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Tai Otoshi high scoring technique in  Judo, but are you executing it efficiently? Here are some common mistakes that Judokas make with Tai Otoshi:

Tai Otoshi

Mistake 1: Lack of kuzushi

In Judo, it is crucial to maintain good kuzushi or off-balance, especially when performing Tai Otoshi. You need to ensure that you break your opponent's balance before attempting the technique. Many Judokas make the mistake of not effectively destabilizing their opponent, making it easier for the opponent to resist or counter.

If you attempt Tai Otoshi without breaking your opponent's balance, your opponent may be able to resist the throw and counterattack. This can happen if your timing is incorrect, your grip is inadequate, or if you lack physical strength. Additionally, if you do not position your body correctly or apply the correct pressure, you may not be able to destabilize your opponent's balance.

To avoid poor kuzushi, you need to maintain a strong posture and establish a strong grip on your opponent. You must apply force in the right direction to break your opponent's balance and anticipate their movements to adjust your technique accordingly. It is essential to maintain control and balance throughout the execution of the technique. By practicing consistently and paying attention to detail, you can develop effective kuzushi and execute throws with greater precision and success.

Tai Otoshi

Not keeping the correct distance between you and your opponent:

As a Judoka, you must maintain the correct distance or "ma-ai" from your opponent when executing Judo techniques, especially Tai Otoshi. Some Judokas tend to step too far or too close to their opponent.

If you step too far away from your opponent, it can make it challenging to execute Tai Otoshi because you will have to cover more distance to make contact. This can also leave you vulnerable to counterattacks. On the other hand, if you step too close to your opponent, it can make it difficult to generate enough force and momentum to execute the technique successfully. This can also make it easier for your opponent to resist or counter your technique.

To execute Tai Otoshi effectively, it's important to maintain the correct distance from your opponent. This distance will depend on factors such as your and your opponent's height, weight, and body type, as well as the grip you are using.

To develop a better sense of distance, you must train and practice adjusting your footwork to maintain the correct ma-ai. With consistent practice, you can improve your understanding of the optimal distance for executing Tai Otoshi and other Judo techniques. This will help you to improve your overall Judo skills and become a more effective Judoka.

Tai Otoshi

To avoid these mistakes, it is essential to practice Tai Otoshi while recording your live randori sessions on your phone.

Keep in mind, every time you randori, your brain thinks it's doing everything correctly, However when you check the replay, sometimes reality was very different than the way you remembered it.