Wrestling Technique

If one series was to be declared the undisputed king of top techniques, it would be the half nelson wrestling series. The half nelson series has few defenses, and despite how effective it is, there is not very much technique required to execute it. All that is required to be extremely effective with it is a hard nose and the will to win. Step 1 of Half Nelson Wrestling Technique:  The Breakdown With your best breakdown, in this case the ankle down, break your opponent to their belly. Immediately transition to a three post position – both of your feet … Read More

As well as being a reliable point, bottom work is an essential source of confidence for the neutral position. No wrestler can attack with confidence if they are scared of being taken down.  Wrestlers can make a living on top or neutral technique, but they can’t survive without great bottom work. A spiral ride is one of the most popular rides and breakdowns, therefore every wrestler who doesn’t have a defense for it is very vulnerable. Sliding knees, creating back pressure, and controlling hands are not only core concepts to this specific move, but keys to the vast majority of … Read More

There are a few characteristics that unite great wrestlers, including strong defense, turning defense into offense, and always looking for the fall. These characteristics are brought together by the Stab Headlock. Traditionally the front headlock can be a tight, controlled position that devolves into a lot of squeezing and stalemates, the advantage of the Stab Headlock series is that it places wrestlers in an offensive mindset immediately and negates the common defence. Additionally it places the attacking wrestler in position to look for a cradle and quickly secure a fall. Key points to this technique include making sure that you … Read More

There is probably no escape technique in wrestling that is more underrated than sit outs. Despite the effectiveness of the stand up, it often plays into the hands of leg riders, ankle grabbers, people with effective mat returns, and anyone who is willing to simply “cling”. Because it automatically separates hips, the most crucial aspect of escaping, executing sit outs quickly puts the bottom man close to an escape while placing the top man in an awkward position with few defenses. See the 5 Step Sit Out Series Below Step 1:  Basic sit out position When initiating sit outs, sit … Read More

In the world of wrestling technique, there are few areas that are absolutely required for success. Shot defense is one of these areas. Shot defense is near the core of any wrestler’s confidence. A wrestler can be ridden, horrible on top, or extremely poor at initiating their own takedowns, and still win. But a wrestler who cannot stop their opponent’s attacks is truly helpless. In addition to solidifying confidence, shot defense can also propel a wrestler to new levels. The ability to turn defense into offense is a characteristic of all great wrestlers. Don’t neglect the techniques that are both … Read More

For a wrestling coach, finding new drills is not the problem. Selecting which ones to implement, on the other hand, can be a tough decision. Drills for youth, drills for conditioning, drills for beginners and veterans…the market is saturated. So with this in mind, it is especially important that coaches focus on drills that can be customized and applied to every individual on their team. The Over, Under and Around Drill is unique because it has the advantage of developing chain wrestling in a context which allows any individual to incorporate his best techniques. Additionally, it exposes the areas of … Read More

Leg riding wrestling is a common thread that holds together the best top wrestlers in history. So if you really want to dominate from the top position, understanding its tenets is a crucial step. In this leg riding wrestling series, I lay out the moves, techniques and philosophies that will allow you to use the power in your hips to maximum effect, the end result being a ride which is as diverse as it is punishing. Ever wonder what is Leg Riding in wrestling? Check out the step-by-step below! Step 1: How to get the legs in When learning this … Read More

The Chicken Wing is one of the most punishing moves from the top position. It is a reliable hold for producing points and falls, as well as wearing down an opponent. The Chicken Wing Wrestling Series starts with a breakdown which leads directly into the chicken wing series. Once the wing is secure, the offensive wrestler has many options leading to points and falls. Of particular importance to the hold is learning to quickly concentrate the weight on the far shoulder. Ever wonder what is a chicken wing in wrestling? Read on to learn the step-by-step process for flawless chicken … Read More

View Post Top wrestling requires a diverse attack, and the Cross Wrist Series gives the top man a wide variety of options to secure back points and the fall. This series works a chop break down, and moves on to the numerous tilts and pinning combination that will present themselves as the positions play out. Key points to the technique are securing the wrist, locking it to the hip, and maintaining forward pressure throughout. Many wrestler waste time by quickly trying to go for the fall against determined opponents, but the tilts in this series give the rider a chance … Read More