The high crotch is a power takedown that attacks the space between your opponent's legs at hip height. Unlike the low single leg, the high crotch uses a more vertical approach and can generate tremendous power for the takedown.
Create an opening by using snaps, hand ties, or collar control to break your opponent's posture. This opening exposes their midsection where you'll attack.
Step forward explosively with your near-side leg, penetrating deeply into their stance. Your hips should move toward theirs as you step.
Grip the high crotch area (above the thigh, at the hip) with both hands. Your hands should be high and your arms should wrap around the leg and hip area.
Your hips must drive through theirs. Drop your hips below theirs and drive forward explosively. This hip pressure is what separates the high crotch from other takedowns.
Keep your head up and to the side. Never let your head go down between their legs, as this allows them to trap you and establish control.
After establishing position, tap their far knee with your leg while driving through with your hips. This shifts their balance and completes the takedown.
For opponents who establish strong base, rotate your body while maintaining the grip. This rotation can dump them to the side.
Be aware that the high crotch can leave you vulnerable to certain submissions if not executed properly. Maintain good upper body positioning and head placement throughout.
Most practitioners develop functional competency with High Crotch Technique within 3β6 months of consistent drilling. Mastery β the ability to execute reliably in live rolling against resisting opponents β typically takes 1β2 years.
Yes. High Crotch Technique is part of the core BJJ curriculum and taught at all belt levels. Beginners should focus on the fundamental mechanics and concepts before refining advanced entries.
3β5 times per week is ideal for rapid skill acquisition. Even 10 focused repetitions per session compounds over time β consistency matters more than volume.
BJJ is a linked system. High Crotch Technique flows naturally to and from related positions. Study transitions in both directions to build a complete positional game.
You're likely not driving your hips forward and down enough. To maintain balance, your lead hip should be driving into your opponent's hip socket, and your trailing leg should be actively pushing off the mat to generate forward momentum, keeping your center of gravity over your base.
Once you've secured the high crotch, your head should be driving into their chest, creating a strong wedge, while your gripping arm wraps tightly around their waist. Your free leg should be used to hook their leg and pull it back, preventing them from stepping out or turning into you.
Against a larger opponent, focus on using your head and shoulder to drive *under* their center of gravity, lifting and turning them with your hips rather than trying to muscle them over. Your gripping arm should pull their hips into your body, and your free leg should aggressively hook their ankle to facilitate the rotation and drive them to the mat.
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Get Free Access βKeep your hips low and drive forward with your head up. Your free arm should be used to control your opponent's posture or to push off their hips for added momentum.
Often, beginners try to lift their opponent too early or too high. Focus on driving through and securing the position before attempting to lift and finish.
If your opponent defends well, you can circle your hips out and try to secure a body lock or even transition to a double leg if they overcommit to defending. The key is to not get stuck in a bad position.