Combat Sports
Single-Leg Takedown Entry
The single-leg takedown entry practices stepping into position to capture one leg, stopping before a lift or takedown. It develops leg drive, balance, and coordination for grappling.
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Moderate injury risk
- Rest 1 min
How to do it
- Face your partner in a staggered stance, close enough to reach their lead leg with one step.
- Lower your hips by bending your knees.
- Step your lead foot just outside the target foot, with your head against the torso on the inside of the target leg.
- Wrap your arms around the leg, with one arm above the knee and the other below it.
- Bring your trailing foot forward into a stable staggered stance beneath your hips.
- Pause in the entry position with your partner’s foot still planted.
- Release the leg completely.
- Step back into your starting stance.
Form cues
- Eyes forward, neck long.
- Keep your elbows close.
- Keep your weight between your feet.
Common mistakes
- Reaching from too far awayStart closer so your entry step brings your body to the leg without stretching your arms forward.
- Folding at the waistKeep your chest upright as you change levels rather than tipping your shoulders toward the floor.
- Pulling the knee sidewaysKeep the captured leg aligned with its planted foot instead of turning it across your body.
Safety
A rushed entry can cause a head collision or neck strain. Twisting a planted leg or driving through your partner can injure their knee or cause an unintended fall.
- Use a clear, padded training area with enough room for both people to step away.
- Agree on the target leg, stopping position, and stop signal with a cooperative partner before starting.
- Practice slowly with minimal resistance under qualified grappling instruction.
- End the set if fatigue prevents you from stopping the entry under control.
If you have knee, hip, neck, or back pain, get advice from a physiotherapist or doctor before practicing partner entries.
Muscles worked
Primary muscles
Secondary muscles
Equipment
- Combat Training Mat
Sets and reps
- Sets
- 2–3
- Target
- 4–6 reps per side
- Rest
- 1 min