Double-Leg Takedown
- Wrestling
- Takedowns
- fundamental
- Neutral / open space
- 4 steps
Change levels, penetrate, and drive through both legs to put the opponent on their back. Also known as the Double or the Blast double. Here is the exact breakdown from the DARCE app: 4 steps, the details that make it work, and the mistakes to avoid.
When to use it
Shoot the double when the opponent stands square, leans forward or reaches for a tie. Set it up with a punch or a fake to the head so their hands come up, or a snap down so they push back up into your shot. In MMA it lands best as they throw and plant their weight on the lead foot.
Step by step
- 01
Engage in your stance
Square up at range, staggered stance, hands active and fighting for inside position.
- 02
Change levels
Bend the knees to drop your hips and level beneath the opponent. Keep your back straight and head up.
- 03
Penetration step & shoot
Drive your lead knee toward the mat between their feet, place your head to the outside of their hip and wrap both arms behind the knees.
- 04
Drive through & finish
Pull the knees together, turn the corner and drive your shoulder through their hips to put them down. Come up in top position.
Key details
- Level change with your legs, not by bending at the waist. Keep the head up and back arched.
- Penetrate deep so your hips end up under theirs before you lift or drive.
- Head to the outside, ear tight to their hip. Never put your head down the middle.
Common mistakes
- Shooting from too far away and landing on your knees short of the legs.
- Dropping the head and reaching with the arms instead of stepping the hips in.
- Stalling on the shot instead of immediately driving through to the finish.
Common counters
The main defences are the sprawl, a downblock on your head and shoulders, and an underhook to stop you turning the corner. A head dropped down the middle invites a guillotine. Keep your head up and outside, and drive through without stopping.
How to drill it
Penetration steps on your own first: change levels and drive the lead knee in, three sets of ten on each side. Then shoot doubles on a partner who gives light resistance, three rounds of two minutes.
Related techniques
- Single-Leg TakedownWrestlingCapture one leg with the head outside, then run the pipe or trip to finish on top.
- Ankle PickWrestlingSnap the opponent onto a leg, then change levels and pick the ankle to put them down.
- Duck UnderWrestlingChange levels and slip your head under the opponent’s arm to take their back.
- Hip TossWrestlingTurn in, load the opponent over your hip and throw them to the mat.
- Knee PickWrestlingSteer the opponent past you and pick the knee to drop them straight to the mat.
- Outside TripWrestlingOff-balance the opponent and reap their leg from the outside to trip them onto their back.
Train it with the AI coach