Overview
The double leg is one of the highest-percentage takedowns in wrestling, but it does not require dropping to a knee to be effective.
Many elite wrestlers finish doubles:
- From a standing position
- With shallow level changes
- Using pressure, angles, and upper-body control
This page emphasizes standing doubles first, with traditional penetration-step doubles as a secondary option.
Core Principles (Applies to All Doubles)
- Level change before contact, not during
- Hips come in before arms extend
- Chest and shoulder drive the finish, not the arms
- Finish through the opponent, not down to the mat
If these are violated, the double becomes a reach — and reaches get sprawled on.
Standing Double Legs (No Knee Drop)
Standing doubles work best when:
- You already have contact
- Your opponent’s stance is upright
- You can create forward or lateral momentum
Common Entries
- From collar tie pressure
- From underhook or body lock
- Off a snap-down reaction
- After clearing a tie or elbow
Key Mechanics
- Short level change (think “sit”, not “drop”)
- Step between the opponent’s feet
- Shoulder pressure into the hips or belt line
- Keep face up and in
- Hands connect tight behind the knees or thighs
- Finish by driving, turning, or lifting — not shooting
Common Finishes
- Run-through finish
- Turn-the-corner finish
- Lift-and-return
- Knee tap to double transition
Standing doubles reward patience and pressure more than speed.
Traditional Penetration-Step Doubles
These are still valuable, especially:
- From space
- Off fakes
- Against lower stances
Key Differences
- Deeper level change
- Longer penetration step
- More reliance on speed and timing
Think of this as a tool, not the default.
Common Mistakes
- Reaching instead of stepping in
- Dropping to a knee without control
- Letting the head fall outside the hips
- Trying to finish with arms only
- Shooting without creating a reaction first
Most failed doubles fail before contact.
Common Sequences
- Double → Body Lock
- Double → Single → Finish
- Double → Reshot after sprawl
Video Study
Watch the primary breakdown first. The examples below show how the same principles appear in different contexts.
Primary Breakdown (Start Here)
- Coming soon