Armdrag to Double to Run the PIPE!
0
Run The Pipe·TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian·Added by Admin
This video Anton demonstrates an armdrag to a double leg takedown but ends with a run the pipe finish. Check out the de…
Run The Pipe
Genusランザパイプ(Ran Za Paipu)
TransliterationTranslation: run the pipe (katakana)
Overview
The 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]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Running the pipe is the most commonly taught single-leg finish in American folkstyle wrestling. [1] The technique works by maintaining continuous forward pressure while holding the captured leg, driving the opponent backward until they cannot maintain balance. [1] It is highly effective when the attacker keeps the head tight against the opponent's body and the feet moving in short, powerful steps. [2]
Lineage
Run the pipe is a single leg finish that drives the opponent backward in a straight line, using continuous forward pressure to prevent recovery. [1]
Competition Record
Run the pipe is one of the most commonly used single leg finishes in NCAA and freestyle competition. [1]
Images
No images yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest an image.
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
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 penetration
Videos
1 video
Learn This Technique
No instructional courses yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest a course.
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
✓Pin the captured leg tight to your chest and drive laterally in a semicircular arc
✓Take short, fast steps while keeping your head tight against their hip
✓The opponent can only hop on one foot — your circular drive is faster than their hopping
✓Run toward the opponent's trapped-leg side to maximize the off-balancing effect
✓Keep your back straight and drive with your legs — don't lean over
✓The run-the-pipe works best when the opponent is standing upright and hopping; if they're crouching, switch to a trip
Common Mistakes
!Running in a straight line instead of an arc — the curve is what off-balances the hopping opponent
!Letting the leg slip during the run because the grip wasn't tight enough
!Steps too slow and large — you need rapid, choppy footwork
!Not keeping your head against their hip, so they can rotate to face you
!Stopping the run when the opponent braces — continue the arc and they'll fall
!Running the wrong direction (away from the trapped leg side), which lets them base
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
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the biggest mistake to avoid when finishing Run the Pipe?
Coach Brian emphasizes not pulling your opponent down aggressively into a scramble, as this can leave you vulnerable to getting caught with your opponent on your back. Instead, loosen your grip and let their leg slide through so you can maintain control and pass cleanly.
How should I position my hands and body when passing through after the technique?
According to Coach Brian, you want to pass through the spine using elbows only (or knees if preferred), keeping everything tight and controlled. Make sure to complete the full sequence—one step, two step—before attempting any advanced variations.
Should I learn advanced variations of Run the Pipe before the basics?
Coach Brian recommends beginners start with the basic version first. While you can eventually add fancy footwork like the re-drive or step-through variations, most practitioners should master the fundamental technique before attempting these modifications.
How does the Run The Pipe work?
The 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. 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.
Where does the Run The Pipe come from?
Run the pipe is a fundamental American wrestling finishing method, developed and refined in folkstyle wrestling programmes where the single leg is the most common attack. The term 'run the pipe' refers to the circular path the attacker runs, as if tracing the circumference of a pipe.
Is the Run The Pipe 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 Run The Pipe?
Danger rating 3/10. Moderate — single leg is one of the safest takedowns; controlled descent (John Smith methodology)
How do I set up the Run The Pipe?
The standard setup chain: Establish Contact → Create Off-Balance → Execute the Takedown → Follow to Ground.
How do I defend against the Run The Pipe?
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 Run The Pipe?
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 Run The Pipe in competition?
Run the pipe is one of the most commonly used single leg finishes in NCAA and freestyle competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Run The Pipe?
Top errors to watch for: Running in a straight line instead of an arc — the curve is what off-balances the hopping opponent / Letting the leg slip during the run because the grip wasn't tight enough / Steps too slow and large — you need rapid, choppy footwork / Not keeping your head against their hip, so they can rotate to face you.
What are other names for the Run The Pipe?
The Run The Pipe is also known as Ran Za Paipu, Run The Pipe Finish, Circle-Out Single Leg, Lateral Run Finish.