or Outside)

• Block their standing foot
• Pull the leg while sweeping the base
• Drop directly into side control or half guard

🧠 BJJ-Specific Details That Matter

✅ Keep your elbows tight (prevents guillotines)
✅ Look up and forward, not down
✅ Finish quickly—don’t stall on one leg
✅ Land past their guard, not inside it

🚫 Common Single-Leg Mistakes

• Shooting from too far away
• Head down → instant guillotine
• Loose grip on the leg
• Staying square instead of angling
• Trying to “muscle” instead of off-balancing

🏆 High-Level BJJ Sequence Example

Single Leg → Run the Pipe → Knee Slide Pass → Side Control → Mount

This chain alone can win matches.

‍

‍