Chapter 5

Wrestling Analyzed

Proficiency  in sports is essentially and directly related to mechanical competence in the execution of motor skills and techniques. The laws of physics provide the basic principles to interpret the correct procedure for executing these skills and techniques. The following list of essential rules of action for wrestling indicates the relationship of these mechanical principles to efficient movement and control in this sport. This information, with the scientific assurance that the correct fundamentals are provided, will have an extremely favorable effect on the confidence  and interest of the coaches and participants as well as on their proficiency.

ESSENTIAL RULES OF ACTION

Timing . The most effective time to make a throw or move is when your opponent is exerting force or moving in the desired direction

Feinting. A deceptive movement is the essence of strategy in getting your opponent to exert force or to move in a desired direction. Whether it be a direct attack or a counter movement, the action is best made under the guise of a feint. The feint is a short movement under control that induces a long movement by the adversary which jeopardizes his equilibrium.

Continuity of Maneuvers . A direct attack rarely succeeds. The aggressor whose initial maneuver fails should follow with a second maneuver immediately, and if this fails, still another maneuver may be tried and so on. The anticipation and preparation of the opponent to stop the attack will be found to decrease with each trial, and the possibility of success by the aggressor will increase accordingly.

Combination Holds. In order to control an opponent in any position, it is usually necessary to apply a hold with each hand. The ability to control an opponent can be further enhanced by applying holds with the legs along with the holds applied by the hands.

* Hugh F. Leonard, A Handbook of Wrestling (New York: E. R. Pelton, Publisher, 1897), Chapter 2.

Centering the Weight. When down on the mat, each wrestler should use his body weight to its greatest advantage, to prevent the action of his opponent. The top man centers his weight on the bottom man to keep him forced down on the mat and to change holds when it is necessary. When the top man seeks to lift the bottom man or to pull him into a greater position of jeopardy, the bottom man centers his weight as far as possible from the spot at which the top man is lifting or pulling.

Leverage and Direction of Force. To turn an opponent onto his back with a hold on the arm, it is desirable to push his arm above his head, with the force applied toward the outer end of the arm away from the armpit in order to secure the advantage of a long lever arm. As in the case of a half nelson , the force is applied diagonally forward against the arm near the elbow and not perpendicularly to the long axis of the body of the opponent. The object is not to roll him upon his back but to turn him squarely upon both shoulder blades. The force is also being applied upon the head instead of the neck, where the effect is needed.

Blocking the Leverage. The shorter the neck, the less is the leverage to be
obtained on it. Drawing the neck in between the shoulders shortens it as much as possible. Locking the opponent's arm above his elbow, and pulling it down and into the side, reduces the leverage of the nelson, controls the arm, and pulls the hand off the head to the side of the neck, thereby minmizing the leverage in the nelson.

The Neck. When the neck becomes flexed and twisted, its resistant power is lost. An effective pinning combination wedges the head in a flexed and twisted position. To resist any position where the force comes upon the neck, as in bridging and in the application of nelsons, the neck should be drawn in between the shoulders to make the neck and body as one unit.

The Thumb (Gripping ). In securing holds with the hand, the thumb should be used as a fifth finger alongside the other fingers when they are hooked onto a part.   This greatly increases the holding power of the hand. The Back (Lifting). In order to execute an effective lift on an opponent, the back should be as stiff as possible, and the force should be applied through the use of the legs.

The Arms. Allowing the arms to hang loosely over an opponent provides an opportunity for them to be seized and pulled in under him as he rolls to his side, resulting in getting pulled under into a near-fall position. The elbows should always be kept in close to the sides to prevent effectively the holds that result in pinning situations.

The Eyes and Sense of Touch. Each wrestler should keep his eyes constantly fastened on the actions of his adversary. When the adversary is out of view, the sense of touch must be used to determine what the opponent is trying to do.

Explosiveness. All action should be executed with vim and snap, whether
it be an attack or defensive movement. Slowness usually results in failure.

Relaxation . Rigidity of pose and constant use of strength induce fatigue and inhibit reactions. Quickness and endurance are enhanced when the antagonistic muscles in the arms and legs are slightly stretched without rigidity and are ready to provide movement in any direction.

Movement Underneath. The wrestler underneath on the mat should maneuver constantly to prevent his adversary from securing a hold with deliberation, and he should also afford himself an opportunity to attain a maneuver that may lead to his escape. When in doubt as to how to escape, always try to stand up, controlling opponent's hands and keeping them apart. Never lie on your stomach when you can get to your knees, and never stay on your knees when you can get to your feet.

Bump when in Doubt. When an adversary is gaining an advantage in a maneuver and there is some doubt as to a counterattack , drive against him with a sudden thrust. The bump will usually throw him off balance enough to loosen the hold and permit a recovery  for the counterattack .

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