Single Leg Takedown: The Complete BJJ Guide

Single Leg Takedown: The Complete BJJ Guide

By BJJ Sportswear Editorial Team
Reviewed by wrestling coaches and competitive black belts specializing in takedown systems and standing game | Last Updated: January 14, 2026

The single leg takedown is wrestling’s most versatile attack—a fundamental shoot where you change levels, capture one of your opponent’s legs, and use leverage combined with multiple finish options to bring them to the mat while maintaining top position. What makes mastering the single leg even more essential than the double leg takedown is adaptability: the single leg offers more finish variations (run the pipe, dump, trip, back take), making it effective against different defensive reactions and body types.​​

According to NAGA Fighter, the single-leg takedown is a wrestling technique used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that involves capturing one of your opponent’s legs and using leverage to bring them to the ground. Knowing how to execute this move is of strategic importance in this grappling art, as it’s a reliable method for transitioning a match from standing to the ground, where the majority of BJJ battles are won.​

Grapple Arts emphasizes: The single leg takedown is one of the main moves in freestyle wrestling, but it becomes considerably harder to pull off when you put the gi on. However, you absolutely CAN adapt the single leg to work with the gi—the key is setting up your grips properly.​

After coaching hundreds of students through wrestling fundamentals, I’ve found that the single leg often feels more natural for BJJ practitioners than double legs—because controlling one leg instead of two feels more manageable, and the multiple finish options give you solutions regardless of how opponents defend.

Whether you’re a white belt learning basic wrestling fundamentals or a purple belt refining competition-level single leg variations, mastering the single leg takedown gives you the standing game versatility that makes your entire BJJ more complete.

What Is the Single Leg Takedown?

The single leg takedown is a wrestling-based attack where you shoot forward with a penetration step, change levels, capture ONE of your opponent’s legs (between your legs or high on shoulder), and finish using multiple options—run the pipe, dump finish, trip, or back take—depending on their defensive reaction.​​

Core Single Leg Principles:

• Change levels (drop hips)
• Penetration step (explosive forward)
• Capture ONE leg (not both)
• Multiple finish options (not just one!)
• Head position critical (chest, not down)
• Knee pinch (trap leg between your legs)
• Works gi and no-gi
• High-percentage takedown
• Wrestling fundamental
• Often easier than double leg
• Versatile against defenses

NAGA Fighter emphasizes origin: Although it is commonly used in BJJ, the single-leg takedown originated in wrestling, where fighters use this technique to control their opponents and secure points, and in mixed martial arts (MMA), where it’s a good way to set up ground-and-pound or submission scenarios.​

Understanding guillotine choke defense remains critical because improper head position on single legs creates guillotine opportunities—just like double legs.

Executing the Single Leg Takedown (Basic)

NAGA Fighter teaches fundamentals:​

Step 1: Gain Inside Control

Setup Position:

• Inside control of opponent
• Push their shoulder hard
• Step forward
• Force weight onto one leg
• Opens other leg for attack

Purpose: Prevent sprawl by disrupting their base and forcing them to commit weight to one leg, making the other leg vulnerable.

Step 2: Catch the Leg

NAGA Fighter describes: Once you catch the opponent’s leg, pinch your knees together to keep the opponent’s leg tightly controlled and maintain a strong grip to keep them from breaking free.​

Catching Mechanics:

• Change levels explosively
• Penetration step forward
• Grab opponent’s leg
• Pinch knees together (CRITICAL!)
• Trap leg between your legs
• Maintain strong grip

Knee Pinch: This traps their leg and prevents them from pulling it free—fundamental detail many beginners miss.

Step 3: Head Position and Posture

NAGA Fighter warns: Maintain good posture with your head on the opponent’s shoulder, but don’t lean too far forward, or else you can expose yourself to being caught in a guillotine. Keep a solid stance and control over your body.​

Proper Head Position:

• Head on opponent’s chest/shoulder
• NOT looking down
• Chest stays UP
• Good posture maintained
• Prevents guillotine

Where the head goes, the body follows—same principle as double leg.

Step 4: Finish (Multiple Options)

NAGA Fighter describes basic finish: Act quickly and efficiently, applying pressure with your biceps on the opponent’s thigh to destabilize them. Drive off your planted leg and use your body weight and the force of your head to push your opponent backward.

