Single Leg Counter Techniques

Published Mar 16, 2026 β€’ Intermediate-Advanced

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Contents

    Countering the Single Leg Attempt

    The best defense against a single leg is an offensive counter. By initiating your own attacks while defending, you can turn the takedown attempt into a scoring opportunity.

    The Over-the-Back Throw

    1

    Establish Underhook

    As they shoot, immediately secure an underhook on their shooting arm.

    2

    Flatten Them Out

    Drive your hips into theirs, flattening their back to the mat.

    3

    Step Over

    Step your outside leg over their body while maintaining the underhook.

    4

    Roll Them

    Use the underhook leverage to roll them onto their back.

    Front Headlock Counter

    If they shoot on a single leg, you can quickly establish a front headlock by controlling their head and arm. This puts you in an immediate submission position.

    Foot Sweep Counter

    Pro Tip: The best single leg counter is to be mentally prepared to attack while defending. Don't just defend passivelyβ€”immediately look for your counters.

    The Clench Strategy

    Control their head with proper clinch positioning. By securing their head and posture early, you make it impossible for them to complete the takedown successfully.

    Common Mistakes

    Remember: The best counter is one where you catch them mid-attempt. Practice timing and explosive movements to turn their attack into your advantage.

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    More Questions

    What's the most common mistake when defending a single leg takedown?

    The most common mistake is to try and simply push the attacker away or stand up too quickly without establishing a solid base or controlling their hips. This often leads to them re-securing the leg or even completing the takedown.

    How do I prevent my opponent from switching to a double leg after I defend their single leg?

    To prevent a switch, maintain strong hip pressure into your opponent and keep your weight distributed. Focus on controlling their head and posture, and be ready to sprawl or circle out if they attempt to change grips or levels.

    What are some effective ways to counter a single leg when I'm already on my back?

    From your back, focus on creating space and attacking their base. Techniques like the 'grapevine' to sweep or using your legs to off-balance them and transition to a guard are effective. You can also look for submissions like triangle chokes or armbars if they overcommit.

    Common BJJ Problems & FAQ

    Q: When someone tries to single leg takedown me, why do I feel like I'm falling forward and can't sprawl effectively?

    This often happens because your hips are too high and your base is too narrow. To sprawl effectively, you need to drive your hips down and back, creating a wide base by spreading your legs apart and keeping your weight low, making it difficult for them to lift your hips.

    Q: How can I stop a single leg takedown when the opponent has a really strong grip on my leg and I'm much smaller?

    Focus on creating space by driving your chest into their head and pushing their hips away with your free leg. Simultaneously, use your arms to peel their grip off by targeting their wrists and forearms, and then immediately circle your hips out to the side to break their posture and escape.

    Q: What is the best way to defend a single leg when I'm already on my knees and the opponent is trying to drive through me?

    To counter, immediately sit back onto your hips to prevent them from driving forward and use your free leg to hook their hip or thigh, creating a fulcrum. Then, drive your shoulder into their chest and use your arms to grip their head and neck, pulling them down and sideways to break their posture and create an opportunity to escape or transition.

    Related Techniques

    BJJ Single Leg XSingle Leg TakedownDouble Leg Vs Single LegBJJ X Guard Single LegBJJ Single Leg X SystemBJJ Single Leg X Guard
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