The Goal

You want to learn how to:

  • Attack the legs on both sides
  • Defend against leg attacks
  • Counter leg attacks
  • Explode through openings when they appear

You don’t need to learn 20 takedowns. You need to master 3.

The Big Three

1. Snatch Single

Why it’s first:

  • Simple mechanics — level change and snatch
  • Easy to drill on both sides (you need attacks from both stances)
  • Attacks the upper leg for maximum leverage
  • Works exceptionally well against the higher stances common in jiu-jitsu

The snatch single teaches you the fundamentals: level change, head position, and connection. Once you understand it, every other leg attack makes more sense.

→ Learn the Snatch Single

2. Double Leg

Why it’s essential:

  • Simple to learn — one of the highest-percentage takedowns in wrestling
  • Works well against higher stances (common in BJJ)
  • Can catch opponents off guard with explosive entries
  • Standing doubles don’t require penetration steps — you can finish from ties

The double leg teaches you to commit and drive through an opponent. It’s the move that punishes people who stand too tall or reach too much.

→ Learn the Double Leg

3. Sprawl & Go Behind

Why this is the best return on investment:

The sprawl and go-behind aren’t just one technique — they’re the foundation of your defense and counter-offense.

  • Against wrestlers coming to jiu-jitsu: A good sprawl makes you a problem. They expect easy takedowns; you shut them down.
  • Front headlock access: Sprawling puts you in front headlock position, and wrestlers have to respect the choke threat.
  • Back access: Go-behinds give you the back — the most dominant position in grappling.
  • Offensive and defensive: Learn to snap opponents down offensively and counter their leg attacks with sprawl → go-behind.

Master this and you control the standup exchange.

→ Learn the Go Behind

The Learning Path

Phase 1: The Foundation
├── Snatch Single (both sides)
├── Double Leg (standing finishes)
└── Sprawl & Go Behind

Phase 2: Expand Your Game
├── Ankle Pick
├── Knee Pick
└── Body Lock Series

Don’t move to Phase 2 until Phase 1 is automatic. You should be able to hit these three without thinking — that’s when you’re ready to add more tools.

Why This Order?

Most people try to learn too many techniques too fast. They end up with a dozen mediocre moves instead of three great ones.

The snatch single, double leg, and sprawl/go-behind cover:

  • ✓ Leg attacks from both sides
  • ✓ Defense against leg attacks
  • ✓ Counters that score
  • ✓ Access to dominant positions (back, front headlock)

Everything else builds on this foundation. Learn these first. Learn them well.