How to Do the Lateral Drop in BJJ
The lateral drop is a powerful throw where you fall to the side while controlling the opponent's upper body, bringing them crashing down beside you. From an overhook and underhook clinch, you pop your hips and drop laterally, driving them into the mat with devastating force.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 Secure an overhook on one side and underhook on the other
- 2 Pop your hips into them to load their weight
- 3 Fall sideways to the overhook side while pulling them
- 4 Drive them into the mat with the rotational force
- 5 End up in side control on top after the throw
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Not popping the hips before dropping
- ⚠️ Dropping straight back instead of laterally
- ⚠️ Not pulling with the overhook during the drop
- ⚠️ Landing on the bottom instead of on top
- ⚠️ Attempting without proper clinch control
🔄 Variations
- → From body lock
- → With head and arm control
- → From Russian tie
- → Modified low amplitude drop
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Strip the overhook before the drop
- → Base wide when clinched
- → Underhook to prevent the drop angle
- → Sprawl when hips pop
Track Your Lateral Drop Progress
Log every time you practice the Lateral Drop and watch your proficiency grow. MatTime helps you build muscle memory by tracking what you actually drill.
Related Techniques
More Takedowns
View all →Double Leg Takedown
The double leg is a fundamental wrestling takedown adapted for BJJ. You shoot in, grab both legs, an...
Single Leg Takedown
The single leg takedown targets one of your opponent's legs. It's lower risk than the double leg for...
Osoto Gari
Osoto gari (major outer reap) is a fundamental judo throw that works great in BJJ. You reap your opp...
Guard Pull
The guard pull is a fundamental technique in sport BJJ that allows you to establish your guard game ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What belt level should I be to learn the Lateral Drop? ▼
The Lateral Drop is typically introduced at the purple belt level. However, higher belts continue to refine this technique throughout their BJJ journey. Refining your personal game. Developing expertise in preferred positions.
Does this work in both gi and no-gi? ▼
The Lateral Drop 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 Lateral Drop? ▼
The Lateral Drop is typically executed from standing. Key setups include controlling your opponent's posture and creating the right angle. Practice the entry repeatedly before focusing on the finish.