How to SHOOT the PERFECT Single Leg for Beginners!
0
Cage Single-Leg Takedown·TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian
This video I breakdown the simple basics of how to shoot the single leg takedown for someone just starting out. Check o…
Cage Single-Leg Takedown
SubFamilyケージ・Single-leg・テイクダウン(Cage Single-Leg Takedown)
Translation: cage single-leg takedown
Overview
History & Origin
MMA takedown technique. [1]
Effectiveness
Core MMA takedown. [1]
Lineage
MMA wrestling methodology. [1]
Competition Record
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
Images
No images yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest an image.
Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Takedown mechanics for Cage Single-Leg Takedown
Position & Entry
From MMA stance — Execute cage single-leg takedown
Variants
Standard Cage Single-Leg Takedown
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
4
Moderate4/10
Takedown technique
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— IJF — Legal takedown technique
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— 2 points
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— UWW — Legal in freestyle, may be restricted in Greco-Roma...
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF— 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
✓Drill with cage/wall work (Penn et al., 2007)
Common Mistakes
!Poor level change
!Over-extending
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Strike → Level change → Cage Single-Leg Takedown
Sources & References
Primary Source
Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge (Penn, Cordoza & Krauss, 2007)
1Book[1] Penn, B.J., Cordoza, G. and Krauss, E. (2007). Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9777315-6-5.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Penn, B
2Citation[1] Penn, B.J., Cordoza, G. and Krauss, E. (2007). Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9777315-6-5.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Penn, B
Community
Athletics
Explosive legs
Good base
Notes
The cage single-leg uses the cage wall to trap the opponent while attacking a single leg. The opponent cannot sprawl freely when backed against the cage, making the single leg higher-percentage. An MMA-specific technique. (MMA training manuals; The Ultimate MMA Training Guide)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the knee over toe drill and why is it important for single leg takedowns?
The knee over toe drill involves stepping forward at a 90-degree angle so your knee goes over your toe and touches the mat, then your back leg becomes the new front leg. Coach Brian from TeachMeGrappling emphasizes this drill is really important for building the specific leg muscles needed for shooting, and notes that even athletic athletes feel awkward doing it at first.
How deep should I step when shooting a single leg takedown?
You need to step deep enough to achieve 'toe to toe' positioning—if you're stepping too shallow, your opponent will step back and you'll miss the leg. Coach Brian stresses that penetration depth is critical to prevent your opponent from escaping.
Should I stand up and pull when finishing a single leg, or use a different approach?
Coach Brian advises against standing up and pulling, as it wastes energy. Instead, drive your head and energy into your opponent so their weight shifts to one leg, making the other leg light and easier to lift or control.
What arm position should I use when my opponent sprawls on my single leg?
Coach Brian recommends straightening your elbows rather than squeezing and pulling with bent arms, as straight arms allow you to control the leg with less effort while your opponent sprawls.
How does the Cage Single-Leg Takedown work?
The Cage Single-Leg Takedown uses the cage wall as a third point of contact, pinning the opponent against the fence while executing a single-leg takedown.
Where does the Cage Single-Leg Takedown come from?
MMA takedown technique.
Is the Cage Single-Leg Takedown legal in competition?
IJF: legal — Legal takedown technique; IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, scored as takedown (2 points); UWW: legal — Legal in freestyle, may be restricted in Greco-Roman depending on technique; 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 Cage Single-Leg Takedown?
Danger rating 4/10. Takedown technique
How do I set up the Cage Single-Leg Takedown?
The standard setup chain: Strike → Level change → Cage Single-Leg Takedown.
How do I defend against the Cage Single-Leg Takedown?
Standard counters include: Sprawl / Whizzer / Underhook.
What are the variants of the Cage Single-Leg Takedown?
Common variants: Standard Cage Single-Leg Takedown.
How effective is the Cage Single-Leg Takedown in competition?
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
What are common mistakes when doing the Cage Single-Leg Takedown?
Top errors to watch for: Poor level change / Over-extending.
What are other names for the Cage Single-Leg Takedown?
The Cage Single-Leg Takedown is also known as Cage Single-Leg Takedown, Wall Single Leg, Cage Takedown.