Left Side Fall

*** PHOTOS AND DESCRIPTIONS ***

DESCRIPTION: Stay relaxed, get close to the ground before impact. Think of a falling leaf. Protect your groin with your leg, your knee should be bent to prevent an attacker from mounting and grappling. When falling, tuck your chin to your chest to prevent your head from hitting the floor and slap with the arm to the side you are falling to. Slap with your hand, palm is facing down to the floor. The left side fall is listed before the right side fall on the boards because when you are thrown with a right handed throw, you will perform a left side fall. This will be the most frequently performed fall. So, get real good at it:)

1. Stand ready in neutral position. Stay relaxed!!!

2. When performing a left side fall, left arm comes across, and left leg comes across (in front of the right leg) at the same time. Start to sit down towards the floor. Try to keep your left foot on the floor, it may help to bend your right leg a little as you sit toward your left side.

3. After you fall down, slap the floor with your left arm, and protect your head with your right hand. The hand and arm hit the floor at the same time (palm down), and the slapping arm is about 45 degrees from the body. The arm is not too close and not too far away, right in the middle. Notice the tucked chin so that you don't slam your head on the floor. Right leg is up to protect your groin, and knee is bent to keep your opponent from mounting to grapple with you.