Head-Inside Single Leg Defense Drill

Before you start

• Assume a standard MMA striking stance opposite your partner who is initiating the takedown drill.
• Be prepared to react to the one-two combination and single leg entry.

Movement sequence

1. Defend the incoming single leg entry by stepping your targeted leg back.
2. Establish a tight whizzer control over the opponent's arm.
3. Push the opponent's head away and down to begin extending their arms.
4. Square your hips up while anchoring off on your opposite leg.
5. Pull on the opponent's elbow to break their locked grip and escape or disengage.

Key points

• Send your leg back immediately upon entry to prevent a deep hold.
• Maintain a strong whizzer and push the head away and down simultaneously.
• Square your hips and pull decisively on the elbow to break the lock.

Common mistakes

Leaving the targeted leg forward, allowing the attacker to secure the takedown easily. Failing to maintain the whizzer or push the head down, keeping the attacker's arms bent and secure.

Practice notes

The primary goal is to get their arms extended and turn them. Anchor off on the opposite leg as the arms start to turn, applying pressure by pulling on the elbow to completely break the lock.