Beginner's Guide to the Double Leg

Summary

This wrestling tutorial focuses on the traditional double leg takedown, emphasizing its accessibility and effectiveness. The instructor teaches the technique in conjunction with the blast double, highlighting the importance of stance and motion. Key points include using the drop step, maintaining good head and body position, and leveraging level changes for power. The video also addresses defensive scenarios and offers variations for different skill levels, ensuring viewers can practice safely and effectively.

Takeaways

• 🤼 The traditional double leg takedown is a fundamental technique in wrestling and grappling, often taught as an accessible skill for beginners.
• 🔄 The double leg takedown is closely related to the blast double, sharing similar footwork and body mechanics.
• 👣 The technique emphasizes the importance of stance and motion, with the drop step playing a crucial role in initiating the takedown.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Proper body positioning is key: staying low, driving deep, and using the structure of the skeleton to support the opponent's weight rather than relying on muscle.
• 🤸‍♂️ The entry into the takedown involves a deep penetration step, with the chest over the knee and elbows disciplined to the sides.
• 🔄 Level changes are a significant aspect of the technique, with the practitioner changing levels three times during the execution.
• 🤲 Hand positioning is crucial, with options like the monkey grip, Gable grip, or S grip, each with its advantages in controlling the opponent.
• 👀 Head positioning is critical for both safety and effectiveness, with the practitioner advised to keep the head up and aligned with the direction of the drive.
• 🔄 If the initial entry is defended, the technique can be adapted by changing direction and using the structure of the body to finish the takedown.
• 🏋️‍♀️ For opponents with great balance, a lifting motion may be necessary, involving stepping around and popping the hips to get the opponent off balance.

Q & A

What is the most common takedown technique discussed in the script?

The most common takedown technique discussed is the traditional double leg takedown.

Why does the instructor teach the double leg takedown right after the blast technique?

The double leg takedown is taught right after the blast technique because the two techniques are similar and can lead into each other, making them accessible to learn in sequence.

What is the importance of stance and motion in executing a takedown?

Stance and motion are crucial for executing a takedown because they help in closing the distance between the wrestler and the opponent, and utilizing the drop step effectively.

How does the drop step play a role in the double leg takedown?

The drop step is used to change levels and get underneath the opponent, which is essential for initiating the double leg takedown.

What is the correct head position when executing the double leg takedown?

The correct head position is to keep the head up and not tilted to the side, ensuring the body's structure supports the opponent's weight without relying on the muscular system.

What grip does the instructor prefer for the double leg takedown and why?

The instructor prefers the monkey paw grip because it allows for control over the top of the wrist, which can be advantageous in the takedown.

How does the setup for the double leg takedown differ from the blast double?

The setup for the double leg takedown involves a deep penetration step and using the stance in motion, whereas the blast double might involve a different approach to close the distance.

What should a wrestler do if their opponent is maintaining balance and not going down during the takedown?

If the opponent is maintaining balance, the wrestler should step around with their lead leg, pop their hips, and use their head and arms to get the opponent horizontal.

How can a wrestler avoid getting guillotined during the double leg takedown entry?

To avoid a guillotine, a wrestler should shrug their shoulders as they enter, keeping their trucks and circumventing the risk of getting guillotined.

What advice does the instructor give regarding practicing the double leg takedown at home?

The instructor advises being mindful of surroundings, clearing the area, and using padding like pillows or blankets to practice safely at home.

Outlines

00:00

🤼‍♂️ Traditional Double Leg Takedown Technique

The paragraph introduces the traditional double leg takedown, a fundamental wrestling and grappling technique. It emphasizes the importance of the blast and drop step in initiating the takedown. The technique involves getting low, driving deep, and using the body's structure to support the opponent's weight rather than relying on muscle power. The instructor advises on proper head position and the use of a monkey grip for control. The paragraph also covers how to handle opponents who sprawl or resist the takedown, suggesting adjustments to maintain structure and power. The importance of stance in motion and level changes is highlighted, with tips on how to transition from a blast to a double leg takedown.

05:01

🏋️‍♂️ Advanced Double Leg Takedown with Leg Flare

This paragraph discusses an advanced variation of the double leg takedown, focusing on how to deal with opponents who are difficult to take down due to their balance and athleticism. It describes a method of lifting the opponent by getting both of their legs off the mat, which involves stepping around with the lead leg and using a combination of hip pops, shoulder tilts, and head positioning. The technique also includes flaring the opponent's legs to make them horizontal. The paragraph concludes with safety advice for practicing the move, suggesting clearing the area and using protective measures like pillows or blankets, and it also addresses the adaptability of the technique for different training environments.

Keywords

💡Takedown

A takedown in wrestling and grappling refers to a technique used to bring an opponent to the ground. In the video, the traditional double leg takedown is emphasized as a fundamental skill. It's described as accessible and effective for closing the distance between the practitioner and their opponent, which is a crucial aspect of the video's theme of mastering basic grappling techniques.

