2 EASY Single Leg FINISHES!
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Single Leg Finish·TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian
This video I show a couple finishes for the single leg takedown. Check out the details and you are sure to find somethi…
Single Leg Finish
SubFamilyシングルレッグフィニッシュ(Shinguru Reggu Finisshu)
TransliterationTranslation: single leg finish (katakana)
Overview
The Single Leg Finish subfamily covers the various finishing methods used to complete a single-leg takedown once the attacker has secured the opponent's leg. [1] Capturing the leg is only the first phase — the finish requires the attacker to overcome the opponent's defensive reactions (hopping, whizzer, sprawl, limp leg) to bring them to the mat. [1],[2] Finish methods include running the pipe (lateral circular drive), dump finishes (lifting and rotating the opponent over the captured leg), inside trip finishes (tripping the standing leg), limp arm finishes (releasing one arm to create an angle), and tree-top finishes (elevating the leg overhead). [2] The ability to chain between multiple finishes is what separates elite wrestlers from novices. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Single-leg finishing systems were developed and refined in American folkstyle wrestling, where the single leg's prevalence drove the development of systematic finishing methods and counter-counter techniques. [1] The chain-wrestling philosophy — linking finishes together based on defensive reactions — became a hallmark of American wrestling coaching methodology. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
Lineage
Single leg finishes are taught as a system in American wrestling programmes, with each finish designed to counter specific defensive positions. [1]
Competition Record
Single leg finishes are fundamental scoring techniques in NCAA and international freestyle competition. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Isolation of one leg — controlling a single support point destabilises the opponent's base
Joints Involved — Attacker's lead knee (penetration step), hips (level change and lifting), opponent's knee and hip (controlled)
Force Vector — Lateral and upward — lifting or sweeping the captured leg while driving the shoulder into the opponent's body
Finishing Mechanic — Varies by finish — run-the-pipe (forward drive), trip (inside/outside foot trip), or lift (elevation of captured leg)
Position & Entry
From wrestling stance — Level change with a penetration step, drive head into opponent's hip, secure one leg and lift or drive to finish
From collar tie — Use head control to set up the shot, change levels and shoot to the lead leg
From reaction to opponent's attack — When opponent overcommits, catch the exposed leg and counter into the single-leg
Videos
Finish The Single Leg Takedown (3 Ways)
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Single Leg Finish·Brian Glick
3 simple finishes for your single leg takedown. Wrestling, yes - but BJJ specific! Thanks for watching 😊 Want to supp…
2 videos
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
3
Moderate3/10
Single leg is one of the safest takedowns; controlled descent (John Smith methodology)
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 finish is separate from the entry — practice finishes as standalone techniques
✓Keep the captured leg tight to your chest with your elbow clamped to your ribs
✓When one finish is defended, immediately chain to the next — don't reset
✓Your head position against their body provides control; lose head contact and you lose the leg
✓Stay on your feet with good posture; don't hang on the leg in a bent-over position
✓Read the opponent's defense to choose the right finish: whizzer = limp arm, hopping = run the pipe, posting = trip
Common Mistakes
!Only knowing one finish, so a single defensive action stops the entire takedown
!Holding the leg passively and waiting instead of immediately attacking with a finish
!Head too far from the opponent's body, giving them space to pummel or whizzer
!Carrying the leg too low (at the ankle) instead of up at the thigh for maximum control
!Standing bent over at the waist, which kills your driving power and balance
!Not reading the opponent's defense to select the appropriate finish
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attemptWhizzer (Overhook) — overhook the attacking arm and drive hip pressure to kill the angleCross-Face — push the attacker's head across their body to break their grip and alignmentLimp Leg — pull the attacked leg free by going limp and circling away
Setup Chain
1Level Change — lower your stance to penetrate below the opponent's arms
2Penetration Step — drive the lead knee between the opponent's feet
3Head Position — place head on the inside of the opponent's hip for control
4Grip the Leg — clasp hands behind the thigh or knee for a secure hold
5Drive and Finish — drive forward or angle off to complete the takedown
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
penetration step speed, upper body endurance for finishing, balance
Favours
longer arms for reach, quick hips for level change
Key muscles
quadriceps, hip flexors, shoulders, grip/forearms
Sub-techniques
Dump Finish
GenusThe Dump Finish completes the single leg by lifting the captured leg high while rotating the opponent over it, 'dumping' them sideways or backward onto the mat. [1] The attacker elevates the captured leg to hip height or above, then uses a combination of lifting and rotational force to tip the opponent past their balance point over the elevated leg. [1,2] The dump finish is effective when the opponent is resisting by hopping toward the attacker, as their forward momentum can be redirected into the rotational dump. [2] The finish typically results in the attacker landing in side control or a scramble position. [2,3]
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Inside Trip Finish
