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The Underhook Takedown Series – BJJ Guide

Stop chasing single takedowns – learn the high-percentage chain from Hip Toss to Single Leg and the Knee Pick with Coach Matt Dyer.

The Underhook Offensive Chain

This post focuses on the philosophy of “Chains over Chasing,” teaching students to move seamlessly between different takedown attempts. It breaks down the mechanics of the Hip Toss as the primary threat and provides specific technical instructions on how to pivot into a Single Leg or a Knee Pick if the opponent defends the initial throw. The guide emphasizes maintaining chest pressure and proper head position—”listening to the heart”—to ensure the success of the finish.

Watch Matt Dyer’s Underhook Takedown Progression

Phase 1: The Hip Toss (The Primary Threat)

Once you establish the underhook and find the “Triangle” foot position, the Hip Toss is your immediate high-percentage threat.

  • Control the Far Side: Never let go of the opponent’s opposite wrist or gi sleeve. This prevents them from posting out and stopping the throw.
  • The Power Step: Step your back hip to their far hip, keeping your feet 6–8 inches apart. This narrow, athletic base allows for maximum torque and lift from the hips.

Phase 2: Transitioning to the Single Leg

In high-level grappling, the opponent will often step their lead leg away to avoid the hip toss.

  • The Pivot: As they step out, throw your underhook arm upward to rotate their torso. This brings their opposite leg closer to you.
  • The Gable Grip: Drop your level and secure a Gable Grip just below the bend of their knee.
  • Head Position: Press your head into their chest—specifically aiming for the heart—to prevent them from using their head to push you away.

Phase 3: The Knee Pick & Snap Down

  • The Knee Pick: If the opponent’s feet become linear (one in front of the other), block the back of their near knee with your wrist-control hand. Use your high underhook to drive them over that trapped “pivot point”.
  • The Snap Down: When the opponent’s head moves over their toes, they are off-balance. Cup the back of the head and pull downward while stepping your own lead foot back to create a vacuum for them to fall into.

Ready to Test Your Skills?

Learning Underhook Takedown Theory will help your stand-up BJJ game. If you are looking for more information or to join, follow the steps below:

Your 3-Step Action Plan:

  • Sign the Waiver: New to the mats? Complete our Digital Waiver before your first class.
  • Check the Schedule: View our Official Class Schedule to join our next Fundamentals session.
  • Visit the Gym: Bring your clean white Gi and get ready to train with the best community in Omaha.

📧 Email Us: matt@legacybjjomaha.com

📞 Call/Text: (402) 651-7721

Join the Community Online:

Follow us for daily technique clips, student highlights, and gym updates:

The Underhook Takedown Series – BJJ Guide

Stop chasing single takedowns – learn the high-percentage chain from Hip Toss to Single Leg and the Knee Pick with Coach Matt Dyer.

The Underhook Offensive Chain

This post focuses on the philosophy of “Chains over Chasing,” teaching students to move seamlessly between different takedown attempts. It breaks down the mechanics of the Hip Toss as the primary threat and provides specific technical instructions on how to pivot into a Single Leg or a Knee Pick if the opponent defends the initial throw. The guide emphasizes maintaining chest pressure and proper head position—”listening to the heart”—to ensure the success of the finish.

Watch Matt Dyer’s Underhook Takedown Progression

Phase 1: The Hip Toss (The Primary Threat)

Once you establish the underhook and find the “Triangle” foot position, the Hip Toss is your immediate high-percentage threat.

  • Control the Far Side: Never let go of the opponent’s opposite wrist or gi sleeve. This prevents them from posting out and stopping the throw.
  • The Power Step: Step your back hip to their far hip, keeping your feet 6–8 inches apart. This narrow, athletic base allows for maximum torque and lift from the hips.

Phase 2: Transitioning to the Single Leg

In high-level grappling, the opponent will often step their lead leg away to avoid the hip toss.

  • The Pivot: As they step out, throw your underhook arm upward to rotate their torso. This brings their opposite leg closer to you.
  • The Gable Grip: Drop your level and secure a Gable Grip just below the bend of their knee.
  • Head Position: Press your head into their chest—specifically aiming for the heart—to prevent them from using their head to push you away.

Phase 3: The Knee Pick & Snap Down

  • The Knee Pick: If the opponent’s feet become linear (one in front of the other), block the back of their near knee with your wrist-control hand. Use your high underhook to drive them over that trapped “pivot point”.
  • The Snap Down: When the opponent’s head moves over their toes, they are off-balance. Cup the back of the head and pull downward while stepping your own lead foot back to create a vacuum for them to fall into.

Ready to Test Your Skills?

Learning Underhook Takedown Theory will help your stand-up BJJ game. If you are looking for more information or to join, follow the steps below:

Your 3-Step Action Plan:

  • Sign the Waiver: New to the mats? Complete our Digital Waiver before your first class.
  • Check the Schedule: View our Official Class Schedule to join our next Fundamentals session.
  • Visit the Gym: Bring your clean white Gi and get ready to train with the best community in Omaha.

📧 Email Us: matt@legacybjjomaha.com

📞 Call/Text: (402) 651-7721

Join the Community Online:

Follow us for daily technique clips, student highlights, and gym updates: