Different Wrestling Shots Takedown: Three Types and Four Setups

What Is a “Shot”?

A shot is an explosive takedown attempt where a wrestler changes levels and attacks the opponent’s legs. All leg attacks rely on the same core fundamentals:

• Stance

• Level change

• Penetration

• Head position

• Finish

The difference between good wrestlers and great wrestlers is how they enter the legs, not just which leg they grab.

The Three Core Leg Attacks

1. Single-Leg (Head Inside)

What it is: Attacking one leg with the head positioned on the inside of the opponent’s body.

Why it works:

• Strong head position protects the neck

• Excellent control for beginners

• Easy to chain to finishes (run-the-pipe, shelf, trip)

Coaching note:This is the safest and most fundamental leg attack for youth wrestlers.

2. High Crotch (Head Outside)

What it is: A single-leg variation where the head pops to the outside and the grip is high near the hip.

Why it works:

• Creates angles

• Transitions easily to doubles and lifts

• Powerful for athletic wrestlers

Coaching note:Head position and posture matter. If the head drops, counters appear.

3. Double-Leg

What it is: Attacking both legs at once, chest tight to thighs.

Why it works:

• High-percentage takedown at every level

• Dominates balance and hips

• Can be driven, cut, or lifted

Coaching note:The double-leg succeeds when penetration gets under the opponent’s hips.

The Four Penetration-Step Entries (This Is the Key Part)

Every shot above can be hit using four different entry methods. This is where most parents (and many coaches) get confused.

1. Snatch Shot / Half-Step (Shallow Shot)  (technical break down)

What it is:A short, explosive step that closes a small distance quickly.

When to use it:

• Opponent is close

• Opponent is backing up

• Weight is on heels

Key coaching points:

• Load the back leg like a spring

• Short step, fast hands

• No big knee drop

Risk:If distance is wrong, you’ll come up short.

2. Rocker Step (Back-Step Setup)  (technical break down)

What it is:A brief backward step that pulls the opponent forward before exploding in.

When to use it:

• Opponent pressures forward

• Opponent follows movement

• You want deep penetration

Key coaching points:

• Step back to load

• Shoot as they step

• Catch them mid-motion

Why it works:You’re using their movement instead of fighting it.

3. Drop Step (Traditional Penetration)  (technical break down)

What it is:The classic level change → knee drop → trail-leg replacement.

When to use it:

• Opponent stands tall

• Feet are flat

• After a snap or tie-up

Key coaching points:

• Clear the lead foot

• Drop straight down

• Knee between the feet

• Head tight to the hip

Coaching truth:This is the bread-and-butter shot taught to beginners and refined by champions.

4. Blast Double (Jordan Burroughs Style)  (technical break down)

What it is:An explosive sprint through the opponent’s hips—often without an early knee drop.

When to use it:

• Opponent is upright

• Arms are cleared

• You have a lane to the hips

Key coaching points:

• Explode off both feet

• Head into chest

• Run through the takedown

Risk:High reward, high commitment. Timing matters.

How Coaches Teach This Progression

According to USA Wrestling coaching standards USA Wrestling Coach's Guide to …:

1. Teach stance and level change

2. Teach drop step first

3. Add rocker step

4. Introduce snatch shot

5. Only then teach blast double

This sequence builds control before speed.

Coach’s Summary (For Parents)

• There are 3 leg attacks (single, high crotch, double)

• There are 4 ways to enter those attacks

• The best wrestlers mix entries to stay unpredictable

• Good shots come from timing, not strength

Every shot is built on balance, position, and motion

Technical Break Down of the Wrestling moves.

Offensive “shots” in wrestling are explosive takedown attempts where you shoot in on your opponent’s legs to bring them to the mat (en.wikipedia.org). There are three primary types of leg attacks, the single-leg takedown (attacking one leg with your head on the inside), the high-crotch single (attacking one leg with head on the outside, essentially a variant of the single-leg (en.wikipedia.org), and the double-leg takedown (attacking both legs together) (en.wikipedia.org). Mastering these attacks involves not only understanding the target (one leg vs. two legs) but also learning four different footwork methods to initiate the shot. Each method of shooting, from quick shallow entries to deep-driving blasts, has its own mechanics and best-use scenarios.

In this guide, we’ll first outline the three types of shots and then delve into four distinct penetration step setups for executing them. These setups include: (1) the Quick Step (shallow shot), (2) the Rocker Step (back-step), (3) the Drop Step (traditional penetration), and (4) the Blast Double (Jordan Burroughs style). For each, we’ll discuss how to perform the technique and when to use it effectively in a match.

Types of Leg Attack Shots

• Single-Leg Takedown (Head Inside): A single-leg takedown involves grabbing one of the opponent’s legs (usually at the thigh or lower) with both hands and driving to unbalance themen.wikipedia.org. In a head-inside single, your head is positioned on the inside of the opponent’s body, near their ribcage. This positioning reduces the risk of guillotine chokes compared to a head-outside shotreddit.com. The single-leg is a fundamental attack and can be finished by lifting the leg or driving and turning the opponent with their captured leg (en.wikipedia.org).

• High-Crotch Single (Head Outside): The high-crotch is essentially a variation of the single-leg where your head pops to the outside of the opponent’s torso as you secure their leg high near the crotch (en.wikipedia.org). This head-outside position can allow transitions (for example, cutting across to a double-leg finish) and often provides a strong lifting angle for big takedowns (similar to a scoop throw in judo) (en.wikipedia.org). However, it carries a bit more risk of choke counters if you leave your neck exposed, so good posture is important. High-crotch shots are fast and explosive, usually executed from a set-up where you penetrate deeply at an angle to one side of the opponent.

• Double-Leg Takedown: In a double-leg, you target both legs by shooting in with arms wrapping around the opponent’s legs (typically behind the knees), keeping your chest in tight to their thighs (en.wikipedia.org). From there, you drive forward or lift and rotate to take them down (en.wikipedia.org). The double-leg is a high-percentage takedown in all wrestling styles. A well-executed double-leg involves a rapid level change and penetration so that you get under your opponent’s center of gravity, making it hard for them to sprawl or defend (fanaticwrestling.com). There are many finishes (running the opponent straight back, cutting an angle, or elevating and slamming). The double-leg’s success often comes from timing and deep penetration or in the case of a blast double, sheer explosive speed (covered below).

Note: All these shots require the basic fundamentals of a good stance, level change, and penetration. In fact, stance, motion, level change, penetration, and back-step are listed among the seven basic skills of wrestling that every wrestler should master (en.wikipedia.org). Having a solid stance and lowering your level (bending your knees and hips) before shooting is critical to executing any of these leg attacks effectively, it gets you beneath the opponent’s defenses (fanaticwrestling.com).

Different Shot takedown Entry Methods (Penetration Step Setups)

Now, let’s explore the four ways to initiate your shot. These are essentially different penetration step techniques or setups that can be applied to any of the three attacks above (single, high-crotch, or double). Each method varies in how you move your feet and weight before and during the shoot:

1. Snatch Shot “Half-Step” (Shallow Shot)

2. Rocker Step (Back-Step) Setup

3. Drop Step (Deep Penetration Shot)

4. Blast Double (Jordan Burroughs Style)

Each is described below with execution steps and usage tips:

1. Snatch Shot “Half-Step” (Shallow Shot)

This is the fastest but most shallow way to shoot. It’s a quick attack that covers less distance, useful when an opponent is relatively close, moving backward, or momentarily flat-footed (not reacting). Instead of a big penetration, you perform a short, explosive step to snatch the leg before the opponent can sprawl. The trade-off is that if the opponent is just out of range or has good distance control, a shallow shot might come up short (not deep enough to secure the leg). Use this when you only need to close a small gap quickly, for example, the opponent’s lead leg is within a short step’s reach and they aren’t actively pulling it back.

