Offensive Movement Drills

Originally Published in: The Wrestling Drill Book

Provided by: Human Kinetics

SCRAMBLING

Setup

The coach places W1 in any unusual position pressing against W2 and facing away from W2.

Action

On the whistle, W2 can move in any direction. It is the responsibility of W1 to quickly adjust his body to be in proper riding position. In doing so, W1 should first attack W2's lower-back area prior to securing a proper ride of his choosing.

Coaching Point

This drill prepares the offensive wrestler to react to the unexpected at any time during the match.

You can vary the drill by telling the offensive wrestler he cannot grab the ankle, ride the legs, or use a tight waist.

This is a unique approach to entice the offensive wrestler to initiate alternative breakdowns.

FOLLOWING THE HIPS

Setup

W2 is in the bottom referee's position with W1 on top on his feet behind W2 and his hands on W2's hips.

Action

On the whistle, W2 continuously sits out and turns in or moves forward. W1's responsibility is to keep a firm hold on the hips while maneuvering on his feet and staying behind W2.

Coaching Point

The purpose of this drill is to teach the wrestlers to ride behind an opponent by not riding too high, staying on the opponent's hips.

Variation

A variation of this drill is to have the offensive wrestler place his chest on the defensive wrestler's lower back with his hands on the defensive wrestler's hips. They then perform the same drill movements. The offensive wrestler's goal is to keep his chest on the defensive wrestler's lower back.

LIFT AND RETURN

Setup

The wrestlers are standing, with W1 in control behind W2 with his hands locked together in the clap position, left hand over right hand (a).

Action

W1 steps to the side, bending his knees to a squat position (b). Next, W1 lifts W2 off the mat, bringing his right knee up (c) . This turns W2 parallel to the mat. As W2 is returned to the mat, landing on his side, W1 simultaneously drops to both knees and unlocks his hands.

Coaching Point

This breakdown drill teaches wrestlers to correctly and safely return the opponent to the mat from the standing position.