Today, we go over one of the most important counter-strike defense moves that you absolutely must know to defend yourself against any shoot and takedown attacks. If you incorporate this move into your arsenal, you will not only be able to defend yourself, but you will also be able to subdue or defeat your opponent or attacker depending on the environment in which you’re fighting. The move is called a “Sprawl”. In MMA, this move is used to stop a takedown maneuver and keep you in the driver’s seat. The Sprawl is used against your opponent or attacker to keep them off balance and to help regain control of the situation. If this is something that you want to learn more about, read on as we break down everything you need to know about sprawling in MMA.
What Is a Sprawl In MMA?
A sprawl is a leg defense maneuver used in both martial arts and wrestling. It is performed after the opponent takes a double or single leg takedown attempt. The sprawl allows the defending wrestler or fighter to land on their upper back while also recovering their guard. When performed correctly, the wrestler or fighter can also transition to an offensive situation, taking the opponent’s back or at least gaining side control.
How Do You Sprawl In MMA?
When an opponent is trying to take you down or get you in a double-leg or single-leg takedown, push your arms out and pull down on his shoulder, neck, and head; lean on him while moving into an awkward position. You’ll want to use all your body weight and keep your knees off the ground unless you’re transitioning to his back to try a submission technique. From the sprawl, you can try to control the back by hooking under his knees, throwing in a headlock, and grabbing his ankles in hopes of getting behind him. Sprawling is an important strategy in mixed martial arts and has been used by various wrestlers and mixed martial artists.
What Makes a Proper Sprawl?
A good sprawl involves a certain body position. Your stance and positioning are important for taking defensive action against a takedown. There are two basic types of stances — the square stance and the staggered stance — and each might be preferable in certain situations. Either way, you need to be in good form to execute a sprawl effectively.
Now, it’s also important to note that there are different types of techniques used when sprawling. The “Legs Back” technique is the most commonly used defense against a shoot-attack. Begin by getting into the proper position. Once your opponent shoots forward any distance, shoot your legs directly backward in order to get your legs as far away from your opponent as possible. As you shoot your legs, place both hands on the mat to brace your upper body when your legs touch down. Another defense technique is a Square Sprawl. When your opponent gets too close and shoots a double-leg takedown, you must immediately get your legs back and fight to push on his hips.
Conclusion
We hope this article proves to be useful when it comes to furthering your understanding of how to sprawl. While it may seem difficult at first, it’s not something you won’t be able to master with enough time and effort. Be sure to keep everything that we’ve mentioned here in mind so that you can learn how to sprawl effectively.
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