The sweep single, sometimes simply known as a “swing” or “outside single,” is an effective leg attack used by some of the world’s best wrestlers in freestyle and folkstyle wrestling. This dynamic single-leg technique can be hit by wrestlers of all shapes and sizes, and can also be used with many different kinds of set-ups and finishes. This guide will walk you through the basic sweep single and how to set it up from inside control.
1. Control Ties
First, you need to control an inside tie on your opponent in order to set up your sweep. For the purpose of this guide, you will learn the double inside tie to control both of your opponent’s arms. To secure the double inside tie:
- Place your arms towards the inside of your opponent’s arms. Your forearms should be tight against the lower part of his biceps, near his elbows.
- Then, use your hands to reach over the tops of his upper arms and grip him high on his triceps, near his armpits.
- From this position, use your forearms to push his arms up (push near his elbows).
Hot Tip: Foot Positioning
Correct foot positioning is key to successfully hit your sweep. Make sure that your lead leg (the leg you have forward) is on the same side of your opponent’s body as the leg you want to shoot on. For example, if you want to shoot on your opponent’s right leg, lead with your left.
2. Circle & Pull
Once you have established your inside ties, use them to bring whichever of his legs you want forward (you should never shoot a sweep on your opponent’s back leg). To bring a leg forward, circle in the opposite direction of the desired leg. For example, if you want to shoot on your opponent’s right leg, circle to your right. This will cause your opponent to bring the appropriate leg forward.
As you circle, it’s important to use the hold you have on your opponent’s triceps to pull his body forward. Doing so will force him to take a bigger step than normal and it will be much easier to control his leg. Pull him forward by using the same-side inside tie as the leg you want to shoot on. For example, if you want to shoot on your opponent’s right leg, use the inside tie you have on his right arm to pull him forward as you circle.
3. Outside Step
Once you have your opponent’s leg forward, lower your level by bending your knees. As you do this, release the tie that’s on the same side of his body as the leg you’re shooting for. Bring this arm down and in towards your body. Keep your elbow bent and your forearm parallel to the mat; this will put your arm in a good position to take control of your opponent’s leg.
Now, push off of your trail leg and take an outside step to the outside of your opponent’s foot with your lead leg. For example, if you want to shoot on your opponent’s right leg, step outside of it with your left foot. If you are not familiar with the outside step, note that this is a diagonal step, rather than the traditional and straight forward .
4. Drop & Pivot
Once you have stepped outside of your opponent’s leg, drop your lead-leg knee behind or near the back of his leg. This is a key component to this technique, as you will pivot on this knee to move your body into position to finish the takedown.
After dropping your knee, keep it in contact with the mat so you can pivot. To do this, push off of your trail leg and lift your lead-leg foot off the mat; this will allow you to pivot on your lead-leg knee. From here, keep circling on your knee towards the outside of your opponent’s body.
5. Snake
It’s very important that you perform this step simultaneously with the previous step: As you drop to your knee, wrap your outside-arm around your opponent’s lead leg tightly (if you’re shooting on your opponent’s right leg, your outside arm will be your left arm). This is called “snaking” because your whole arm should be wrapped elbow-deep around the leg. The bend of your elbow should be at the back of his knee or leg, and your hand should come all the way back to the inside of his leg. Try to grab the top of his shoe laces; this will assure that you have your arm wrapped deep enough.
You should also have your head up and positioned to the inside of his leg. Keep your ear secured against it. From this position, lock your hands together and pull your opponent’s leg towards you.
Hot Tip: Why Sweep?
The outside step and pivot is what makes the sweep single so effective. The circling or “sweeping” motion of the takedown allows you to adjust your position and, often times, evade your opponent’s hip pressure and sprawl.
6. Get to the “Corner”
As your lead-leg knee hits the mat, pivot or circle on your knee towards your opponent. Use your trail leg to maneuver your body and circle towards him as if you are trying to touch your near-side hip to his leg. Keep your hands locked and pull your opponent’s leg in towards your body as you circle.
You should have your head and chest up as you circle, using your trail leg to pressure into your opponent. Keep circling until you get to the “corner,” or until you are hip-to-leg with your opponent. Doing so will keep your opponent from defending, and put you in good position to finish the takedown.
7. Finish
You have several options when finishing the sweep single. However, one of the most effective options is finishing the sweep while still on the mat:
- Drive into your opponent and step your lead leg over the leg you are controlling (if controlling your opponent’s right leg, this will be with your left leg).
- Put your knee on the mat towards the inside his leg. This will make it difficult for your opponent to regain control of this leg.
- As you do this, slide your locked hands below his knee and secure his lower leg.
- From here, move your outside-hand and grip your opponent’s thigh from the front of his leg. If you are controlling your opponent’s right leg, this will be your right arm.
- Once you have his upper leg secured, transfer your other hand to the outside of your opponent’s other leg. (If you are controlling your opponent’s right leg, this will be done with your left hand.) Use this hand to grip the outside of your opponent’s leg behind the knee, or just above it.
- With both of your opponent’s legs now secured, drive into him with your near-shoulder and pull his legs toward you. This will allow you to drive him flat for the takedown.
Master the Technique
The sweep single is a technique that all wrestlers should know and utilize because of its effectiveness and versatility. The sweep is also a valuable technique because it is a safe move: You can quickly get away and get back on your feet if something goes wrong, or if he counters while you are taking your shot. Make sure to keep the tips in this guide in mind as you are practicing this move. If mastered, this takedown will allow you to score on even the toughest of opponents!
