Double leg takedown
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Snatch Double·Energia Martial Arts
Double leg takedown. Today we'll be showing you a well known takedown: the double leg! Check the added info in the comme…
Snatch Double
SubFamilyスナッチダブル(Sunatchi Daburu)
TransliterationTranslation: snatch double (katakana)
Overview
The Snatch Double subfamily executes the double leg with a quick snatch-and-pull motion rather than a deep penetration step, grabbing both legs from a short distance and pulling them toward the attacker. [1] The snatch double requires less forward commitment than the blast double, instead relying on fast hand speed and a sharp pull to destabilise the opponent's base. [1],[2] This technique is often used at closer range, from the clinch or after a set-up feint, where a full penetration step would be too slow. [2] The snatch double is valued for its speed and the minimal exposure it creates for the attacker. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Lineage
The snatch double is a variation found in freestyle wrestling, adapted for situations where a driving double leg is not feasible. [1]
Competition Record
The snatch double is used in international freestyle competition and MMA. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Level change and forward drive — penetrating step closes distance, shoulder drives into opponent's hips
Joints Involved — Attacker's knees (deep bend for level change), hips (explosive extension for drive), shoulders (contact point)
Force Vector — Forward and upward — shoulder pressure lifts opponent's centre of gravity while legs drive through
Takedown Mechanic — Disruption of base — clasping both legs eliminates the opponent's ability to post or backstep
Position & Entry
From wrestling stance (outside step) — Set up with jab or collar tie, level change with a penetration step, drive shoulder into opponent's hips, clasp both legs and drive through
From collar tie setup — Snap the opponent's head down, when they react by posturing up, change level and shoot the double
From underhook position — Secure an underhook, use it to clear the opponent's defence, change level and blast into the double leg
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
4
Moderate4/10
Double leg drives through opponent; moderate impact on landing
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Beginner
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
— IJF — Banned since 2010 leg grab prohibition — direct han...
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFRestricted
Legal
— 2 points
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— Unified MMA — Legal takedown technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— ADCC — Legal, scored 2-4 points in second half of match
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal — all takedowns permitted
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDF— 2 points
NCAA Wrestling Rules 2025-26PDFTraining Notes
✓The snatch double is about speed, not power — a quick drop and grab from close range
✓Snap both hands to the back of the opponent's knees simultaneously, pulling toward you
✓It works best when the opponent is squared up with their weight even on both feet
✓Use it as a counter when the opponent steps forward into range — catch them mid-step
✓Keep your elbows tight as you snatch to create a secure pocket around their legs
✓Immediately drive forward after the snatch; the pull alone won't finish — you need the follow-up drive
Common Mistakes
!Trying to snatch from too far away — this is a close-range technique
!Pulling without the forward drive — the snatch creates the opening, the drive finishes
!Only grabbing one leg in the snatch, converting it into a sloppy single leg
!Telegraphing the snatch by dropping your hands early — it must be sudden
!Not squatting your hips back during the snatch, so your head ends up too far forward
!Over-pulling and falling backward instead of driving forward and down
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attemptUnderhook — establish inside position to control distance and prevent the takedown entryPost and Circle — post on the attacker's head and circle away to break their angleLevel Change Defence — recognize the shot early and react with appropriate hip defence
Setup Chain
1Establish Contact — use grip, tie, or clinch to control the opponent
2Create Off-Balance — use push-pull action to disrupt the opponent's base
3Execute the Takedown — apply the specific takedown mechanic with commitment
4Follow to Ground — maintain control as the opponent goes down to secure position
Sources & References
Primary Source
Japanese amateur wrestling terminology
1OtherJapanese Martial Arts Community Terminology
Japanese amateur wrestling terminology
2OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
3CitationJapanese amateur wrestling terminology
Standard katakana transliteration used in Japanese wrestling (レスリング)
Community
Athletics
Requires
explosive lower body power, level change speed, forward drive
Favours
stocky build with strong legs and low centre of gravity
Key muscles
quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, core, shoulders
Sub-techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I position my head when executing a snatch double?
Get your head underneath your opponent's armpit rather than on their hip, as placing it on the hip makes you vulnerable to falling forward and getting your face driven into the mat. Steer with your head in the opposite direction of your entry to cut the corner and force them to pivot.
What's the proper way to grip the legs on a snatch double?
Collect the backside of the knees or close your hands around the legs in that area rather than around the butt, because controlling the back of the knees prevents your opponent from stepping back and escaping.
Should I lift up or drive forward when finishing a snatch double?
Lift up rather than drive forward, using your legs like a deadlift to generate power. Getting close and lifting through your legs makes the technique easy to execute even against heavier or bigger opponents.
How do I enter a snatch double without overextending?
Get close to your opponent and drop your base low through your hips and knees to get underneath their base, rather than staying too far away and bending your back, which puts you in a compromised position.
How does the Snatch Double work?
The Snatch Double subfamily executes the double leg with a quick snatch-and-pull motion rather than a deep penetration step, grabbing both legs from a short distance and pulling them toward the attacker. The snatch double requires less forward commitment than the blast double, instead relying on fast hand speed and a sharp pull to destabilise the opponent's base.
Where does the Snatch Double come from?
Snatch-style double legs developed in wrestling as quick-trigger alternatives to deep-penetration shots, favoured by wrestlers with fast hands and timing-based offensive styles. The technique is common in both freestyle wrestling and MMA.
Is the Snatch Double legal in competition?
IJF: banned — Banned since 2010 leg grab prohibition — direct hansoku-make for touching opp…; IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, scored as takedown (2 points); UWW: restricted — Legal in freestyle (2-4 points), banned in Greco-Roman (no attacks below waist); Unified MMA: legal — Legal takedown technique; ADCC: legal — Legal, scored 2-4 points in second half of match; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal — all takedowns permitted; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal; NCAA Folkstyle: legal — Legal, scored as takedown (2 points)
How dangerous is the Snatch Double?
Danger rating 4/10. Moderate — double leg drives through opponent; moderate impact on landing
How do I set up the Snatch Double?
The standard setup chain: Establish Contact → Create Off-Balance → Execute the Takedown → Follow to Ground.
How do I defend against the Snatch Double?
Standard counters include: Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attempt / Underhook — establish inside position to control distance and prevent the takedown entry / Post and Circle — post on the attacker's head and circle away to break their angle / Level Change Defence — recognize the shot early and react with appropriate hip defence.
What are the variants of the Snatch Double?
Common variants: Blast double (high-impact forward drive through the opponent without ch…); Snatch double (pulling both legs together and driving laterally); Run-the-pipe double (running through the opponent in a linear drive); Low double (deep penetration step attacking below the knees).
How effective is the Snatch Double in competition?
The snatch double is used in international freestyle competition and MMA.
What are common mistakes when doing the Snatch Double?
Top errors to watch for: Trying to snatch from too far away — this is a close-range technique / Pulling without the forward drive — the snatch creates the opening, the drive finishes / Only grabbing one leg in the snatch, converting it into a sloppy single leg / Telegraphing the snatch by dropping your hands early — it must be sudden.
What are other names for the Snatch Double?
The Snatch Double is also known as Sunatchi Daburu, Quick Double, Snatch Double Leg, Short Double.