A single leg attacks one of the opponent’s legs. The high single grabs the leg around the thigh from a tie-up or reach; the low single drops to the ankle with a deep shot. Both need a setup, good head position and a strong finish such as running the pipe, lifting to a shelf or turning the corner.
High single vs low single
| Feature | High single / Low single |
|---|---|
| Target | Thigh or knee / ankle and calf |
| Setup | Collar tie, underhook or reach / level change and fake |
| Head position | Inside or outside, head up / on the knee or outside |
| Common finishes | Shelf, run the pipe / sweep, pick up the leg |
| Risk | Whizzer counters / sprawl and front headlock |
Finishes
- Run the pipe: drive the leg across and down.
- Shelf: lift the leg onto your thigh and trip the base leg.
- Turn the corner: step around to the back.
- Sweep single: sweep the far leg from underneath.
- Stay tight and keep your head up throughout.
Frequently asked questions
Which single leg is best for beginners?
Many coaches teach the high single first because it starts from a tie-up.
How do I beat a whizzer on a single?
Keep your head up, move your hips, and switch to a different finish.
Why is head position important?
It keeps your posture strong and protects against counters.