How to Execute a Quick Shallow Shot:

• Spring-Load the Back Leg: From your staggered stance, shift your weight to your back foot and bring that back foot slightly forward underneath your hips. Your back leg should feel like a loaded spring, ready to push (bjjee.com). This preload gives you explosive power without a big wind-up. Keep a low level, knees bent and shoulders over your toes.

• Short Lead Step: Using the power of your back leg, take a short, quick step forward with your front foot. This is not a giant penetrating lunge; it’s more of a half-step that initiates the shot. Your front foot should plant a bit closer to the opponent (aim to get your lead foot between their feet, or as close as possible, rather than stopping far away (reddit.com). Because your weight was loaded on the rear leg, this lead step happens fast.

• Drive Forward Into Contact: The moment that short step lands, drive off your now-trailing leg to propel your body into the opponent. Your hands shoot to the target (grab behind the knee or both legs, depending on single/double), and your head stays up in proper position (for a single, head inside by their ribs; for a high-crotch, head outside by their hip; for a double, head typically on the chest or in their stomach). There may not be time for a knee drop, often this quick shot is done staying on your feet or barely touching a knee due to the shallow distance. Focus on speed: by the time your opponent reacts, you’re already in on their legs.

• Finish Quickly or Bail: Because this penetration is shallow, you must immediately work to finish the takedown or transition. If you caught them off guard, you might already have their leg in the air. If not, be ready to chain wrestle (for example, if you shot a shallow single and they sprawl back, you may need to back out or switch off to another attack). This type of shot relies on surprise and opponent’s inability to retreat; if they manage to sprawl or step back equally fast, you’ll end up extended. So commit to the attack and follow through briskly.

When to Use: This quick shot works best when the opponent is moving backward or standing heavy on their heels, giving you an opening to shoot before they can react. It’s essentially a burst of acceleration, great for catching someone who isn’t in a low stance or is momentarily distracted. For example, if your opponent just took a step back and hasn’t reset their feet, a lightning fast shallow double-leg can catch them while their weight is high and heels are on the ground. The key is recognizing that the opponent cannot sprawl in time, either because of distance or because they’re late to react. Keep in mind, since you’re not deeply penetrating, this method assumes you’re already fairly close to begin with (perhaps after hand-fighting or as a second attack in a combination). It’s a high-speed, low commitment shot, if it fails, you might still be in front of your opponent (not underneath), allowing you to quickly recover stance or try another attack.

2. Rocker Step (Back-Step) Setup

The rocker step (also called a back-step) is an essential footwork pattern where you step backward before exploding forward. It might sound counterintuitive to step back on offense, but the purpose is to draw your opponent in or cause them to reach/step forward, and then use that moment to shoot past their defenses. USA Wrestling considers the back-step (rocker step) one of the core foundational skills in wrestling (en.wikipedia.org), because it’s used not only for leg attacks but also in throws. In leg attacks, the rocker step allows you to create space intentionally and get your opponent to overcommit their stance, making your ensuing shot deeper and harder to defend.

How to Execute a Rocker Step Shot:

• Initial Backward Step: From your stance, take a brief step backward with your back foot (rocking your weight back). This is a bait. As you rock back, your torso may withdraw slightly, as if you’re momentarily retreating. The goal is to make your opponent think you’re backing away or to literally make them step into the space you just vacated. Keep your level low while you do this, don’t stand up tall; it’s a backward level-change step. This loading back-step also coiled your muscles like a spring (similar to the quick shot, you’re loading weight, but here you do it by stepping back instead of forward).

• Opponent Steps In (or Hesitates): Often, when you give ground with a rocker step, an aggressive opponent will step forward to maintain pressure or close the distance (especially if they felt you were too far to shoot, they might relax their stance). Even if they don’t move forward, they might at least ease off their defensive positionfor a split second, since you created distance. That moment is critical, as soon as they start to step or you sense their weight shifting forward, reverse direction and shoot. Essentially, you’re looking to catch them mid-step: when a partner’s weight is on one foot moving forward, they cannot sprawl effectively in that instant.

