Yoko-otoshi (side drop) is a sacrifice throw from the third group of the gokyo. Tori slides one leg along the outside of uke's foot and drops to the side, pulling uke down into the fall. It works when uke's weight is already loaded onto one side, usually because uke is pushing or stepping sideways. Done well, it takes almost no strength.
A sacrifice throw to the side
In sutemi-waza, tori gives up his own balance on purpose. The Kodokan splits them in two. In ma-sutemi-waza tori falls on his back. In yoko-sutemi-waza he falls on his side. Yoko-otoshi sits in the second group, next to tani-otoshi, uki-waza and yoko-guruma. Our overview of nage-waza shows where this family fits among all the throws.
Beginners mix these up all the time. Here is a quick way to tell them apart:
- Tani-otoshi: the leg goes behind both of uke's heels and uke falls backward.
- Yoko-otoshi: the leg blocks the outside of uke's foot and uke falls sideways.
- Uki-waza: the leg reaches further out and uke rolls forward over it.
When the opening appears
Yoko-otoshi does not need a dramatic kuzushi. All it needs is uke standing on one leg with the weight on the outside edge. Two situations come up again and again:
- Uke pushes on a diagonal and settles onto the right leg.
- Uke moves sideways and has just planted the foot.
Either way, the hands add to the imbalance. For a right-hander who wants uke to fall to uke's right, the hikite (pulling hand) draws the right sleeve down and out. The tsurite (lifting hand) pushes the upper body the same way. The principle behind this is covered in kuzushi, tsukuri and kake.
Leg placement and the drop
Tori slides the left leg, straight, along the outside of uke's right foot and as far past it as possible. That leg is a barrier. At the same moment tori drops onto the left side, very close to uke, still holding the grips.
As tori goes down, that falling body weight drags uke over the outstretched leg and uke goes down on the right side. Tori never lands on the elbow. The landing is on the hip and shoulder, the same way you would do a clean side breakfall.
It should feel like closing a door. The foot blocks low, the falling weight pulls high, and uke pivots around the ankle.
Placement mistakes
Falling too far from uke is the big one. The leg no longer reaches the foot and tori's weight drags nothing, so tori ends up alone on the mat. Landing on the elbow hurts and can do real damage. Dropping without any prior imbalance lets uke take one step back and sit on top of you.
Grips matter too. If the hikite lets go during the fall, uke gets a free hand to post on the mat and break the throw.
Counters and follow-ups on the ground
If the attack comes without kuzushi, uke can simply step over the outstretched leg and follow tori down for a pin. A failed yoko-otoshi leaves tori on his side with the back half exposed. That is an uncomfortable spot.
A successful one leaves tori right next to uke and already set up for the next move. Rolling into kesa-gatame while keeping the sleeve is a direct transition. For anyone who likes newaza, that is a strong reason to learn it. Our page on katame-waza goes deeper into the standing-to-ground transition.
Is it worth using in competition?
You will not see it often at high level. Referees score it when uke lands clearly on the side or back, so it needs a committed execution. We recommend it mostly to judoka who keep getting pushed around by strong opponents. It is a simple answer that costs little energy and punishes pushing.
A four-step training plan
Start with tori's fall alone from standing: leg straight, landing on the side. Next, practice with a static uke who agrees to fall, on a crash mat. Then have uke step sideways while tori times the throw on the step. Last, drill the link into the pin without losing the sleeve. If you keep only one drill, keep this one: yoko-otoshi straight into kesa-gatame, ten reps on each side.