What is the Double Leg Takedown?
The double leg drives through the opponent’s hips, capturing both legs and finishing with lift, run-the-pipe, or cut-back techniques. It is the counterpart to the single leg and the primary takedown taught in most BJJ fundamentals programs.
Entry
- Set grips and change level with straight back
- Step penetration step between the opponent’s legs
- Lock hands behind both legs at the knee line
Finish
Choose finish based on angle and opponent reaction.
- Drive shoulder into hip while lifting or running the legs
- Cut corner when they sprawl partially
- Land in side control or half guard with head control
Key Grips & Control Points
- Collar tie or wrist control to set up level change
- Double underhooks on the legs behind the knees
- Head position on the chest or hip — never upright
Timing & Movement Cues
- Shoot when the opponent steps forward or reaches with a collar tie
- Penetrate on exhales or after drawing a reactive pull
- Finish immediately after the lock — hesitation invites sprawls
Typical Counters to Expect
- Hard sprawl with guillotine threat
- Whizzer and hip switch to defend the shot
- Down block and crossface on entry
Follow-Up Options
- Pass to side control or mount after landing
- Guillotine defense drill when partner sprawls
- Transition to single leg when double is blocked halfway
Setups & Entries
- Snap-down off collar tie into level change
- Fake single leg to open double leg entry
- Push-pull off underhooks to break stance
Training Drills
- Penetration step shadow drilling
- Double leg to finish with progressive resistance
- Sprawl-guillotine defense paired with shot entries
Coaching Notes
- Level change before penetration — head up loses the shot
- Drive through the hips, not around the legs
- Chain wrestle: double to single to finish
Related Study
Connect this movement with complementary positions and attacks.
Summary
The double leg is wrestling 101 for grapplers. Set up with ties, change level, lock behind the knees, and finish through the hips before the sprawl arrives.