BASIC MOVES

Below is a list of some of the basic wrestling moves that you’re likely to see along with a brief description.

Takedown – Naturally, you can’t pin your opponent until you have him on the mat. To do this you take him down.

Breakdown – Okay, so you’ve got your opponent down to the mat but you still have to break him down further to go for that all-important pin. Breaking down is the process of getting your opponent into a position that allows you to use one of the moves listed below.

Pin – You press your opponent’s shoulders against the mat and keep them there until the referee blows his whistle – a sound which is music to your ears – and a scratched chalkboard for him.

Bridge – One great way to counter your opponent’s efforts for a pin is to bridge your body by arching your back away from the mat.

Headlock – You wrap your arm around your opponent’s neck and lock your hands together, ensuring his arm is also gathered into the hold to prevent accidental choking. Choking is not allowed in amateur youth wrestling!

Arm Bar or just “Bar” – A great way to pile the pressure on and lever your opponent onto his back for pinning. Just thread your forearm behind his elbow and over his back and then apply the pressure. Use both arms for a double armbar!

Half Nelson – The half Nelson consists of passing your arm under your opponent’s armpit and placing the palm of your hand against the back of his head. Not on his neck! The Full Nelson is similar but uses both hands and is illegal in amateur youth wrestling!

Cradle – Gather your opponent up in your arms, one arm around his neck, the other around the back of his knee and then lock your hands together, drawing his knee(s) up to his face. This turns him into an angry ball so keep tight hold.

There are a number of other more advanced moves such as ball and chain, Peterson, chicken wing, Gramby roll, bull dog, and fireman’s carry that you’ll become more familiar with as the seasons progress.