Single Leg Takedown: The Ultimate BJJ Wrestling Guide

Single Leg Takedown: The Ultimate BJJ Wrestling Guide

By BJJ Sportswear Editorial Team
Reviewed by competitive black belts | Last Updated: February 2, 2026

The Single Leg Takedown is the most important wrestling technique for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Unlike the Double Leg, which requires explosive power and exposes you to heavy sprawls, the Single Leg Takedown is lower risk and higher reward. It allows you to enter safely, manage distance, and finish without carrying your opponent’s entire weight. However, in BJJ, a bad shot is the fastest way to get caught in a Guillotine Choke.

In this guide, we break down the mechanics, the critical “Head Inside” safety detail, and the finishes that will put you in top position every time.

Head Position: Inside vs. Outside

Before you shoot, you must understand where your head belongs. In wrestling, both are valid. In BJJ, one is significantly safer.

• Head Inside (Recommended): Your head is pressed against their chest/ribs on the same side as the leg you are attacking. This is the safest option because your head blocks the Guillotine path and makes it hard for them to Kimora you.​
• Head Outside (High Crotch): Your head is on the outside of their hip. While powerful, this exposes your neck to the choke and your back to the Switch. Beginners should master the Head Inside first.

Step-by-Step: The Entry

A successful takedown is 90% setup and 10% finish.

1. The Setup: You cannot shoot from far away. Use hand fighting (collar ties or arm drags) to force them to step one leg forward.
2. Level Change: Do not bend at your waist. Bend at your knees. Your chest should remain upright.
3. The Shot: Drive off your back foot and step deep between their legs.
4. The Connection: Wrap your arms around their thigh (not the calf). Lock your hands in a Gable Grip (palm-to-palm) behind their knee.
5. The Glue: Immediately press your forehead into their ribs. If there is space between your head and their body, they will frame your face and escape.​

Finish #1: Running the Pipe (The Dump)

This is the most technical way to finish a Single Leg Takedown without lifting your opponent.

1. Pinch the Leg: Squeeze their thigh between your knees to trap it.
2. Step Back: Take a big circular step back with your outside leg.
3. Change Levels: Drop your shoulder heavy onto their thigh while pulling their leg up.
4. The Dump: The combination of the circular motion and downward pressure will force them to lose balance and fall to their hip.​

Finish #2: The Lift (Tree Top)

If the opponent hops on one leg and refuses to fall, switch to this high-impact finish.

1. Posture Up: Straighten your back and lift their leg high into your armpit.
2. The Trip: Step your inside leg behind their standing leg.
3. Drive: Drive forward with your chest to trip them over your leg. Once they fall, look to pass to Side Control immediately.

Troubleshooting: Avoiding the Guillotine

The biggest fear with the Single Leg Takedown is the choke.

• The Fix: Posture. If your head is down looking at the mat, you will be choked. Keep your spine straight and look up.
• The Reaction: If they wrap your neck, do not back out. Drive across their body to the opposite side (Double Leg transition) to relieve the pressure.​

Conclusion

The Single Leg Takedown is a versatile weapon that works in Gi and No-Gi.

Focus on the “Head Inside” position to stay safe, and remember: never shoot with a bent spine. Once you master the entry, you will find yourself securing top position with much less effort than a Double Leg.