A blast double is a double-leg takedown where you drive straight through your opponent with speed and forward power instead of lifting them off the mat. You change levels, take a deep penetration step between their feet, wrap both legs just above or behind the knees, keep your head up and tight to their side, and drive forward with your legs until they fall backward. It works best when the opponent is square, upright, or moving toward you, because their weight is already over their heels and your drive knocks them off balance.
This guide explains how the blast double differs from other doubles, step-by-step technique, setups, finishes, how opponents defend it, rules to keep in mind, drills and common mistakes.
How the blast double differs from other doubles
| Double leg type | Main idea | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Blast double | Drive straight through the opponent with forward momentum | Opponent is square, upright or stepping forward |
| Lift double | Lift the opponent off the mat and return them safely | You have the hips close and strong posture |
| Dump or angle double | Turn the corner and tip the opponent to the side | Opponent sprawls or resists straight pressure |
| Knee-down double | Drop to a knee and drive from a lower position | Opponent is low or heavy |
Step-by-step technique
- Set up the shot: use motion, a fake or a hand fight to bring the opponent square and upright.
- Change levels: drop your hips by bending your knees, keeping your back straight and head up.
- Penetration step: step deep between the opponent’s feet with your lead foot, driving your lead knee toward the mat.
- Wrap the legs: reach both arms around the back of their legs, just above or behind the knees, pulling them tight to your chest.
- Head position: place your head on the side of their body, ear against their ribs, not in the middle of their chest.
- Drive through: bring your back foot up and drive forward with your legs, pushing through the opponent rather than up.
- Finish: follow them to the mat, keep control of the legs and move to a secure position for the takedown.
Key details
- Stay low and square: your hips should be under you, not behind you.
- Keep your head up: looking down makes you easy to sprawl on and front headlock.
- Drive with the legs: power comes from your legs and hips, not your arms.
- Close the distance fast: the blast double works because the opponent has no time to react.
- Change direction if needed: if the drive stalls, turn the corner to finish.
Setups
- Snap and shoot: snap the head down, and as they pull back up, shoot the double.
- Fake high: fake a tie-up or a shot to the upper body to raise their stance.
- Counter their step: shoot as they step toward you, using their momentum.
- Edge of the mat: opponents often stand more upright near the boundary.
Finishing options
The simplest finish is driving straight through until the opponent’s back and hips hit the mat. If they sprawl or resist, switch to turning the corner: keep your head tight, step your outside leg around and drive them to the side. If they stay upright, you may lift and return them safely, but only with controlled technique. After the takedown, secure control by moving your chest over their hips and establishing a ride.
How opponents defend it
- Sprawl: they throw their legs back and drop their hips onto you.
- Down-block: they stop your head or shoulders before you penetrate.
- Crossface: they turn your head away from their body.
- Whizzer or front headlock: they attack your upper body as you shoot.
- Circling away: they move out of your line before the drive.
Rules to keep in mind
The blast double is legal in folkstyle and freestyle, but attacks on the legs are not allowed in Greco-Roman wrestling. When finishing, you must not slam the opponent, drive their head into the mat, or return them to the mat in a way that endangers them. Lifting an opponent is allowed, but you are responsible for returning them safely.
Check the NFHS, NCAA, United World Wrestling or your national federation’s rulebook for legal technique and slam rules.
Drills to practise
- Penetration step drills: solo and with a partner, focusing on level change and depth.
- Blast and drive reps: partner stands square while you shoot and drive through onto a crash pad.
- Setup chains: snap, fake and shoot sequences.
- Sprawl and re-attack: partner sprawls and you turn the corner.
- Live neutral goes: short rounds to shoot the blast double against resistance.
Common mistakes
- Shooting from too far away: the opponent has time to sprawl.
- Head down or in the middle: leads to front headlocks and neck strain.
- Reaching with the arms: reach with the legs by stepping deep first.
- Stopping the drive: momentum is the whole point of the blast double.
- Unsafe finishes: slamming or dropping an opponent is dangerous and penalised.
Takedowns involve impact and falls. Practise under a qualified coach, use proper mats and warm up properly to reduce injury risk.
Blast double vs other doubles in competition
Many wrestlers keep more than one double leg in their arsenal. The blast double works best when the opponent is square and upright or stepping forward. Against a low, heavy opponent who sprawls quickly, a knee-down double or an angle finish is often more effective. Against a strong but slow opponent, a lift double can work if you have good posture. Learning when to choose each variation is part of building a complete attack.
Conditioning for explosive shots
The blast double demands explosive leg drive, a strong core and upper-body strength to hold the legs. Useful training includes sled pushes, broad jumps, split squats, penetration step drills with resistance bands, and repeated shot drills under fatigue. Short, intense sets build power without too much fatigue, while longer drill rounds build the endurance needed to hit good shots late in a match.
How to practise safely
Drill blast doubles on thick mats with a cooperative partner at first, and teach the partner to fall safely by tucking the chin and slapping the mat. Increase speed and resistance only when technique is solid. Avoid driving partners into walls or off the mat edge, and follow your coach’s guidance on live intensity.
Frequently asked questions
What is a blast double in wrestling?
A double-leg takedown where you drive straight through the opponent with speed and forward power.
When should you use a blast double?
When the opponent is square, upright or moving toward you, so your drive takes them off balance.
Is the blast double legal in Greco-Roman?
No. Leg attacks are illegal in Greco-Roman wrestling.
