Foundation: The Over Collar Tie Setup

Drake Ayala establishes the over collar tie as the foundational position for executing the elbow pull single leg. This tie provides optimal control and positioning for initiating the takedown sequence without stalling or remaining static in the clinch.

The Elbow Pull Single Technique

Rather than pushing or popping the opponent's elbow, Ayala pulls the elbow directly over his body while simultaneously securing head position by drawing the opponent's ear toward his bicep. This pulling motion creates immediate space and vertical positioning necessary for a successful entry into the single leg attack.

Hand Placement and Leg Entry

As the right hand controls the opponent's elbow during the pull-over motion, the left hand immediately shoots to the leg positioned directly above the knee. This coordinated hand placement establishes control before transitioning to the mat and ensures proper positioning for the finish.

Critical Hand Placement: Above the Knee

Maintaining hand placement above the knee is the most essential element of single leg finishing. Positioning below the knee exposes the wrestler to wizards, sprawls, and step-over escapes; raising the hand just 4-6 inches eliminates these defensive counters entirely.

Shoulder Pressure and Body Weight Distribution

Ayala positions his shoulder nearly on top of the opponent's hip and thigh area rather than on the side, driving pressure through his shoulder and head to collapse the opponent's base. This superior positioning forces the opponent's body weight in the direction of the takedown, preventing defensive stalling.

Foot Drive and Ankle Control

The attacking wrestler drives forward with the back foot while the front foot remains positioned behind the opponent's base. As forward momentum builds, the right hand secures the ankle while the left hand maintains its critical position above the knee throughout the transition.

Balance and Trip Sequence

Ayala employs a balance-based finishing strategy by hopping with the right foot while keeping the left foot positioned behind the opponent's base. This controlled bouncing action, combined with circular footwork, disrupts the opponent's balance and forces them to the mat for the three-point takedown.

Sustained Pressure Through Completion

Throughout the entire mat transition, the wrestler maintains aggressive pressure from the shoulder while keeping the left hand above the knee and the right foot active. The finish may require multiple positioning adjustments and circling, but sustained technical pressure ensures successful completion regardless of opponent resistance.

Drake Ayala Single Leg Takedown | Technique Tuesday

FloWrestling

Standard Sweep Single

2 min read·8 key moments·PT6M11S video

Key Takeaways

•Foundation: The Over Collar Tie Setup
•The Elbow Pull Single Technique
•Hand Placement and 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/

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about standard sweep single?

This video covers foundation: the over collar tie setup, the elbow pull single technique, hand placement and leg entry. It provides detailed instruction from FloWrestling.

How long does it take to learn standard sweep single?

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.