​

Single Leg Finish #1: Run the Pipe (Dump)

Grappler Station teaches: Start from the single leg position, with their leg in between your legs.​

Brandon Reed emphasizes: The Dump, AKA Running the Pipe, is a very basic finish that comes from Freestyle/Folkstyle Wrestling and is one that works really well against your opponents that have heavy legs/hip pressure.​

Run the Pipe Mechanics

Grappler Station breaks down:​

Step 1: Hook Grip Low

• Grip low by opponent’s ankle
• Leg trapped between your legs
• Knees pinched together

Step 2: Step Away with Outside Leg

• Outside leg steps away
• Creates angle
• Pressure with shoulder into thigh

Step 3: Turn and Finish

• Hold leg close
• Turn your chest
• Turn their back to mat
• Drive through

Manuel Ribamar example: Ribamar proved that the basics still work even at the highest level. Single leg run the pipe—when opponent’s leg comes to the outside, small angle change neutralizes the situation and scores two points.​

Why It Works: Uses opponent’s pressure against them—heavier they push, easier the dump becomes.​

Single Leg Finish #2: Tree Top Finish

DM Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches: Variation 4 – Leg Details + Tree Top Single Leg Finish.​

Tree Top Mechanics:

• Elevate their leg high
• Drive forward
• Circle to side
• Trip from elevated position
• Opponent falls backward

Single Leg Finish #3: Trip Finish

NAGA Fighter describes: Keep your grip positioned midway between their groin and knee. Keep your head in their chest to maintain control and pressure, and drop your right leg back while bringing your bottom hand to their heel. Clamp your elbow and trip your opponent by pushing off your back leg. As they step back, continue to pull them to the ground.​

Trip Mechanics:

• Grip midway on leg
• Head in chest
• Drop back leg
• Bottom hand to heel
• Clamp elbow
• Push off back leg
• Trip them down

Single Leg Finish #4: Back Take

Core Pro BJJ teaches: From the inside ties I start to drag and I catch, now I start to circle and I step around. Once I’m on the back I just make sure my ear stays tight to his back, my hands are connected, and again we are ready to work off of this rear body lock.​

Back Take Mechanics:

• From single leg position
• Circle behind opponent
• Step around to their back
• Ear tight to back
• Connect hands (body lock)
• Back control established

Why This Works: Instead of forcing takedown forward, use their defensive posture to circle to the most dominant position in BJJ.

Single Leg Variations by Stance

DM Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches four variations:​

Variation 1: Opposite Legs Forward

Timestamp 0:32:

• You and opponent have opposite legs forward
• Easier single leg entry
• Run the pipe finish
• Standard setup

Variation 2: Same Legs Forward (Collar Setup)

Timestamp 1:38:

• You and opponent have same legs forward
• Use collar grip setup
• Create angle
• Run the pipe finish

Variation 3: Same Legs Forward (Deep Step)

Timestamp 2:24:

• Same legs forward
• Deep penetration step
• Change angle
• Run the pipe finish

Variation 4: Leg Details + Tree Top

Timestamp 3:06:

• Specific leg control details
• Tree top elevation finish
• Advanced variation

Single Leg in the Gi (Rob Biernacki System)

Grapple Arts teaches gi-specific setup:​

The Gi Challenge

Problem: With the gi, your opponent usually just grabs your lapel and sleeve, stiff-arms away, and makes it hard to get at his legs.​

Solution: Set up your grips properly BEFORE shooting.

Rob Biernacki Gi Sequence

Grapple Arts breaks down:​

Step 1: Open Opponent’s Left Lapel

• Use your left hand
• Open their left lapel
• Back away

Step 2: Insert Right Hand Low on Right Lapel

• Right hand low on their right lapel
• Slide it up high
• As high as comfortable

Step 3: Pull Forward

• Pull opponent forward
• They step right leg forward
• Posture up and backward

Step 4: Push with Face/Forehead

• Step forward
• Off-balance them backward
• Push chest with forehead

Step 5: Pick Up Lead Leg

• Lead leg now light
• Pick up with left hand
• Drive forward

Step 6: Elevate and Circle

• Keep leg elevated
• Pull down on lapel
• Circle to your right
• Take them down

Why Gi Setup Matters: Without proper grip setup, opponents use gi grips to stiff-arm and prevent leg access entirely.

​

Low Single (Bekzod Abdurakhmanov Method)

BJJ Fanatics teaches efficient variation: Bekzod Abdurakhmnovov, an Uzbekistan freestyle wrestler and MMA fighter who defeated Jordan Burroughs in 2016, shows a very efficient and quick single leg from the collar tie.​

Why Go Low on the Leg?

BJJ Fanatics explains: Bekzod is grabbing below the knee. He does this because the defender can’t sneak their arm inside of the grip, which is a common defensive reaction people will do. Bekzod also likes to go for the far leg grip because the defender can no longer use that leg to base out and get the balance they need to stay standing.​

Low Single Advantages:

• Defender can’t get arm inside
• Far leg = no base
• Quick and efficient
• Hard to defend

Common Single Leg Mistakes

Mistake #1: Shooting from Too Far Away

NAGA Fighter warns: Shooting the single leg takedown from too far away can make you vulnerable to an attack from your opponent. Ensure you are within the correct range before initiating the sequence.​

Problem:

• Too much distance
• Can’t reach leg
• Easy to sprawl on
• Exposed to counters

Fix:

• Close distance first
• Grip setup (especially gi)
• Proper range
• Explosive shot

