Riding Drills

Originally Published in: The Wrestling Drill Book - Provided by: Human Kinetics

The offensive wrestler must destroy the defensive wrestler's base and eliminate his motion. To accomplish this goal, the wrestlers must be exposed to a variety of breakdown techniques. The following drills will assist the wrestlers in becoming successful riders.

SETUP

The wrestlers start in the referee's position.

ACTION

W1 stands on his toes and clasps his hands behind his back, then places his chest on W2's upper back (a) . W1 drives all his weight on W2 from each side, attempting to break W2's body down to the mat (b) . This drill should last for 30 seconds on each side.

COACHING POINTS

Emphasize keeping the offensive wrestler's weight and strength on the defensive wrestler. The defensive wrestler must not collapse or drop to his elbows voluntarily. Furthermore, stress that the offensive wrestler should drive down and into the defensive wrestler by using his legs while staying on his feet with knees off the mat. Finally, make sure that the offensive wrestler keeps his hips higher than the defensive wrestler does. This drill is the foundation for teaching the very important spin drill.

SETUP

W1 is standing behind W2 with hands locked.

ACTION

W2 establishes a slightly forward center of gravity. At this point, W1 moves his head to the side of the locked-hands grip on W2's body (a) . W1 then steps in front of W2's leg on the side of the locked hands and head (b). Next, W1 sweeps W2's ankle. Finally, W1 drives into W2 as he sweeps his foot back and up, forcing W2 down to the mat (c).

COACHING POINTS

Ensure that your wrestlers assume a proper rear standing, locked-hands position. This drill takes advantage of the defensive wrestler's center of gravity when he is leaning forward.

COMMON ERROR

Some wrestlers will release the opponent in anticipation of securing a take-down. Thus, stress the importance of keeping the opponent under control until the takedown is achieved.