You sprawl when your opponent drops his level and penetrates in for the take down. This technique is one of many techniques to defend the take down, such as changing angles, but it is the most effective against an experienced wrestler.

When your opponent shoots, you have to get your hips to the mat as quickly as possible to prevent him from reaching your legs and completing the take down. When you bury your opponent’s head underneath your hips, it becomes very difficult for him to raise his head up and get the elevation he needs to shoot for a second time.

When sprawling, you should send your hips straight down to the mat – not throw them into the air, while maintaining proper posture and stay up on your feet to apply as much pressure as possible. Keep your head up. It is also important to keep a wide base with your arms and legs.

Even when you sprawl and stop your opponent’s initial penetration, there is a good chance that he will keep driving forward in attempt to snatch up your legs to complete the take down. To prevent him from accomplishing this, use the over hook and wrist control to gain control of his arms.

Once you sprawl and control your opponent’s arms, you can circle around him while driving most of your body weight on your opponent’s back.

Sprawling is more than dropping your hips and shooting your legs back.