Title: Duck Under: Steps, Key Details & Mistakes | DARCE

Canonical: https://darce.app/techniques/wrestling/duck-under

> Duck Under. Change levels and slip your head under the opponent’s arm to take their back. Step-by-step breakdown with key details and common mistakes.

# Duck Under

- Wrestling
- Takedowns
- intermediate
- Collar / arm tie
- 4 steps

Change levels and slip your head under the opponent’s arm to take their back. Also known as the Duck or the Duck to the back. 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

Use the duck under when the opponent pushes into you with a raised arm, such as on a collar tie or an overhook. Lift their elbow first to open the window. It also works when they reach for your neck.

## Step by step

1. 01

   ### Tie up under their arm

   Control an arm so it is raised, creating the window to duck beneath it.

2. 02

   ### Level change under the arm

   Drop your level sharply and step your lead foot in, driving your head under their armpit.

3. 03

   ### Slip to the back

   Come up on the far side behind them, wrapping the waist as you clear their arm overhead.

4. 04

   ### Secure the back

   Lock your hands at their waist, chest tight to their back, and break them down to finish.

## Key details

- A sharp, deep level change is what opens the path under the arm.
- Drive your head and near shoulder through to the far side, do not just lower it.
- Get the waist lock and tighten to their back before they can turn and face you.

## Common mistakes

- Ducking without lowering your level, so your head bumps the arm.
- Stopping at their side instead of finishing all the way to the back.
- Leaving space between your chest and their back, letting them spin out.

## Common counters

Opponents drop the elbow to close the window, or turn to face you as you come around. Some trap your head under the arm. Keep the level change deep and finish all the way to the back.

## How to drill it

Your partner holds a collar tie on you: lift their elbow, duck under and lock your hands at their waist from behind. Do three sets of ten on each side.

## Related techniques

- [Double-Leg Takedown Wrestling Change levels, penetrate, and drive through both legs to put the opponent on their back.](https://darce.app/techniques/wrestling/double-leg)
- [Single-Leg Takedown Wrestling Capture one leg with the head outside, then run the pipe or trip to finish on top.](https://darce.app/techniques/wrestling/single-leg)
- [Ankle Pick Wrestling Snap the opponent onto a leg, then change levels and pick the ankle to put them down.](https://darce.app/techniques/wrestling/ankle-pick)
- [High Crotch Wrestling A penetrating attack to the inner thigh with the head up on the outside, tight to their hip, lifting one leg to finish.](https://darce.app/techniques/wrestling/high-crotch)
- [Fireman's Carry Wrestling Drop under a tie, load the opponent across your shoulders and roll them to the mat.](https://darce.app/techniques/wrestling/firemans-carry)
- [Hip Toss Wrestling Turn in, load the opponent over your hip and throw them to the mat.](https://darce.app/techniques/wrestling/hip-toss)

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