Combat Sports
Double-Leg Takedown Entry
The double-leg takedown entry practices lowering your stance, stepping in, and securing both legs without finishing the takedown. It develops leg drive, balance, and coordination for grappling.
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Moderate injury risk
- Rest 1 min
How to do it
- Face a cooperative partner in a staggered stance, within arm’s reach.
- Lower your body by bending your knees.
- Step your lead foot between your partner’s feet.
- Bring your rear foot forward into a staggered base beneath your hips.
- Place the side of your head against your partner’s torso, beside their hip.
- Wrap your arms around both thighs, just above the knees.
- Release your grip while your partner remains balanced.
- Step backward into your starting stance.
Form cues
- Keep your eyes forward.
- Keep your elbows close.
- Exhale as you enter.
Common mistakes
- Shooting from too far awayStart close enough that one controlled step brings your body to your partner without lunging.
- Folding at the waistKeep your chest lifted over your hips instead of reaching down with your shoulders.
- Pulling the legs sidewaysUse a light, even grip rather than twisting your partner’s knees.
Safety
A rushed entry or head-first collision can strain your neck. Continuing to drive after securing the legs can topple your partner and cause an unintended fall.
- Use a clear training mat with enough space for both people to step away.
- Agree on low resistance, a stop signal, and an endpoint with no lift or takedown.
- Practice slowly before adding speed.
- Stop the drill if either person loses stable footing.
If you have neck, knee, or back pain, use shallow solo entries or seek advice from a physiotherapist before practicing with a partner.
Muscles worked
Primary muscles
Secondary muscles
Equipment
- Combat Training Mat
Sets and reps
- Sets
- 2–3
- Target
- 4–6 reps per lead side
- Rest
- 1 min
Reset fully between repetitions rather than linking entries into a continuous scramble.