Overview

The single leg is the most versatile takedown for jiu-jitsu. Unlike the double leg, it allows you to attack, stall, re-angle, or chain without fully committing your hips.

This page prioritizes the snatch single as the primary entry. It attacks the upper leg, works well against higher stances, and teaches the most important single-leg habit: head position.

Think of the single leg as a position, not a move. Your goal is control first — the finish comes second.

Core Principles

  • Head on the inside (ear to hip) — everything depends on this
  • Attack the upper leg, not the knee or ankle
  • Stay chest-to-leg; remove space
  • The single leg is a hub — change finishes instead of forcing one
  • Circle toward the back, not straight forward

If your head is on the outside, fix that before doing anything else.

Primary Variations

Snatch Single (Primary)

The highest-value single leg for BJJ and no-gi.

Why it’s the default:

  • Minimal commitment
  • Strong control on the thigh
  • Excellent against upright stances
  • Easy to chain when defended

Execution:

  1. Enter from a tie or handfighting exchange
  2. Create a reaction (snap, push, fake)
  3. Level change by dropping your hips
  4. Snatch the thigh high and tight
  5. Head inside, ear glued to the hip
  6. Pull the leg to your chest and stabilize

From here, you choose your finish.

Sweep Single (Secondary)

A momentum-based entry when their stance or movement opens the leg.

Use it when:

  • They’re stepping heavy
  • Their stance is wide
  • You’re attacking off motion

Key detail: The sweep and drive happen together — not grab, then sweep.

High-Percentage Finishes

Run the Pipe

Best when the leg is high and they’re upright.

  • Step outside their base
  • Keep your feet moving
  • Turn the corner until they collapse to their hip

Shelf & Trip

Best when they’re basing hard or hopping.

  • Shelf the leg on your thigh
  • Pinch knees
  • Use trips instead of forcing forward drive

Cut to Double

Best when their far leg comes close.

  • Secure the second leg
  • Cut your hips across
  • Finish like a standard double

What to Avoid

  • Head on the outside
  • Attacking too low in no-gi
  • Standing still and squeezing
  • Forcing one finish
  • Letting them push your chest away

Chains & Reactions

Common sequences:

  • Snatch → run blocked → shelf & trip
  • Snatch → hopping → cut to double
  • Single → whizzer → re-angle or limp arm
  • Single → stalemate → crackdown

If the position stalls:

  • Check head position
  • Get higher on the thigh
  • Change angle
  • Change finish

Notes on Low Singles

Low singles are effective in wrestling with shoes but low percentage in no-gi and BJJ due to ankle slippage and counters. Prioritize thigh-level attacks instead.

Video Study

Watch the primary breakdown first. The examples below show how the same principles appear in different contexts.

Primary Breakdown

Your video embed
(8–12 minutes, mirrors this page exactly)

Additional Examples

  • Different body types
  • Different rule sets
  • Different finishes