Introduction & Core Philosophy

Cary Kolat, a 2000 Olympian and two-time NCAA champion, presents his signature sweep single leg technique as a comprehensive combination rather than an isolated move. His foundational approach emphasizes setting the tone early in matches through aggressive hand placement and controlled pace from the opening handshake.

The Setup: Creating the Opening

Kolat employs a crosshand setup to generate an opening for the single leg attack. By delivering a heavy hit with the free hand while keeping the shooting hand ready, he forces the opponent into a reactive step, allowing him to transition smoothly into his level change.

Hand Positioning & Mobility

Rather than locking hands immediately on the single leg, Kolat maintains hand mobility by placing his palm on the mat during the drop phase. This approach, learned from coach John Smith's philosophy of getting past the opponent's head and hands, enables quicker positioning and better pushing mechanics while stepping outside.

The High Leg Finish

Kolat's finishing technique emphasizes a punching motion with the free hand toward the sky combined with a lifting knee action. Being shorter than his competitors, he developed a blocking mechanism rather than a kicking motion, using his free leg to prevent the opponent from stabilizing their foot while applying spinal pressure.

Transition to Cross Lift

When the opponent resists the sweep, Kolat transitions into a cross lift variation by naturally shifting his grip as the opponent's hips turn downward. The foot trap established during the single leg attack seamlessly converts into the ankle control needed for the cross lift position.

Executing the Cross Lift to Finish

Kolat completes the combination by driving his knee through and positioning his body weight across the opponent's spine. As the opponent attempts to push up, he drives forward toward their head while pushing his hips to the ceiling, creating a bow position that leads to a finishing angle change.

Building Reputation for Execution

Kolat emphasizes that developing a strong team and personal reputation allows athletes to execute techniques with more aggression and receive favorable referee judgment. Establishing credibility through consistent, dominant wrestling provides the foundation for executing high-intensity attacks like the sweep single effectively.

Cary Kolat | Sweep Single | Wrestling Technique

RUDIS

Standard Sweep Single

2 min read·7 key moments·PT8M49S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction & Core Philosophy
•The Setup: Creating the Opening
•Hand Positioning & Mobility
•The High Leg Finish

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about standard sweep single?

This video covers introduction & core philosophy, the setup: creating the opening, hand positioning & mobility. It provides detailed instruction from RUDIS.

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 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.