💡Double Leg

The double leg takedown is a specific type of takedown where the practitioner targets both of the opponent's legs to bring them down. The video script mentions it as 'the most common takedown' and 'the traditional double leg,' highlighting its prevalence and effectiveness in wrestling and grappling. It's used to demonstrate the importance of level changes and body positioning in executing a successful takedown.

💡Blast

The term 'blast' in the context of the video refers to a powerful movement used to initiate a takedown or to create an opportunity for one. The script mentions teaching the double leg takedown right after the blast, indicating that the blast is a setup or a precursor to more advanced techniques. It's used to generate momentum and to unsettle the opponent's balance.

💡Level Change

A level change is a technique used in wrestling and grappling to shift one's own center of gravity or to manipulate the opponent's balance. The video emphasizes the importance of level changes in setting up a successful double leg takedown. It's mentioned in the context of driving deeper and changing levels from a standing position to a more aggressive posture, which is essential for executing the takedown effectively.

💡Drop Step

The drop step is a footwork technique used in grappling to quickly change levels and close the distance to an opponent. In the video, it's highlighted as the first technique that utilizes the drop step, which is crucial for setting up the double leg takedown. The script explains the importance of stance and motion before executing a takedown, and the drop step is a key component of this footwork.

💡Scarecrow

In wrestling training, a 'scarecrow' is a drill where a partner stands in a defensive posture, allowing the practitioner to practice takedowns. The video script instructs beginners to have their partner start in a scarecrow position to practice the double leg takedown, illustrating the practical application of the technique in a controlled learning environment.

💡Penetration Step

A penetration step is a footwork move where the practitioner steps deeply between the opponent's legs to gain position and initiate a takedown. The video describes taking a 'deep penetration step' as part of the double leg takedown, emphasizing the need to get close and disrupt the opponent's stance to be successful.

💡Head Position

Proper head position is critical in wrestling and grappling to avoid injury and maintain balance. The script repeatedly emphasizes the importance of good head position during the takedown, advising against certain positions that could lead to injury and explaining the correct positioning that supports the skeleton and not just the muscular system.

💡Monkey Grip

The monkey grip is a term used in wrestling to describe a specific hand positioning where the practitioner's hands are locked behind the opponent's back. The video mentions the monkey grip as a preferred method of controlling the opponent during the takedown, showcasing the variety of grips that can be used and the importance of hand positioning in grappling techniques.

💡Flare

Flaring is a technique used to lift and control an opponent's legs during a takedown. The video script describes a situation where the opponent is particularly balanced, and the practitioner must 'flare' their legs to lift them off the mat. This advanced technique is shown as a way to finish the takedown when the initial attempts are unsuccessful, demonstrating adaptability in grappling.

Highlights

The traditional double leg takedown is one of the most common and fundamental techniques in wrestling and grappling.

This technique is taught right after the blast double leg because they feed into each other.

The double leg involves a deeper level change and a strong drive forward.

Learning the double leg takedown helps in understanding core concepts like takedowns, closing the distance, and utilizing the drop step.

Stance and motion are crucial before learning an actual takedown, emphasizing the importance of the drop step.

Key positions include keeping the chest over the knee, driving the knee over the toe, and maintaining a good head position.

Proper head position can tilt the opponent's body, aiding in the takedown.

Different grips like the monkey paw grip, Gable grip, or S-grip are used depending on the situation.

If the opponent sprawls during entry, maintaining a strong structure with the head up and hips in is essential to finish the takedown.

Driving with both legs maximizes power and ensures a strong finish.

To complete the takedown, pull the opponent's legs in while driving, using the head to lead the movement.

The double leg and blast double often transition into each other depending on the opponent's movement.

For opponents with strong balance, it's sometimes necessary to lift them off the mat by popping the hips and tilting the shoulders.

Safety considerations include being mindful of surroundings and practicing on appropriate surfaces like wrestling or BJJ mats.

Training both the double leg and blast double increases the chances of successfully finishing the takedown, regardless of the opponent's movement.

