Combat Sports
Tai-Otoshi Entry Drill
The Tai-Otoshi Entry Drill practices the turn, foot placement, and off-balancing action of the body-drop throw without completing it. It develops coordinated pulling, leg control, and balance.
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Moderate injury risk
- Rest 45 sec
How to do it
- Face your partner with your right hand gripping their left lapel and your left hand gripping their right sleeve near the elbow.
- Guide your partner slightly toward their right-front corner through your grips.
- Step your right foot close to the inside of your partner’s right foot.
- Pivot left on your right forefoot to face the same direction as your partner.
- Place your left foot behind you in a stable stance.
- Extend your right leg across the front of your partner’s legs, placing your foot just outside their right foot.
- Pause at the entry position with your partner still standing.
- Return to your starting stance facing your partner.
Form cues
- Keep your extended knee softly bent.
- Keep your chest tall.
- Keep your elbows comfortably bent.
Common mistakes
- Turning against a planted footLet your foot rotate with your body so your knee follows your toes.
- Reaching too far acrossShorten your extended-leg placement until you can return without hopping or pulling on your partner.
- Jerking the sleeveUse a smooth pull that your partner can follow without being yanked forward.
Safety
An awkward entry or unexpected partner pressure can twist your knee, especially if their weight lands across your extended leg. Forceful gripping and pulling can also strain fingers or shoulders.
- Agree on the entry endpoint and a stop signal with a cooperative, nonresisting partner.
- Practice slowly on a clear training mat with enough space for both people to reset.
- Keep your partner’s weight off your extended leg; do not continue into the throw.
- End the set when fatigue makes your placement or balance inconsistent.
If you have knee, ankle, shoulder, or finger pain, choose unloaded solo footwork or seek advice from a physiotherapist before partner practice.
Muscles worked
Primary muscles
Secondary muscles
Equipment
- Combat Training Mat
Sets and reps
- Sets
- 2–3
- Target
- 5–8 reps per side
- Rest
- 45 sec
These steps describe a right-sided entry; reverse the grips and footwork for the left side.