• Explode Off the Back Foot Forward: The rocker step is immediately followed by a powerful forward drive. After stepping back, you push off that same back foot hard, shooting your body forward into your attack. You should drop your elevation as you do this (if you haven’t already), change levels and penetrate straight in or at a slight angle. Your front leg comes forward into a deep penetration step now. Because you lured the opponent to step, your penetration can often go deeper than normal, you might get your knee well past where their front foot was. This results in a deep shot, often with your hips under their center of gravity.

• Secure the Legs and Finish Deep: With a deep penetration from the rocker step, you ideally get to your opponent’s leg (for a single) or hips (for a double) before they can retract. Drive through and finish aggressively, since you likely have penetrated further in, you can chase the opponent’s leg even if they try to pull it back. For example, on a rocker-step single leg, you might end up almost behind their leg, making it easier to cut the cornerand finish. Keep your head position tight (for a head-outside shot, immediately shelf their leg and get your head to the side of their hip; for head-inside or double, keep head up and tight to their body). Because the opponent was caught stepping, many will be off-balance, so capitalize by driving at a diagonal to take them down.

When to Use: Rocker step setups are excellent when an opponent is pressuring into you or overly reactive to your movement. If you have a partner who likes to push, crowd, or follow every movement, the rocker step can create the perfect storm: you retreat just enough to make them step heavy, then shoot under that forward momentum. It’s also useful if an opponent has a strong frontal defense (hands catching your shoulders, etc.), by stepping back you cause them to reach, then you duck under those arms on the shot. In summary, use the rocker step when you want to misdirect the opponent’s balance: a small backward rock to bring them out of position, immediately followed by a level change and surge forward. Timing is key, catch them as they come in. This method gives deep penetrationand can feel effortless when done right, because you use the opponent’s movement against them (they essentially walk into your takedown).

3. Drop Step (Deep Penetration Shot)

The drop step is the classic, textbook penetration step taught in wrestling basics (fanaticwrestling.com). It involves a pronounced level change and knee drop to drive in extremely deep on your opponent. This is often what coaches refer to when they say “knee-over-toe penetration” or simply “take a shot.” The drop step is ideal for maximum depth, you literally drop under the opponent’s hips, which is why it’s effective when an opponent’s stance deteriorates (for instance, late in a match when they stand a bit taller or get lazy with their feet). It’s called a drop shot because you remove your lead leg from in front and drop your body down, allowing you to penetrate below the opponent’s center of gravity.

Execution of a Drop Step Shot:

• Clear the Lead Foot & Level Change: Start in stance (usually a staggered stance with one leg forward). To drop step, you pull your lead leg back or off-line slightly as you drop your level straight down. Essentially, you’re removing the front foot from blocking your path. Many wrestlers will actually slide the front foot back an inch or just lift it briefly, this clears a lane for your body to drop directly toward the opponent. As you do this, bend deeply at the knees and hips, it will feel like you’re momentarily squatting low or even falling straight down. This is a quick vertical motion: the goal is to get your hips lower than the opponent’s hips.

• Knee Penetration and Trail Leg Replacement: Immediately after dropping, shoot your back knee forward to the mat. Your back knee (which becomes the penetrating knee) should drop right between the opponent’s feet (for a double-leg) or right next to their foot (for a single) (reddit.com). You are now in a low, deep position with one knee on the mat. Crucially, keep your posture upright: back straight, head up and looking forward. At the same time, your trail leg (previously the lead leg you cleared back) now slides and steps up toward the opponent. In a classic teaching: “Knee over toe, then replace.” You drop the knee, then replace your knee with your other foot by sliding it up, so you can return to a strong base (fanaticwrestling.com). Now you should be in a deep “lunge” under the opponent: one leg forward (foot flat on the mat between their legs), your other knee down, hips in, chest up against them.

• Secure the Leg(s) with Head in Position: As you drop and penetrate, your hands shoot to grab the opponent’s leg(s). If you’re doing a single-leg, your arms wrap around one leg while your head stays behind the opponent’s knee or up at their hip (for a head-inside single, your head pressures into the inside of their thigh; for a high-crotch, your head would be on the outside by their hip). If you’re doing a double-leg, your arms collect behind both knees and your head should be up in their midsection or chest (bjjee.com). A critical detail on deep shots is head position: keeping your head tight to the side of their body can “lock” their hip or knee in place, making it hard for them to kick free. For example, on a drop-step single, if your head is behind their knee joint, you prevent them from easily pulling that leg away or sprawling completely, since your head is essentially acting as a wedge behind their leg.

