Since we are in the heart of freestyle season, we thought we would roll with a freestyle theme for today's technique article. 

From Cadet Worlds all the way through the Senior World Championships, there's no quicker way to end a match than with a tight leg lace, and we have some of the best leg lace technique on the planet. 

John Smith - The Wizard's Leg Lace

Here, Coach Smith shows the subtleties of the most effective leg lace. He constantly emphasizes pressure from the waste down. Smith shows how to maximize this pressure before reaching over his leg. While staying up on your toes and off your knees, reach over his other leg with the opposite arm. Next, use your knee to bring his leg closer to the leg you just secured with your arm. Cross his ankles here before going elbow-deep to secure the lace. Stay perpendicular with him here, then decide whether you want to come up with the lace or roll over with the leg for the turn.


Complete John Smith leg laces series:

How To Lace When He Brings Both Knees Underneath His Chest
How to Lace When He Backs His Legs In Your Arm Pits
How to Lace When He Pulls His Knee Up Towards His Head
How to Lace When He Pulls Opposite Knee Towards Head

Alex Clemsen - Single Leg Finish to Leg Lace

As DJ Khaled would say, transition wrestling is a "major key." It can mean the difference between just scoring a takedown and ending the match. Below, NCAA All-American and Missouri assistant coach Alex Clemsen shows how to transition from a sweep single straight into a leg lace that will quickly end the match. 

Shawn Bunch - Low Single to Leg Lace

Another shot perfect for transitioning straight into a leg lace is a low single. NCAA runner-up Shawn Bunch shows his quick and explosive low single that he sets up to go directly into his match-ending leg lace. 

Chase Pami - Ankle Pick to Leg Lace

Another shot that provides a seamless transition to a leg lace is an ankle pick. Below, NCAA runner-up Chase Pami uses the elbow control misdirection to set up the ankle pick. When he takes the guy down, he capitalizes on the position to lock up a leg lace. From there, it's tech-fall city!

Jeff Buxton - Transition From A Bad Single Leg To Ankle Lace

Take a bad shot and find yourself out of position? No worries. First, bring your outside leg up and pop your head up a bit. Then, take your inside knee and move into him. From this point, you can attempt to switch to a double or start moving backside. Once you go backside, drop your hip and be in position for your ankle lace. Whatever you do, don't try and grab the leg with both hands and get extended.