The Takedown Game: Strategies for Securing Points and Dominating the Mat

18 June 2025

Let’s be real—if you want to win in wrestling, you've gotta have a lethal takedown game. It’s that simple. You can't just dance around the mat and hope your opponent hands you points like it’s Christmas. You’ve got to earn them. That’s where takedowns come in. They’re the bread and butter of scoring, setting the tone, and—let’s face it—absolutely demoralizing your opponent.

In this article, we're going to break down what makes for a solid takedown game, cover the strategies that actually work, and talk about how you can turn yourself into an unstoppable force on the mat. So whether you're a beginner looking to understand the basics or a seasoned grappler hoping to refine your skills, buckle in. It’s about to get gritty.

Why Takedowns Matter So Much

Before we get into the meat of the techniques and strategies, let’s answer a simple question—why the obsession with takedowns?

Takedowns are more than just a way to score points. They set the tone. When you take someone down, you're telling them, “I’m in control.” You're dictating where the match goes. And in most wrestling styles like folkstyle, freestyle, or even MMA, the one who controls the takedown game usually controls the match.

Plus, there’s a mental edge. Imagine being taken down over and over—it’s like being hit with a big ol’ confidence-sucking vacuum.

Building Blocks of a Solid Takedown Game

Like constructing a house, your takedown game needs a strong foundation. Here’s what you should be focusing on before diving into flashier moves.

1. Stance and Movement

You wouldn’t build a skyscraper on soft sand, right? The same logic applies to your wrestling stance. A solid, athletic stance is your base.

- Keep your knees bent and your weight centered.
- Stay low—hips down, chest up.
- Hands ready, always moving.

Footwork is your secret sauce. It's not about moving fast, it's about moving smart. Circle, angle, stay light on your toes, and never stand flat-footed.

2. Timing and Distance

Here’s a little pro tip: the best takedown isn’t always the fastest; it’s the best-timed.

Timing means attacking when your opponent overcommits, shifts weight, or gets lazy. That’s your green light. Combine that with proper distance management—being close enough for a shot without eating a counter—and you’ve got yourself a recipe for takedown gold.

3. Hand Fighting

Think of hand fighting as psychological warfare with physical consequences. This is where dominance starts.

- Control the wrists.
- Fight for inside position.
- Make your opponent react.
- Open up lanes for shots.

The goal? Make them paranoid. If they’re busy fending off your grip, they’re not attacking—and that’s when you strike.

Go-To Takedowns That Get Results

There are a ton of takedowns out there, but let’s focus on the heavy hitters—the high-percentage moves that win matches consistently.

1. The Double Leg Takedown

The classic. If you’re going to master one move, make it this.

- Level change.
- Penetration step.
- Drive through with your head at the hip.
- Lift and finish or run the pipe.

The key? Set it up. Hand fighting, fakes, and snaps make your double leg unstoppable.

2. Single Leg Takedown

Less flashy but highly effective.

- Shoot for one leg—grab behind the knee or ankle.
- Keep your head up and your back straight.
- Finish by either sweeping the other leg or pulling the leg up and tripping.

This move is especially great as a secondary attack when your double leg is stuffed.

3. High-Crotch Takedown

Somewhere between a single and double leg. A great way to mix things up.

- Attack the inside leg.
- Cut the corner and switch to a double leg.
- Finish strong by lifting or running your feet.

If you’re slick, this takedown can be a match-ender.

4. Snap Down Go-Behind

Now we’re talking finesse.

- Tie up and snap your opponent’s head down.
- Circle to their back as they react.
- Shoot in and secure control.

This is one of those takedowns that feels like magic when done right—and it’s very demoralizing for your opponent.

5. Ankle Picks & Low Singles

If you’re a quicker, more agile wrestler, these might be your best friends.

- Time their step.
- Pick the ankle while keeping pressure up top.
- Drive and finish.

These are great for opponents who like to stand tall or overreach.

The Setup Game: Be Sneaky, Be Smart

The truth is, nobody just walks into a perfect double leg. Great setups are what make takedowns work. You’ve got to disguise your intentions better than a poker champion.

1. Use Feints Effectively

Fake high, shoot low. Show a shot, back out. Make them bite. The more they react to your fakes, the easier it’ll be to get in.

2. Chain Wrestling

This is where high-level wrestlers shine. Don’t just hit one move and stop—link them together.

- Shot gets stuffed? Switch to a snap down.
- Missed the single leg? Transition into a high crotch.
- Failed takedown? Keep scrambling.

Never let the action die. Chain wrestling builds pressure—and pressure breaks people.

Mental Warfare: Winning Before the Takedown

Wrestling isn’t just physical, it’s mental. And your takedown game reflects your mindset.

- Be aggressive, but not reckless.
- Stay persistent. One failed shot doesn’t mean it’s over.
- Control the center of the mat—take up space and crowd their movement.

Make them feel like they’re never safe, never comfortable. That’s when they start making mistakes.

Drills That Actually Improve Your Takedown Game

Want to get better? Put in the work.

- Shot Reps: Drill your double and single legs 50+ times a day.
- Hand-Fighting Rounds: Go live with partners just focusing on control.
- Shadow Wrestling: Visualize and practice your setups solo.
- Scramble Training: Create live situations where the first shot leads to multiple transitions.

Repetition builds reaction. You want your takedown to be second nature, like tying your shoes or scrolling TikTok.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Let’s keep it real—everyone messes up. But these are mistakes you can fix with awareness and a little hustle.

Mistake 1: Shooting From Too Far

You might as well text your opponent, “Hey, I’m about to shoot.” Close the distance before you shoot.

Mistake 2: Standing Straight Up

The mat isn’t a fashion runway. Stay low, stay athletic.

Mistake 3: Not Committing

Half-shots = full mistakes. If you’re going in, go in with commitment.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Defense

Great offense only works if you’re not getting taken down too. Work sprawls, down blocks, and counter-shots just as much.

Applying Strategy Based on Match Situation

Not every takedown is created equal. Sometimes you’re up on points, sometimes you’re chasing the win.

- Winning late? Sprawl and stall (smartly).
- Down by 2? Go for broke with a solid setup.
- Tied? Look for that quick snap-and-go or low-risk single.

Be aware of time, score, and your opponent’s tendencies. Wrestling IQ is just as important as technique.

How to Dominate Even Tough Opponents

Let’s say you’re up against someone just as skilled—maybe even better. How do you win?

- Wear them down. Push the pace, hand fight hard.
- Make them uncomfortable. Be unorthodox.
- Focus on scrambles. Fast transitions can confuse even elite wrestlers.
- Stay composed. If they score, fine. Come back with your game plan.

Remember, even a Ferrari can lose to a monster truck on the wrong terrain. Turn the mat into your kind of battlefield.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the takedown game isn’t about doing one thing right—it’s about doing a hundred little things slightly better than your opponent. It's a grind. But once it clicks? Man, it’s beautiful.

You’ll start every match knowing you can take control. And once you own the takedown, you own the mat.

So get out there. Drill till your knees are sore, wrestle until you’re gassed, and think like a tactician. Because the takedown game—it’s not just about points.

It’s about dominance.