Introduction to the Single Leg Takedown

Drake Ayala demonstrates his signature single leg takedown technique, built on a foundation of precise positioning and relentless pressure. This instructional focuses on both the entry from the collar tie and the critical finishing mechanics that separate successful takedowns from wasted energy.

Establishing the Over Collar Tie

The over collar tie provides an optimal setup for the single leg entry. From this position, Drake controls his opponent's posture while creating the angles necessary to penetrate and secure the leg.

The Elbow Pull Single Leg Entry

Rather than pushing the opponent's elbow away, Drake pulls the elbow across his body while simultaneously driving his head into position. This pulling motion creates head position and breaks the opponent's base, allowing the shooter's opposite hand to drop immediately to the leg above the knee.

Critical Hand Placement: Above the Knee

The most important element of single leg finishing is maintaining the shooting hand above the knee. Positioning below the knee invites defensive counters including wizards, sprawls, and step-overs; raising the hand just four to six inches eliminates these escape options entirely.

Shoulder and Head Positioning for Pressure

Drake drives his shoulder into the opponent's hip and thigh area, creating heavy pressure that redirects the opponent's weight toward the mat. This shoulder position, combined with head pressure, creates immense downward force that prevents the opponent from defending effectively.

Lower Body Mechanics: Foot Placement and Drive

The finishing foot drives up the opponent's body as the trailing foot plants behind the opponent's supporting leg. Continuous forward pressure and vertical drive through the legs create the momentum necessary to complete the takedown.

The Balance Exchange: Hop and Trip

Drake executes a controlled hopping motion with his outside foot while keeping his inside foot planted behind the opponent's leg. This balance exchange, combined with circular hip movement, disrupts the opponent's base until the trip completes the takedown to the mat.

Maintaining Position Through the Finish

Even as the takedown completes, the shooting hand remains above the knee while the shooter circles and adjusts position. This consistent pressure and control prevent the opponent from reversing or escaping during the transition to mat control.

Drake Ayala Single Leg Takedown | Technique Tuesday

FloWrestling

Standard Single Leg From Cage

2 min read·8 key moments·PT6M11S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to the Single Leg Takedown
•Establishing the Over Collar Tie
•The Elbow Pull Single Leg Entry
•Critical Hand Placement: Above the Knee

In this Technique Tuesday breakdown, Iowa Hawkeye Drake Ayala shows how to create clean scoring opportunities using his unique single leg setup from an over collar tie. Drake walks through the key details that separate a finished single leg from a broken one — including hand placement above the knee, heavy shoulder pressure, and how to trip for the finish. You’ll learn: How to use the elbow pull single to beat head position and attack clean The most important positioning detail for actually finishing your single leg Drake’s footwork, pressure, and tripping mechanics to score every time Time Stamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:14 - Over-Collar Tie Sweep Single 00:01:46 - Finishing on the Mat 00:05:43 - Outro See the full instructional on Athletes Ocean: https://app.athletesocean.com/product/slide-by-ayala Get the Athletes Ocean iOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/athlete... Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe to access all of the latest wrestling videos! Website: https://www.flowrestling.org Subscribe: http://bit.ly/2p4v31C Get the FloSports iOS app: http://bit.ly/FloWrestlingiOSApp_9 Follow FloWrestling Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FloWrestling/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/flowrestling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowrestling/

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about standard single leg from cage?

This video covers introduction to the single leg takedown, establishing the over collar tie, the elbow pull single leg entry. It provides detailed instruction from FloWrestling.

How long does it take to learn standard single leg from cage?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.