The low, single leg takedown, or simply “the low single,” is an effective technique that has become popular in the last few years because of its high success rate. This technique is a low-level leg attack in which you shoot low in order to attack an opponent’s foot. Lightweight wrestlers couple the low single with superior quickness to make it difficult to defend against. Middle and upperweight wrestlers have also been successful with this technique by modifying it to better suite their strengths. No matter your weight class or body type, the low single is a takedown that any wrestler can execute. Read this guide closely and start surprising your opponents with this technique.
1. Start Low
Imperative for the low single is a low, staggered stance. Your stance is low enough when you are able to touch the mat with your fingertips. This stance allows you to change your body’s elevation quickly in order to attack your opponent’s foot. You want to attack the leg that your opponent has forward — his lead leg. You choose the lead leg because it will be closer to you and much easier to grasp and take control of. Your lead leg should be the leg opposite of your opponent’s lead leg (if your opponent’s lead leg is his left leg, yours will be your right).
2. Change Elevation Level
Now that you are in the correct stance, lowering your body’s elevation is the next motion. Bend the knee of your trail leg. Since you are attacking your opponent’s foot, you must lower your body much more in comparison to other takedowns. For this reason, the knee of your trail leg should almost be touching the mat. Most of your weight should be supported or “loaded” on this leg.
3. Big Step Forward
Next, push off of your trail leg and take a quick penetration step (or shoot) towards your opponent’s lead leg. Drop your knee in front of your opponent’s lead leg’s foot. You should be extremely low here — your chest should be directly over, if not touching, the knee of your (original) lead leg. Your head should also be up so that as you shoot towards your opponent’s lead leg, you can simultaneously force your temple against the inside of his knee.
Hot Tip: Finding Your Range
The low single is a technique that can be done from a farther distance away from your opponent compared to other takedowns. However, being able to do this move from a farther distance requires speed and precise timing. When you are just starting to drill this move, make sure you are able to touch your opponent’s head or shoulders with your hand before you shoot — this will ensure that your body is close enough to start the move!
4. Cup the Foot
As you shoot towards your opponent’s lead leg, cup the back of his foot with your outside arm. Do not raise your elbow. The outside of your opponent’s lead leg’s foot should be along the inside of your forearm, and the bottom of your forearm should remain in contact with the mat. You can put your other hand on the mat for some extra support and balance.
5. Finish
As you’re cupping the back of your opponent’s foot and pulling it towards your body, you’re still using your temple to apply pressure to the inside of his knee. Now, get on your feet (taking both knees off the mat). With your free arm wrapped around your opponent’s other leg, get on your toes and circle towards you’re his opposite leg. Continue pulling his heel up towards the ceiling and in towards your body. Your butt will be in the air and your hips will be extended towards his other leg. This takes away his supportive base and balance, making it difficult for him to regain control of his leg.
Make sure to keep pressure on your opponent with your shoulder while in this position; ideally you want to keep your opponent’s butt on the mat. Your opponent may do one of two things in this position:
- Belly-out: Smart opponents will turn away from you and belly-out, in which case you keep control of the legs and stay behind him for the takedown.
- Face you: If your opponent doesn’t react and keeps his chest facing you, switch to a pinning combination as you circle towards his opposite leg to put your opponent on his back.
Practice Makes Perfect!
The only way to perfect the low single is to practice, practice, practice! A major component of this technique is your timing; you must be able to time the takedown just right so you are shooting on your opponent’s leg as he is putting his weight on it. When first drilling this move, take your time and get a good feeling on how to time it. Once you get the hang of it, you can work in different setups and speed up the entire move. Now get drilling!
