Takedowns are the foundation of wrestling offense. The ability to consistently take your opponent down from standing position is what separates dominant wrestlers from passive ones. This comprehensive guide covers the essential takedowns every wrestler needs to master.
The Importance of Takedowns
Winning the battle for position starts with successful takedowns. Every second you're stuck in bottom position drains your energy and confidence. Developing a reliable takedown arsenal gives you control of every match from the opening whistle.
Understanding the Setup
Before shooting any takedown, you must set up your opponent. Without setup, even the best technique will fail against an alert opponent.
Hand Fighting
The first contact in any takedown begins with hand fighting. Control your opponent's hands to limit their defense and create openings.
- Establish wrist control early
- Use fakes and feints to create reactions
- Control the center line
- Read your opponent's defensive patterns
Level Changes
Changing your level is essential for shooting. Your opponent must follow your level or be taken down.
- Combine level changes with hand movements
- Use penetration steps to deepen your level
- Practice changing levels smoothly and explosively
- Chain level changes to create indecision
The Double Leg Takedown
The workhorse of wrestling takedowns. The double leg offers power, control, and multiple finish options.
Setup Techniques
- Snap down to single: Pop opponent's head down before shooting
- Hand tap: Tap elbow to disrupt balance
- Head and arm: Control one arm before shooting
- Snap to shot: Pop head down into penetration step
Execution
- Step between opponent's feet with lead leg
- Drop your level below opponent's hips
- Grab thighs or behind knees with both arms
- Drive through with hips and legs
- Bring your head to the inside for protection
Finishing Options
- Power through: Drive opponent straight back
- Corner: Angle off to one side while driving
- Go behind: Finish to opponent's back
The Single Leg Takedown
A versatile attack that can be chained into numerous finishes. The single leg works well against opponents who defend the double leg.
Entry Angles
- 45-degree angle: Classic single leg entry
- Straight shot: Attack the heel directly
- Arm drag to single: Off-balance before attacking
Control and Finish
- Secure leg between both arms
- Control the arm on that side
- Cut the corner to expose back
- Run the pipe for back points
The High Crotch
An aggressive attack that creates excellent control and chain wrestling opportunities. High-level wrestlers make this their primary weapon.
Technical Points
- Deep penetration between opponent's legs
- Head positioned on outside of opponent's thigh
- Secure the leg as high as possible
- Maintain overhook on the far side
Chain Options
- High crotch to single leg
- High crotch to go-behind
- High crotch to ankle pick
- High crotch to throw-by
Low Single Leg
Attack the lower leg for a quick, low-risk takedown. Effective when opponents are sprawling aggressively.
Setup
- Make opponent react to level change
- Time their step forward
- Attack as weight shifts to lead leg
Execution
- Drop to outside leg of opponent
- Secure ankle with both hands
- Drive through to opposite side
- Finish on top or to opponent's back
Ankle Pick
A quick, low-risk takedown that works against tall opponents or those who defend high attacks.
- Time opponent's step or forward lean
- Drop and grab ankle quickly
- Run through to opposite side
- Finish standing or to mat
Arm Drag
Use your opponent's arm to off-balance them and gain position. The arm drag leads to numerous attacks.
- Establish control of opponent's wrist
- Pull arm across body while stepping behind
- Control back or transition to single leg
- Use arm drag to set up other attacks
Training Drills for Takedowns
- Shot bot: Practice penetration step repeatedly
- Partner reaction: Partner sprawls, you chain to next move
- Shoot doubles: 20-30 shots per session minimum
- Takedown rounds: Live wrestling focusing on feet
Common Takedown Mistakes
- Shooting without proper setup
- Not changing level deep enough
- Head too high during shot
- Not driving through after contact
- Forgetting to protect your head
Conclusion
A dominant takedown game gives you control of every match. Invest time in developing multiple attacks and the ability to chain them together. Remember that the best wrestlers make their opponents defend multiple attacks before finishing. Master the fundamentals and build your arsenal from there.