Every wrestler should know how to execute the high single leg takedown, or simply “the high single” — a technique where you take control of one of your opponent’s legs at the knee or above it. The high single is extremely valuable because the risk of being countered and scored on while using this takedown is much lower compared to others. The reason the risk is so much less is because the high single does not call for a penetration step to get to your opponent’s legs — thus, the high single is also called a “snatch” single. Once you figure out which leg you are going to attack for the high single, you’ll execute all subsequent motions on the same side of your opponent’s body as that lead leg. With this in mind, follow the steps in this guide so you can start drilling this powerful takedown!
Step 1: Inside Tie
Start with an inside tie on the same side of your opponent’s body as the leg you’re going to attack. With whichever of your arms is opposite of your opponent’s arm that you want to secure a tie on, grip your high on his triceps, near the armpit (if you want to control your opponent’s right arm, use your left arm). Use your forearm to block out his arm.
With your free arm, post your hand on your opponent’s shoulder on the opposite side of his body than the arm you’re controlling. This will get him to react by pushing back into you. Keep your lead leg forward on the same side of your opponent’s body that you’re controlling the tie on — if you’re tying his right arm, you will lead with your left leg.
Step 2: Pull Down & Push
You need to clear your opponent’s arm with the inside tie in order to get to the leg. Pull down on your opponent’s triceps to create a reaction. He will most likely pull his arm and upper body back and away from you. When he does this, push his arm up towards the sky to create space for your takedown.
Step 3: Step & Snatch
Lower your body’s elevation and take a step with your lead leg towards the outside of your opponent’s foot that’s on the same side of his body as the arm you’ve tied up. Try to step as deep as you can. Now, bring your arm down from the inside tie on his triceps and grip the inside of your opponent’s knee. Keep your head in contact with your opponent’s chest or shoulder (on the same side of the body as the arm you’re gripping) in order to push his body up. This will give you more space to execute your takedown.
Hot Tip: Elbow-deep
It’s good to grip the inside of your opponent’s knee with your hand. It’s even better to get your arm elbow-deep on the inside of your opponent’s leg. This will give you better control of his leg, and makes finishing the takedown easier!
Step 4: Pull Up
With your opponent’s leg secured from the inside, make sure your outside arm is elbow-deep behind your opponent’s knee. Now, lock your hands and use your arm (that’s behind your opponent’s knee) to pull his leg up to your chest. Place your outside leg behind your opponent’s other leg so he can’t move this leg backwards.
Step 5: Finish
Release your lock and slide your inside arm down to your opponent’s ankle. Secure his ankle from the inside of his leg with your forearm. Use your outside arm to pull your opponent’s leg upward. As you do this, switch the grip you have on the ankle to an under-grip. The leg should now be resting in the bend of both elbows, with your arms pointing upward. This is called putting the leg on “the shelf.”
To help “shelf” your opponent’s leg, use your knee closest to your opponent’s ankle to give it an extra push. Bring your knee up and under your opponent’s calf or ankle. This will allow you to switch the grip you have on his ankle and get the bend of your elbow underneath the leg.
Bring your outside arm out from underneath your opponent’s knee and move your grip the top of the knee with your knuckles facing upwards. From here, step backwards and pull your opponent’s knee downwards using the hand that’s gripping the top of his knee. Bend your knees as you pull down to add extra force to the finish. As your opponent falls, make sure to follow him to the mat for the takedown!
Go-to Takedown
The high single is a technique that has easily become many wrestlers’ go-to takedown when they need to score points. The reason is that you can attack using this takedown without the fear of getting stuck underneath your opponent. Practice the basic set-up and finish for the high single detailed in this guide until you have perfected both. Once you have mastered the basics, you can move on to more advanced techniques associated with the high single. Now get out, and get on the mat!
