How to Do the Leg Drag from De La Riva in BJJ
The leg drag pass against DLR guard is one of the primary answers to the De La Riva hook. By stripping the DLR hook and immediately dragging the freed leg past your hip, you convert the guard defense into an offensive pass. It is a staple response to DLR in high-level competition.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 Strip the DLR hook by pushing their knee to the mat
- 2 Immediately grab the freed ankle and drag it past your hip
- 3 Use your other hand on the collar or far side for control
- 4 Pin the leg and move your hips past the guard
- 5 Settle into side control or transition to back take
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Not stripping the DLR hook cleanly before dragging
- ⚠️ Hesitating between the strip and the drag giving time to recover
- ⚠️ Not controlling the upper body during the drag
- ⚠️ Allowing them to re-establish DLR after the strip
- ⚠️ Dragging too loosely without pinning the leg
🔄 Variations
- → To back take from DLR leg drag
- → With torreando setup
- → Against deep DLR
- → With ankle grip
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Re-establish DLR hook immediately
- → Invert when the hook is stripped
- → Frame and reguard
- → Berimbolo counter
Track Your Leg Drag from De La Riva Progress
Log every time you practice the Leg Drag from De La Riva and watch your proficiency grow. MatTime helps you build muscle memory by tracking what you actually drill.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What belt level should I be to learn the Leg Drag from De La Riva? ▼
The Leg Drag from De La Riva is typically introduced at the blue belt level. However, higher belts continue to refine this technique throughout their BJJ journey. Building a technical foundation. Developing a guard game and understanding of timing.
Does this work in both gi and no-gi? ▼
The Leg Drag from De La Riva works in both gi and no-gi, though grip adjustments may be necessary. In no-gi, focus on body control and underhooks instead of gi grips.
How do I set up the Leg Drag from De La Riva? ▼
The Leg Drag from De La Riva is typically executed from de la riva. Key setups include controlling your opponent's posture and creating the right angle. Practice the entry repeatedly before focusing on the finish.