• Drive and Adjust to Finish: Once in on the leg(s), come off your knee and drive with your feet. A drop step gets you underneath, but you don’t want to stay on a knee longer than necessary. Pop up to your feet (both feet ideally) while maintaining the leg grip. From here, finish the takedown: common finishes include lifting the single leg and cutting the corner (running the pipe), or for a double-leg, driving at a 45° angle to topple the opponent. Because you penetrated so deep, you may even have your opponent’s leg trapped at a very tight angle, making it easier to elevate or trip them. If done correctly, a deep drop step will have jammed the opponent’s defense, their legs are caught, and your body is under them.

When to Use: Use the drop step when an opponent’s stance or foot positioning gives an opening. For instance, as described, if the opponent’s heel comes in front of their knee (meaning they’re not on their toes and their weight is not in a sprawl-ready position), that’s an ideal time to drop under them. This often happens if the opponent is tired, stands upright, or is momentarily flat-footed. It can also be used from tie-up situations where you feel the opponent’s pressure come up (e.g., they push into you high, you change levels and drop for their legs). The drop step shot is a bit slower than a shallow quick shot (since you’re doing a bigger movement), but it achieves greater penetration. It’s the bread-and-butter takedown entry; when you have a good setup (like an inside tie or a snap-down reaction) and you feel you can get underneath, a classic drop step will get you in deep. Just remember to keep your head in tight position once you drop under, otherwise a savvy opponent might try to spin behind or squirm out if your head is out of place.

4. Blast Double (Jordan Burroughs Style)

The “Jordan Burroughs shot,” named after the famous Olympic champion known for his explosive double-leg, refers to a blast double, a shot where you explode forward with both feet driving, often without even touching your knee to the mat until after impact (if at all). It is characterized by extreme speed, forward momentum, and a commitment to running through the opponent rather than taking a controlled penetration step. In a blast double, you essentially dive your body like a projectile through the opponent’s hips, using your momentum to knock them off their feet (jiujitsubrotherhood.com). Mastering this requires timing and athleticism; it’s high-risk if stopped, but high-reward in that it can bowl an opponent over with sheer force.

How to Execute a Blast Double:

• Explosive Stance & No Hesitation: A blast double starts from a low, loaded stance, you might crouch a bit lower than usual, with feet in a strong pushing position (often both feet somewhat back, weight on toes, ready to sprint). Unlike a normal double, you do not take a big penetration step or knee drop first (bjjee.com). Instead, you bend your knees and explode out of your stance like a sprinter off the blocks. Commit fully, there is no half-speed on a blast double.

• Drive Off Both Feet (“Split Step”): Many wrestlers will push off of both feet to initiate, almost like a jump or a “split step” forward. Essentially, you propel your entire body forward and slightly downward, aiming to get your torso into the opponent. Your legs will run through on the mat behind you, as one foot comes forward, the other will quickly follow in a running motion (Jordan Burroughs famously takes multiple rapid “knee touches” or steps in succession, driving through his opponent (jiujitsubrotherhood.com). The key is that you are not pausing to drop a knee early; you might only hit a knee on the mat upon colliding with the opponent (if at all). Many blast doubles actually keep the wrestler’s knees off the mat, relying on the continuous drive from the feet.

• Head and Hands Strike Through: As you blast in, keep your head up and looking forward (no ducking your head down, it should make contact in their chest or abdomen) (bjjee.com). Aim your forehead or shoulder to strike the opponent’s torso around the midsection. At the same time, your arms shoot around the opponent’s legs (behind their knees or lower). Think of it like a tackle: hit with your head/chest and wrap the legs. Your head should ideally be in the center or slightly to one side on their torso (some coaches teach head to the chest/sternum for maximum impact). As an example, Jordan Burroughs often gets his head into the opponent’s chest and drives through, this also helps avoid dangerous positions like getting your head caught outside for a guillotine choke (bjjee.com).

• “Run” Through the Opponent: The defining element of a blast double is the follow-through. You don’t stop upon hitting the legs; you continue driving your feet, literally trying to run right through where the opponent is standing. Because you had both feet behind you pushing, you generate a ton of momentum. Even if the opponent tries to sprawl at the moment of impact, your body is like a battering ram, it often knocks them off balance before they can get hips back. Keep your legs driving and push with your head and shoulder until the opponent is on the mat. In practice, you might take them straight backward or at a slight angle, depending on where you struck them. Some athletes even lift during the blast if their arms secure behind the knees, but the classic blast double often just plows the opponent over without needing to lift them onto your shoulder (they go down from the force).

• Finish and Recover Position: After the opponent hits the ground, follow them and secure control (come up on top). One risk of a blast double is over-committing, since you weren’t “under control” on a knee, if you miss, you could end up sprawling on the mat yourself. So once you finish the drive, make sure to come to a stable position (chest on them, hips down, ready to cover). If the blast gets stalled mid-attack (say the opponent somehow stopped your momentum with a strong sprawl or whizzer), you must quickly adjust, either switch to a single, build up, or bail out to avoid getting caught underneath with no base (because you leaped in, if you stop, you might have no feet under you momentarily).

When to Use: The blast double is best suited for situations where you and your opponent are at a bit of distance and you see an opening to shoot through explosively, for example, if the opponent is upright for a moment or you’ve created a clear path to their hips (perhaps by clearing their arms or making them reach). It’s often used in freestyle wrestling by explosive athletes who can cover a lot of mat space quickly. It’s also useful when an opponent is not expecting a shot from far out. If you have a great penetration step already, the blast is the next level, you skip the set-up steps and just launch. Keep in mind, this is a higher-risk move: if your forward momentum is stopped suddenly (say the opponent times a sprawl or sidestep), you could end up extended with no support (both feet were behind you during the dive) and possibly get countered or front-headlocked. That’s why it’s considered harder to master; it requires confidence in your setup and athleticism to pull off. When done correctly, though, it’s extremely powerful, it has enough force to drive through opponents of any size if you hit it cleanly (bjjee.com). Use it when you sense your opponent’s weight is high, and you can explode into a double-leg without obstruction. Famous wrestlers like Jordan Burroughs utilize this when they see even a small window, a level change and immediate explosion, catching even world-class opponents before they can sprawl (jiujitsubrotherhood.com).

Conclusion: By combining these different shot takedowns, including the four entry methods with the three fundamental shot types, you can develop a versatile offensive takedown game. A savvy wrestler will mix and match, for instance, using a rocker step to set up a deep high-crotch, or a quick shallow shot to a single-leg when the opponent is on their heels, then later a drop step double-leg when the opponent’s stance lapses. Remember that success also depends on timing and setups: clearing tie grips, using feints, and watching your opponent’s stance are all part of hitting these shots cleanly. Drill each penetration step method in practice (wrestling coaches emphasize that skills like level change, penetration, and back-step are fundamental and should be mastered through repetition (en.wikipedia.org). With practice, you’ll learn which method to apply in a given situation, and your opponents will always be guessing. Stay aggressive, change levels, and shoot with commitment. With these techniques in your arsenal, you’ll be equipped to take charge of the match and finish your shots from any position!

Sources: Wrestling technique references and terminology have been verified with official wrestling coaching materials and examples, including USA Wrestling’s coaching guides (emphasizing level change, penetration, and back-step fundamentals) en.wikipedia.org, Wikipedia descriptions of single and double leg takedowns en.wikipedia.org, and analysis of the blast double-leg as popularized by Jordan Burroughs bjjee.com. The execution details combine the user’s description with technical guidance from wrestling experts (e.g., Olympic wrestler Adam Wheeler on penetration steps fanaticwrestling.com and other coaching resources).