Glossary of Judo waza (techniques) terms

Yoko-otoshi (Side drop)

Summary

This is a Yoko sutemi waza (Side sacrifice techniques) in which a combatant throws his opponent by sliding beneath him.

Features of this Waza

The Yoko-otoshi (Side drop) Waza consists of sliding under the side of your opponent to destabilize him, and then, with your own posture sacrificed, you throw your opponent down laterally.

Waza details

From a natural posture, Tori (Player executing technique) moves forward as if to attack. Because one tends to move backwards without realizing it when preparing for a sacrifice Waza, it's advisable to move forward first, then wait for Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) retaliatory forward motion, thus concealing the Waza from him.
By moving forward in this manner and destabilizing Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) toward the back corner, Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) feels threatened, and begins to advance. At that moment, Tori (Player executing technique) pulls Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) toward the front corner on the advancing side , thus destabilizing Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack). Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) can be more effectively destabilized by pulling him forward as his body weight advances.
With legs extended, Tori (Player executing technique) then slides to the outer side of Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) advancing foot, while dropping his hips to the floor. Tori (Player executing technique) twists his body in his Hiki-te (Pulling hand) direction and throws Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) down laterally.
When performing the sliding motion, Tori (Player executing technique) places one leg against the floor and hooks Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) ankle in the crook of his knee, destabilizing him as the throw is executed. The Yoko-otoshi (Side drop) Waza is often executed from a stance in which both combatants are in defensive postures.