The Sprawl as Primary Defense

The sprawl is the fundamental movement for defending against leg takedowns, particularly the double leg takedown. It functions by preventing an opponent from establishing control on the legs through proper hand positioning and body mechanics.

Grappling Stance and Head Positioning

In grappling scenarios, a slightly forward lean allows the hands to engage and block leg attacks while the head protects the legs. The defender should match the opponent's head level to maintain blockading position against incoming shots.

Hand and Arm Defense

If the initial hand block fails, the defender should drive the hands toward the opponent's shoulders and use the elbows as a secondary block to prevent access to the legs. This secondary defense creates additional distance and difficulty for the attacker.

Hip-Forward Entry

The hips must move forward as an initial action while the feet retreat backward, placing legs beyond reach. This contrasts with a backward-push motion where the knees remain available for tilting and attacking.

Hip and Foot Contact with the Mat

The hips and knees should make contact with the mat while the toes remain free, allowing the defender to slide backward as pressure is applied. Planting the feet rigidly can result in being pushed backward rather than sliding defensively.

Solo Sprawl Execution Drill

The sprawl begins from grappling posture by dropping the hips forward as the hands reach toward the mat, with feet leaving the surface. The movement should not resemble a burpee, and the hips must lead the action rather than the hands reaching first.

Common Technical Errors

Common mistakes include reaching for the mat before taking feet back, landing on the toes instead of the hips and knees, and jumping explosively rather than dropping the hips smoothly. Each error reduces defensive effectiveness and can leave the defender vulnerable to repositioning.

Basic Takedown Defence

Absolute MMA St Kilda - Melbourne

Takedown Defence

2 min read·7 key moments·PT5M42S video

Key Takeaways

•The Sprawl as Primary Defense
•Grappling Stance and Head Positioning
•Hand and Arm Defense
•Hip-Forward Entry

Full Course Playlist → https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDrQXekZsfYZfV1QZ4T5UkxLwFwQ12EbP Find the Introduction course here → https://submeta.io/@lachlangiles/courses/introduction To defend double and single leg takedowns we use the sprawl motion. The sprawl denies our opponent the ability to maintain a meaningful control of our legs. The sprawl can be performed with a partner, but it also makes for a good solo drill. It is especially useful for warming up. More from Lachlan https://www.submeta.io/@lachlangiles Subscribe to watch a huge range of courses all designed to plan, personalize and optimize your game. Follow SUBMETA https://www.instagram.com/submeta.io https://www.facebook.com/submeta.io

Related Techniques

Block Counter Strike Footwork Defence Evasion-Distance Management Guard Retention

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about takedown defence?

This video covers the sprawl as primary defense, grappling stance and head positioning, hand and arm defense. It provides detailed instruction from Absolute MMA St Kilda - Melbourne.

How long does it take to learn takedown defence?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.