The leg lace, also called the ankle lace, is a par terre turn used mainly in freestyle wrestling. From the top position you lock both of your opponent’s ankles together, sit back to lift their legs, and roll them across their own back. Each roll that exposes the back to the mat scores 2 points under United World Wrestling rules, and because you can repeat it, a good leg lace can end a match by technical superiority in seconds.
This guide covers how the lace works, a step-by-step setup and finish, variations, how to defend it, and drills that make it reliable.
Why the leg lace is so effective
Most turns in wrestling rely on controlling the upper body. The leg lace controls the legs instead. Once the ankles are locked, the bottom wrestler loses the ability to post a leg or build a base, and the top wrestler can roll repeatedly with little risk. That is why the lace is one of the most feared scoring tools in freestyle and why wrestlers at every level train defences to it.
| Feature | Leg lace | Gut wrench |
|---|---|---|
| What you control | Both legs at the ankles | Waist and torso |
| Main requirement | Opponent’s legs close enough to trap | Tight lock around the body |
| Points per exposure (UWW) | 2 | 2 |
| Best against | Wrestlers who flatten out with legs together | Wrestlers with a high, wide base |
| Main counter | Keeping the ankles apart and hips turned | Staying flat and blocking the lock |
How to hit a leg lace, step by step
- Get to the side of the legs. From top position in par terre, move your hips back toward the opponent’s feet, staying off to one side so they cannot kick you away.
- Trap the ankles. Thread your near arm between their legs from the inside and bring the far ankle over, then grab across so both ankles are pinned together against your chest. Many wrestlers use a gable grip or a hand-to-wrist lock around the ankles.
- Squeeze and sit. Keep the ankles tight to your body and sit your hips back and down. This lifts the opponent’s legs and turns their hips.
- Roll across. Roll over your own shoulder in the direction of their back, pulling the ankles with you. The opponent follows the roll and their back crosses the mat.
- Come up and repeat. Finish the roll on your knees or feet with the lock still tight, then roll again while the referee keeps awarding points.
Common variations
- Standard lace: the ankles are locked from the side and the roll goes toward the opponent’s back.
- Lace from a scramble: wrestlers sometimes catch the legs after a failed shot and lace straight from the position.
- Reverse lace: the roll goes the other way when the opponent blocks the usual direction.
- Lace to a pin: some wrestlers use the lock to hold the shoulders down after a roll rather than continuing to roll.
Mistakes that ruin the lace
| Mistake | What happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Loose lock | The opponent pulls one leg free during the roll | Keep the ankles tight to your chest the whole time |
| Rolling too early | You roll alone and give up position | Sit back and lift the legs first |
| Staying behind the feet | The opponent kicks you off | Work from the side of the legs |
| Standing up between rolls | The opponent turns their hips and escapes | Stay low and keep the lock while resetting |
How to defend the leg lace
Defence starts before the lock. On the bottom, keep your knees and ankles apart and your hips turned slightly so the top wrestler cannot trap both legs together. If they reach between your legs, kick the free leg away and turn your hips toward them. Once the ankles are locked, stay as flat and heavy as possible, fight to straighten one leg, and turn your chest down rather than letting your hips roll. Many coaches teach wrestlers to “post” the far foot on the mat and drive the hips back to stall the roll.
Drills to master it
- Lock drill: practise trapping the ankles on a passive partner, 10 reps per side.
- Roll drill: with the lock in, roll across and come back up, 5 rolls in a row.
- Chain drill: gut wrench attempt, partner blocks, switch to the lace.
- Live par terre: 30-second goes where the top wrestler looks for the lace and the bottom wrestler defends.
Is the leg lace used in folkstyle?
The leg lace is a freestyle weapon because freestyle rewards back exposure with repeated points. In US folkstyle, scoring depends on near fall criteria and control rather than quick exposure rolls, so the classic lace is rarely used, and any hold that forces joints beyond their normal range can be stopped as potentially dangerous.
Rules reference: United World Wrestling rules for freestyle; NFHS and NCAA rules for US folkstyle. Scoring and legality differ between these codes.
Rolling with trapped legs puts stress on the knees, ankles and neck. Learn the leg lace slowly under a qualified coach, and let partners tap early.
Building the strength for the lace
The leg lace relies on strong hips, a tight grip and the ability to roll quickly. Exercises such as hip bridges, core rotations and grip work help wrestlers lock the lace securely and turn opponents with less effort. Drill the roll slowly at first so both partners learn to move safely, and increase speed only when the technique is smooth. Knee and ankle joints take strain in this position, so stop if a partner feels pain and seek advice from an athletic trainer for any lasting soreness.
Scoring the lace
In freestyle wrestling under United World Wrestling rules, each full turn that exposes the opponent’s back is scored as exposure, and wrestlers can chain several rolls in a row. Check the current UWW rules for exact point values, since they are updated from time to time.
Chaining the lace with other attacks
Good par terre wrestlers use the lace as part of a sequence. If the opponent blocks it, switch to a gut wrench or a lift, then return to the lace when the legs open again.
Watching the lace as a fan
In freestyle matches, look for the top wrestler locking the ankles together before rolling. Several quick rolls in a row can end a match early by technical superiority.
Frequently asked questions
How many points is a leg lace worth?
In freestyle, each roll that exposes the opponent’s back scores 2 points under UWW rules.
Is the leg lace legal in high school wrestling?
It is rarely used in folkstyle because it does not score the same way, and holds that force joints beyond their normal range are illegal.
What is the best defence to a leg lace?
Keep your ankles apart and hips turned so the top wrestler can never lock both legs together.
