Standard Snatch Double

Genus

スナッチダブル(Sunatchi Daburu)

Transliteration

Translation: standard snatch double

Overview

The Standard Snatch Double executes the fundamental quick-pull double leg where the attacker, from a short distance, drops the level slightly and snatches both of the opponent's legs simultaneously with a sharp pulling motion directed toward the attacker's own body. [1] Rather than driving forward through the opponent, the snatch double pulls the opponent's legs out from under them, causing them to fall backward. [1],[2] The key is hand speed and timing — the snatch must coincide with a moment when the opponent's weight is centred or shifting forward. [2] The attacker typically finishes by following the collapsing opponent to the mat. [2],[3]

Also known as
Quick-Pull Double TD[1]Snatch-And-Go Double[2]Speed Double LegWrestling[3]

History & Origin

The snatch double has been used in wrestling competition as a quick-score technique, particularly in freestyle wrestling where reaction-based attacks are rewarded. [1] Its speed and low commitment made it popular among MMA fighters seeking to minimise exposure time during the shot. [2],[3]

Effectiveness

The snatch double is effective as a reactive takedown because it capitalises on the opponent's forward momentum or lowered hand position. [1] Unlike the blast double which relies on the attacker's explosive forward drive, the snatch double uses a quick drop-and-grab motion that can be executed from closer range with less telegraphing. [1]

Lineage

The standard snatch double is the baseline version of this pulling double leg variant. [1]

Competition Record

Seen in freestyle wrestling competition at international level. [1]

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Biomechanical Mechanism

Primary ActionLevel change and forward drive — penetrating step closes distance, shoulder drives into opponent's hips
Joints InvolvedAttacker's knees (deep bend for level change), hips (explosive extension for drive), shoulders (contact point)
Force VectorForward and upward — shoulder pressure lifts opponent's centre of gravity while legs drive through
Takedown MechanicDisruption 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 setupSnap the opponent's head down, when they react by posturing up, change level and shoot the double
From underhook positionSecure an underhook, use it to clear the opponent's defence, change level and blast into the double leg

Variants

Blast doublehigh-impact forward drive through the opponent without changing direction
Snatch doublepulling both legs together and driving laterally
Run-the-pipe doublerunning through the opponent in a linear drive
Low doubledeep penetration step attacking below the knees

Videos

Double + Single Entry +Snatch Single Finish

0
Standard Snatch Double·BALANCE JIU JITSU·Added by Admin

Coach Derek Brignell shares information on double and single leg takedown entries and finishing information on a sweep s

1 video

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Ratings

Danger Rating

Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to

4
Moderate4/10

Double leg drives through opponent; moderate impact on landing

Difficulty

Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably

Beginner
Competition Legality

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 27PDF
Legal
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

Training Notes

From close range, drop your level quickly and snap both hands behind the opponent's knees, pulling sharply toward your hips
The pull should buckle their knees and break their stance
Immediately follow the snatch with a forward shoulder drive into their midsection
Keep your head up and on the inside throughout — the speed of the snatch is your protection
Pull the legs together as you drive forward to eliminate any remaining base
Finish by landing chest-to-chest in side control or by running through to north-south

Common Mistakes

!Snatching too slowly — this technique depends on surprising the opponent with speed
!Pulling the knees apart instead of together — together eliminates their base
!Not following up with forward pressure after the pull — the opponent recovers quickly
!Head dropping below their hips during the snatch, inviting a guillotine or snap-down
!Staying on your knees after the snatch instead of popping up to drive
!Trying the snatch against an opponent in a staggered stance — it works best against a square stance

Related Techniques

Counter Techniques

Setup Chain

1Establish Contactuse grip, tie, or clinch to control the opponent
2Create Off-Balanceuse push-pull action to disrupt the opponent's base
3Execute the Takedownapply the specific takedown mechanic with commitment
4Follow to Groundmaintain 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

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I position my head and body when shooting a double leg takedown?

Keep your head on the outside and in line with your spine—never curved. Your back should be straight with your butt out as you change levels. Balance JiuJitsu emphasizes that your head being down will make you go down because it's heavy, so maintaining proper spinal alignment is critical.

Where should I step when attempting a double or single leg?

Step into a triangle zone toward the center without stepping too deep, keeping your toes matched up roughly in a straight line with your opponent's toes. Stay close enough to your partner that you have a point of contact—never step far back and then come forward, as your opponent will see the attack coming.

What's the key to executing the level change for a takedown?

The level change comes from your legs, not your upper body. Drive forward and up into your opponent's body rather than just going down; your shoulders should pop up as you generate power from your legs to remove space between you and your opponent.

What arm position should I use when attacking a single leg?

Bring the arm above mid-thigh with your palm facing down. Step on the outside of your opponent's leg while keeping your head in line with your spine as you drive the attack.

How does the Standard Snatch Double work?

The Standard Snatch Double executes the fundamental quick-pull double leg where the attacker, from a short distance, drops the level slightly and snatches both of the opponent's legs simultaneously with a sharp pulling motion directed toward the attacker's own body. Rather than driving forward through the opponent, the snatch double pulls the opponent's legs out from under them, causing them to fall backward.

Where does the Standard Snatch Double come from?

The snatch double has been used in wrestling competition as a quick-score technique, particularly in freestyle wrestling where reaction-based attacks are rewarded. Its speed and low commitment made it popular among MMA fighters seeking to minimise exposure time during the shot.

Is the Standard 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 Standard Snatch Double?

Danger rating 4/10. Moderate — double leg drives through opponent; moderate impact on landing

How do I set up the Standard Snatch Double?

The standard setup chain: Establish Contact → Create Off-Balance → Execute the Takedown → Follow to Ground.

How do I defend against the Standard 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 Standard 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 Standard Snatch Double in competition?

Seen in freestyle wrestling competition at international level.

What are common mistakes when doing the Standard Snatch Double?

Top errors to watch for: Snatching too slowly — this technique depends on surprising the opponent with speed / Pulling the knees apart instead of together — together eliminates their base / Not following up with forward pressure after the pull — the opponent recovers quickly / Head dropping below their hips during the snatch, inviting a guillotine or snap-down.

What are other names for the Standard Snatch Double?

The Standard Snatch Double is also known as Sunatchi Daburu, Quick-Pull Double TD, Snatch-And-Go Double, Speed Double Leg.