GenusThe Inside Trip Finish completes the single leg by using the attacker's inside leg to trip or hook the opponent's standing (free) leg while maintaining control of the captured leg. [1] With one leg secured and the opponent hopping on the remaining foot, the attacker threads their inside leg behind the opponent's standing ankle and reaps or blocks it, eliminating the last point of balance. [1,2] The inside trip finish is particularly effective against opponents who defend the single leg by hopping and maintaining balance on one foot. [2] The simultaneous control of one leg and trip of the other creates an irrecoverable base collapse. [2,3]
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Limp Arm Finish
GenusThe Limp Arm Finish completes the single leg by deliberately releasing one arm from the leg grip and using it to create an angle change or secondary attack while maintaining control with the remaining arm. [1] When the opponent defends the single leg with a whizzer (overhook) on the attacker's head-side arm, the attacker 'limps' that arm free by relaxing it and circling behind the opponent, using the momentum to create a back-take or angle for completion. [1,2] The limp arm is a counter-to-the-counter technique that turns the opponent's whizzer defence into a vulnerability. [2] The key is timing the arm release with a simultaneous level change or direction shift. [2,3]
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Run The Pipe
GenusThe Run The Pipe finish completes the single leg by driving laterally in a circular arc while maintaining control of the captured leg, forcing the opponent to hop until they lose balance. [1] The attacker keeps the leg secured tight to the chest, maintains head pressure on the inside hip, and runs in a half-circle while lifting the captured leg. [1,2] The circular running motion generates centrifugal force that makes single-leg hopping defence progressively more difficult. [2] This is the most commonly taught and highest-percentage single-leg finish in wrestling. [2,3]
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Tree-Top Finish
GenusThe Tree-Top Finish completes the single leg by elevating the captured leg as high as possible — over the attacker's shoulder — so the opponent is balanced on one foot with their leg extended nearly vertical. [1] The extreme elevation makes balance impossible, and the opponent falls backward as their centre of gravity shifts behind the supporting foot. [1,2] The tree-top requires significant upper body strength to elevate the leg overhead while maintaining control. [2] The finish is named for the visual image of the opponent's foot being lifted 'to the tree tops' while they topple backward. [2,3]
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I rely on strength to lift my opponent's leg in a single leg finish?
No. Coach Brian emphasizes that you should focus on technique rather than muscling the leg up—use efficient mechanics combined with technique, not pure strength, especially when your opponent is bigger than you.
What's the difference between pinching your knees and using your hands in a single leg finish?
Brian Glick explains that instead of pinching your knees (which some people do to free up their hands), you should use wider legs and focus on your two hands pulling your partner's leg in for a more effective finish.
Why is it important to bring your opponent's leg up high in a single leg finish?
When your partner's leg is low, they have plenty of balance and can escape by hopping; bringing the leg up high clears their base and allows you to drive your hips forward to complete the takedown.
How does the Single Leg Finish work?
The Single Leg Finish subfamily covers the various finishing methods used to complete a single-leg takedown once the attacker has secured the opponent's leg. Capturing the leg is only the first phase — the finish requires the attacker to overcome the opponent's defensive reactions (hopping, whizzer, sprawl, limp leg) to bring them to the mat.
Where does the Single Leg Finish come from?
Single-leg finishing systems were developed and refined in American folkstyle wrestling, where the single leg's prevalence drove the development of systematic finishing methods and counter-counter techniques. The chain-wrestling philosophy — linking finishes together based on defensive reactions — became a hallmark of American wrestling coaching methodology.
Is the Single Leg Finish 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 Single Leg Finish?
Danger rating 3/10. Moderate — single leg is one of the safest takedowns; controlled descent (John Smith methodology)
How do I set up the Single Leg Finish?
The standard setup chain: Level Change → Penetration Step → Head Position → Grip the Leg → Drive and Finish.
How do I defend against the Single Leg Finish?
Standard counters include: Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attempt / Whizzer (Overhook) — overhook the attacking arm and drive hip pressure to kill the angle / Cross-Face — push the attacker's head across their body to break their grip and alignment / Limp Leg — pull the attacked leg free by going limp and circling away.
What are the variants of the Single Leg Finish?
Common variants: Inside single (shooting to the inside of the lead leg, head inside position); Outside single (attacking from the outside of the lead leg); High crotch (securing the thigh above the knee with head in the hip); Low single (attacking the ankle from outside range without deep penet…).
How effective is the Single Leg Finish in competition?
Single leg finishes are fundamental scoring techniques in NCAA and international freestyle competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Single Leg Finish?
Top errors to watch for: Only knowing one finish, so a single defensive action stops the entire takedown / Holding the leg passively and waiting instead of immediately attacking with a finish / Head too far from the opponent's body, giving them space to pummel or whizzer / Carrying the leg too low (at the ankle) instead of up at the thigh for maximum control.
What are other names for the Single Leg Finish?
The Single Leg Finish is also known as Shinguru Reggu Finisshu, Single Leg Completion, Single Leg Finish Method, Shiage Waza.