Setup and Knee Kiss Position
The instructor begins by establishing the foundational position for single-leg finishes, having the partner perform a hamstring stretch by placing their forehead on the knee. The attacking wrestler steps forward and positions their foot at the bottom of the Achilles tendon, rotating the foot to create control and pressure.
Head Control to Quad Grip Transition
When the opponent prevents access to the head through hand-fighting, the wrestler shifts to gripping the quadriceps or tendons above the knee rather than the kneecap itself. The grip is applied deeply into the muscle tissue and twisted to maximize control before driving the opponent backward.
Foot Positioning and Swing Mechanics
The instructor demonstrates adding a foot position to the finish, explaining that if the opponent resists and remains standing, the wrestler can create momentum by swinging them out with a rope-like motion. The opponent's natural hopping creates an opening for the takedown to be completed.
Directional Resistance and Hip Control
When the opponent resists turning toward their back, the wrestler pivots their approach and takes them the opposite direction instead. The far-hip control is applied while driving the ankle toward the opponent's buttocks to complete the takedown.
Instep Transition and Leg Lock Awareness
If the initial control begins to slip as the opponent extends their leg, the wrestler shifts grip to the instep while driving downward. The instructor notes that opponents trained in leg lock defense may roll to guard, and the wrestler must be prepared to disengage from potential leg lock exchanges.
Sawing Motion and Directional Sequencing
The finish employs a sawing motion using the wrist and ulna while simultaneously moving the wrestler's body and the opponent's leg in coordinated directions. When one direction meets resistance, the wrestler reverses approach by pushing the opponent in the opposite direction while pulling themselves away.
Wrestling-Specific Hand Placement
In wrestling contexts where opponents resist the floor position, the wrestler must replace hand control before the opponent's knee resets. The wrestler lowers their chest and shoulder onto the opponent's knee to prevent knee turnback, then captures the ankle above the knee to drive the final takedown.
Summary of Finish Progressions
The instructor recaps three primary finish sequences: head control with backward pulling, quad grip with backward pulling when head is unavailable, and blade positioning at the back of the knee with forward turning when backward movement fails. All three methods achieve the objective of completing the single-leg takedown.
Technique Emphasis Over Muscular Force
The instructor emphasizes that efficient single-leg finishes rely on proper technique rather than muscular strength, enabling practitioners to succeed against larger or stronger opponents. This principle distinguishes takedown training from pure strength conditioning.
2 EASY Single Leg FINISHES!
Key Takeaways
- •Setup and Knee Kiss Position
- •Head Control to Quad Grip Transition
- •Foot Positioning and Swing Mechanics
- •Directional Resistance and Hip Control
This video I show a couple finishes for the single leg takedown. Check out the details and you are sure to find something useful! Enjoy! If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please comment below. More videos to come! Please like, share, and subscribe!! PLEASE Click this link to SUPPORT the TeachMeGrappling Channel!!! https://www.patreon.com/TeachMeGrappling or https://www.paypal.me/CoachBrianPeterson To purchase TMG or PG Merchandise go to... https://www.petersongrapplers.com/shop Your contribution is much appreciated and will help me continue to bring you content! 🙏 www.NextLevelGuy.com The NextLevelGuy Podcast with Coach Brian Peterson has been released!! Check it out!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about single leg finish?
This video covers setup and knee kiss position, head control to quad grip transition, foot positioning and swing mechanics. It provides detailed instruction from TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian.
How long does it take to learn single leg finish?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing single leg finish?
The instructor recaps three primary finish sequences: head control with backward pulling, quad grip with backward pulling when head is unavailable, and blade positioning at the back of the knee with forward turning when backward movement fails. All three methods achieve the objective of completing the single-leg takedown.