Transcripts

this is maybe the most common takedown

in all of wrestling all

grappling all the fighting it's the

traditional double leg it feeds off of

our blast there's a reason i teach it

right after the blast is because the two

feet into each other as you'll see in

the technique video

it's not all that different we get a

little bit lower drive a little bit

deeper

we're level changing one more time from

here okay

the reason i prioritize these techniques

is because they're the most accessible

there are other techniques that might be

more applicable for your body type

but they take longer to learn so you

need to get your feet wet so you cannot

under so you can start understanding the

concepts

of takedowns closing the distance

between you and your opponent mat

utilizing the drop step this is the

first technique that we're going to use

where we're actually

using our drop step so hopefully you've

watched the stance in motion video if

you haven't go check that out

and we're actually going to be using it

now and you'll see why

stance in motion is so important before

learning an actual take now

like always guys if you've never hit a

takedown you've never hit this takedown

a traditional double leg have your

partner start a scarecrow

we're gonna take a deep penetration step

between their legs as far as we can get

chest over knee elbows disciplined into

our sides

our knees gonna drive over our toe to

the ground as it does that my chest and

head are going to come up

to here my trail leg comes up and posts

to the side

pushing off my back leg deep knee drives

over my toe

elbows in knee hits the ground as it

hits the ground my chest comes up

to here this is not good head position

this is not good head position

even this is not good head position this

is good head position

you see how his body starts to tilt the

direction i'm going to drive my trail

leg comes up and

posts to the side not straight in front

to the side i'm changing

directions ideally i get my hands locked

behind him in a monkey grip you can go

gable grip or even an

s grip i prefer the monkey paw grip over

top my wrist if i can't get this

if he starts to sprawl on my entry his

legs are going back now i don't have the

length of my arms

to get my hands locked i can still

finish if my head is up my hips are in

my back and straight

i have the structure of my skeleton

supporting his weight not my muscular

system

then i'm going to push off this lead leg

or my trail rig

trail leg rather on to my lead leg i

want to be on both legs when i drive

maximizing my power my head is leading

the movement i look hard in the

direction i want to go

and then i pull my elbows in as i drive

now we have to use the setup in order to

get to his legs because he's going to be

down in a stance

i'm going to use the exact same setup i

use in my blast double i'm going to

reach towards his face as his hands come

up

i swoop underneath

so you want to be knocking him back on

his heels by the time that you get to

him

you want to think shoot through him not

to him so he's trying to catch his

balance

on his heels by the time you are

changing direction

sideways change level down change level

in

change level across three different

level changes

just like my blast i'm leaning over my

lead leg i

reach step elbows come in i want to be

knocking him back

with my shoulder by the time i get there

post

hook just below his butt grip if you can

if you can't

you can still finish head leaves the

movement push up onto both feet my hips

stay underneath me i'm not here

my butt is not extended i need my butt

under my shoulders here

and drive drive pull your knees into

side control

if you're a bjj guy just keep your

shoulders shrugged

everyone's afraid of getting guillotined

here on your entry as you're entering

shrug your shoulders and keeping trucks

circumvent that problem from ever

happening

and even if he does wrap up the

guillotine from here even if he

does make sure you just circle your hips

to the opposite side of your head

if i'm here

and i'm driving driving driving and

my and i'm on the same my hips end up on

the same side as my head

i'm in trouble but if i practice driving

with my hips to the other side of the

head then

you can actually finish him with a

bonfood choke if he doesn't abandon this

position

you can finish him

[Music]

like i'm shooting under a stick like

this is reverse limbo

right i want to get underneath i'm gonna

get as low as i can underneath his head

hands defense

i get low chest over knee

now pretend there's a stick here and i

want my back to graze it on my way up i

want to graze it so i go

under the stick head stays up my back

grazes it

and see how there's no space between me

and his legs i'm not up here

i'm not hinging at the hips at all okay

not even the least bit

i'm completely straight head up hips in

back straight and my hands pull his legs

in

as i drive it's not enough just to drive

i have to pull his legs in as i drive so

i'm

driving pulling his legs in and then i'm

circling

my legs to the opposite side of my head

the reason i teach this in combination

with the blast we're teaching it right

after the blast double

is because one commonly leads into the

other if i'm going to hit my blast

double

right if i'm going to hit my blast and

my partner circles

right if i go to my blasting circles on

my entry this

becomes a traditional double

vice versa if i go to hit my traditional

double

and he circles the other way i go to my

head outside he circles this way it just

becomes a blast

okay no matter how much you practice one

or the other

you can't completely ever control your

opponent he's gonna have movement

commonly he's gonna have movement on

your entry so train both

to greatly increase your chances of

finishing

now now for guys who are really good

defensively

if you're dealing with a guy who has

incredible balance maybe he's a really

good athlete

and you keep driving keep driving he

just won't go down

you're gonna have to lift him you're

gonna have to get both of his posts both

of his legs

off the mat how do i do that ideally

again you have hands locked

if you don't doesn't matter you still

finish you're driving

he's just not going down he just keeps

catching himself keeps catching himself

keeps catching himself

i'm gonna step around with my lead leg

all the way around to his far leg step

and then i'm going to pop my hips i'm

not dead lifting stay right here

i'm not dead lifting i'm popping my hips

and tilting my shoulders and using my

head in combination with my arms

to get him to go horizontal you're gonna

flare his legs

so you come up to both legs he won't go

down i step across

i pop flare

[Music]

huh

so as always guys be mindful of your

surroundings if you're getting this

inside

clear stuff out of the way all right

don't just start hitting this in your

living room

lay down some pillows some blankets and

be mindful of where you're at

maybe you you're not ready until you get

on an actual rustling mat or a bjj mat

maybe you're not ready to flare the legs

yet

if you're not ready just pick them

straight up as you step

around with your lead leg just pick them

straight up so you can at least get that

lifting motion in your muscular system

and then when you get back on the mat

you can finish from there if you're

outside in the park and you want to hit

this in the grass

i'm going to leave that up to you and

the toughness of

your partner