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Combat Sports

High-Crotch Takedown Entry

The high-crotch takedown entry practices stepping inside a partner’s stance to secure an upper leg without completing the takedown. It develops leg drive, balance, and coordinated footwork.

  • Intermediate
  • Compound
  • Moderate injury risk
  • Rest 1 min

How to do it

  1. Face your partner in a staggered stance within arm’s reach.
  2. Lower your hips by bending your knees.
  3. Step your lead foot between your partner’s feet, close to the targeted leg.
  4. Thread your lead arm between your partner’s legs to wrap the targeted upper thigh.
  5. Place the side of your head against the outside of the targeted hip, with your face forward.
  6. Bring your rear foot forward beneath your hips to settle into the entry position.
  7. Release your partner’s thigh.
  8. Step back into your starting stance.

Form cues

  • Keep your chest tall.
  • Keep your elbow close.
  • Move smoothly, not explosively.

Common mistakes

  • Reaching from too far awayClose the distance with your penetration step before reaching for the leg.
  • Grabbing around the kneeSecure the upper thigh rather than pulling or squeezing across the knee joint.
  • Leaving the hips behindUse your trailing foot to bring your hips underneath your torso instead of stretching into a long lunge.

Safety

A rushed entry or unexpected partner movement can strain your neck or twist your partner’s planted knee. Continuing forward after securing the leg can cause an unintended fall.

  • Use a clear mat and a cooperative partner offering minimal resistance.
  • Agree on the target leg, hand placement, endpoint, and stop signal before starting.
  • Keep this drill entry-only: do not lift, turn, or finish the takedown.
  • Stop immediately if either person loses balance or feels neck or knee discomfort.

If you have current neck, back, or knee symptoms, use a solo footwork drill and seek advice from a physiotherapist before practicing with a partner.

Muscles worked

Front
Back

Primary muscles

  • Glutes
  • Hip Flexors
  • Quadriceps

Secondary muscles

  • Abs
  • Calves
  • Hamstrings

Equipment

  • Combat Training Mat

Sets and reps

Sets
2–3
Target
4–6 reps per side
Rest
1 min

Reset fully between repetitions; prioritize consistent positioning over speed.