Counter to Single Leg
N/A
Share this page
About This Technique
Counter to Single Leg Technique
Position: Standing
Technique Description
When your opponent attempts a single leg takedown, your goal is to effectively defend and reverse the attack by using balance, hand positioning, and counters that capitalize on their movement.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sprawl to Defend:
- As your opponent shoots in for your leg, immediately step back with the target leg to increase distance.
- Simultaneously drop your hips down to the mat while positioning your chest over their back.
- Drive your feet back and out, extending your legs while keeping chest contact.
2. Establish Frames:
- Frame your hands on their shoulders or back.
- Keep a strong base, ensuring you’re applying downward pressure to prevent them from driving forward.
3. Control the Head and Arm:
- Utilize your forearm to control your opponent's head by applying downward pressure, forcing it downward.
- Wrap your opposite arm underneath their arm and grab an underhook to limit their mobility.
4. Rotate to the Back:
- Using the underhook, start to circle towards their back by walking around, maintaining pressure.
- Use the head control to guide them as you move around.
5. Establish Dominant Position:
- As you reach their side or back, drive your knee into the open space behind their arm.
- Secure the position with either your hooks in (back control) or transition to a front headlock/chin strap if their posture allows.
6. Finish with a Submission or Control:
- From the back control, look for opportunities to execute a choke (like the Rear Naked Choke).
- If gaining the back isn't feasible, transition to a dominant position like side control or knee-on-belly for control.
Tips and Considerations:
- Timing: The quicker you react to the single leg attempt, the more effective your counter will be.
- Pressure: Keep downward pressure consistent to neutralize their attack.
- Angles: Your ability to move around your opponent is crucial. Changing angles can give you a superior position.
- Hooks and Underhooks: Your control of your opponent's limbs will determine your success in maintaining balance and moving to a dominant position.
Japanese Name:
N/A
This counter to a single leg focuses on prevention first and then transitioning to a dominating position. Perfecting this defense ensures you can stay one step ahead of your opponent during close encounters.
How to Execute
Counter to Single Leg from Standing Position in BJJ
Setup
- •
Initial Position Details:
- •Your opponent is attempting a single leg takedown by grabbing one of your legs, usually below the knee.
- •You are standing with your base compromised as they have lifted one leg off the ground.
- •
Grips and Controls Needed:
- •Use your hands to maintain balance and control their head or shoulder.
- •Ensure your posture is upright to prevent them from driving you to the mat.
Steps
- •
Balance and Posture:
- •Immediately establish a solid base with your free leg by widening your stance.
- •Keep your head and chest upright to maintain balance.
- •Place your hands on your opponent's shoulders or head to control their posture.
- •
Frame and Push:
- •Use the hand on the side of your free leg to frame against their head or shoulder.
- •Push their head away to prevent them from driving forward and to create space.
- •
Sprawl and Hip Pressure:
- •Sprawl your free leg back while applying downward pressure with your hips.
- •This motion should aim to remove your leg from their grip while also forcing your weight onto them.
- •
Crossface or Underhook:
- •As you sprawl, use the hand that was framing to establish a crossface by cupping the opponent’s face and pushing it away.
- •Alternatively, gain an underhook on the opposite side to further control their movement.
- •
Circle and Clear the Leg:
- •Circle your body towards the side of your free leg while continuing to sprawl to break their grip.
- •Use your other hand to assist in pushing their arms down and away from your leg.
- •
Re-establish Base or Attack:
- •Once your leg is free, re-establish a strong base with both feet on the ground.
- •Consider transitioning to an offensive position by attacking their back or setting up a submission from the top.
Key Points
- •
Important Details to Remember:
- •Maintain a solid base and upright posture throughout the technique.
- •Ensure your sprawl is effective by dropping your hips low and extending your leg back.
- •
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- •Do not lean forward, as this can lead to a successful takedown by the opponent.
- •Avoid neglecting the crossface or underhook, as these are key to controlling the opponent’s posture and breaking their grip.
- •
Ensure that you do not overcommit your weight forward, as this can lead to a loss of balance and potential counterattacks.
By following these steps and focusing on the key points, you can effectively counter a single leg takedown attempt and turn the situation to your advantage.