Wrestlers' Corner, Down Position: First Moves

The simplest, and most common, approach involves standing up on the whistle. While this can be a good strategy, it is not always the best strategy. This strategy works best when it allows you to get to your feet and score quickly. But oftentimes, the opponent is quicker, or takes certain steps to keep you from standing up. If the top guy gets underneath and jams you before you can get to your feet, you will need a different strategy - so lets look at a few of these.

Knee Slide. When done right, the knee slide keeps the opponent from chopping and breaking you down, and also gets pressure off of you. It is an excellent first move to use with a standup.

Power Sit. Getting hip movement creates space and gives you lots of escape options, such as standups, granbies and petersons. Note: I believe you are always better off, with any kind of sit, if you get off your hips quickly, rather than staying there. Use it to create space and keep moving.

Hand-fight. This strategy works very well against leg wrestlers and tilt guys. You fight hands before moving, therefore controlling the inside position - then you move from there.

I teach athletes these techniques as part of our down series, and most of these are on my DVD's as well. It is important to have a couple different ways to score from down, so you can beat all situations.