Mistake #2: Poor Head Position

NAGA Fighter emphasizes: BJJ is a game of leverage, and positioning is everything. Maintain a low and stable stance, keeping your head against your opponent’s chest.​

Problem:

• Head down (looking at mat)
• Leaning too far forward
• Guillotine exposure
• Poor posture

Fix:

• Head on chest/shoulder
• Eyes up
• Good posture
• Prevents guillotine

Mistake #3: Incorrect Timing

NAGA Fighter teaches: Do not shoot for the leg until your opponent is off-balance or transitioning between movements. Drilling the move with a partner will help you learn to recognize those movements that make an opponent vulnerable.​

Problem:

• Shooting when opponent balanced
• Random timing
• No setup
• Easy to defend

Fix:

• Wait for off-balance moment
• Recognize transitions
• Use setups
• Create opportunities

Mistake #4: Not Pinching Knees

Problem:

• Knees apart
• Leg escapes easily
• Lose control
• Failed takedown

Fix:

• Pinch knees TIGHT together
• Trap leg between your legs
• Maintain squeeze
• Fundamental detail

Training the Single Leg

Solo Drilling

NAGA Fighter recommends: Footwork exercises, such as shadow wrestling and stance drills, are a great way to build muscle memory and add fluidity to your movements.​

Solo Training:

• Shadow wrestling
• Stance drills
• Level changes
• Penetration steps
• Ladder drills (coordination)
• Box jumps (explosive power)
• 50 reps daily

Visualization Techniques

NAGA Fighter emphasizes mental prep: Any successful BJJ fighter will tell you that mental preparation is just as important as physical training. Visualize each step, from setting up and shooting for the leg to finishing. This mental practice builds confidence and clarity so you can execute the move more effectively during live training.​

Partner Drills

NAGA Fighter teaches progressive drilling: Work with a partner who provides realistic resistance but allows you to complete the move so you can refine your technique and make necessary adjustments without the pressure of full-speed sparring.​

Progressive Resistance:

Week 1-2: Cooperative

• Partner allows technique
• Practice all finish variations
• Slow and controlled

Week 3-4: Light Resistance (25%)

• Partner defends lightly
• Practice reading reactions
• Choose appropriate finish

Week 5-6: Moderate Resistance (50%)

• Realistic defense
• Practice setups
• Competition speed

Week 7+: Live Takedown Sparring

• Full resistance
• Start standing
• 3-5 minute rounds

Why Takedowns Matter in BJJ

NAGA Fighter explains importance: Takedowns are a crucial element in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for several reasons. Primarily, they serve as the main method for transitioning the fight from a standing position to the ground, where the majority of BJJ techniques and submissions are applied. Successfully executing one allows you to establish control over your opponent from the outset, dictating the pace and position of the match.​

Competition Value:

• Takedowns award points
• Especially important in close matches
• Enter preferred grappling position
• Top control vs. guard pull
• Dictate match flow

Strategic Advantages:

• Control when fight goes to ground
• Choose top position
• Implement game plan
• Dominant from start

The Single Leg Takedown Legacy

From Jordan Burroughs’ wrestling dominance to Manuel Ribamar’s Third Coast Grappling success and Bekzod Abdurakhmanov’s victory over Burroughs using efficient low singles, the single leg takedown represents wrestling’s most versatile standing attack. What makes mastering the single leg even more valuable than the double leg is adaptability—multiple finish options (run the pipe, dump, trip, back take) give you solutions regardless of defensive reactions.

NAGA Fighter concludes: Mastering the single-leg takedown is essential for any Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner looking to enhance their grappling game. Adding this technique to your BJJ arsenal provides a reliable method for transitioning from standing to ground combat and opens up a myriad of opportunities to control and dominate your opponent.​

The single leg proves a fundamental grappling truth: versatility beats rigidity. While single-technique specialists can succeed, complete wrestlers who adapt finishes to defensive reactions—run the pipe against heavy pressure, back takes against forward posture, trips against backward movement—control standing exchanges regardless of opponent style.

Whether you’re learning basic run-the-pipe finishes or refining gi-specific setups and low single variations, mastering the single leg takedown gives you the standing game versatility that makes your entire BJJ more adaptable and complete.

How We Reviewed This Article

Editorial Standards: Technical information verified through Manuel Ribamar competition footage, Bekzod Abdurakhmanov methodology, Rob Biernacki gi systems, and contemporary wrestling instruction adapted for BJJ. Finish variations reviewed by wrestling coaches and competitive black belts emphasizing multiple-option adaptability. Training progressions based on proven wrestling development used in successful BJJ competition programs.

Sources Referenced:

• DM Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (four variations)
• NAGA Fighter (fundamental execution)
• Grapple Arts / Rob Biernacki (gi-specific setup)
• BJJ Fanatics / Bekzod Abdurakhmanov (low single efficiency)
• Brandon Reed (run the pipe/dump finish)
• Manuel Ribamar (competition application)
• Core Pro BJJ (back take variation)

Last Updated: January 14, 2026