In high school wrestling, in this country, it is really quite simple: If you are going to be successful and compete at the state level, you have to be able to leg attack, and defend leg attacks. Throws are counterable - very few athletes will ever go out and throw everyone in the state tournament. Your State champs are leg attacking and defending successfully.

I utilize several drills in order to get my athletes to do the above. First, I make sure my athletes are taught, and then well-trained, in counteracting opponents grabbing the head, putting their hands on us, and grabbing the wrist. Make sure they are trained to out-position the opponent from any of these attacks. Next, have them drill, over and over again, each component, finishing by level-changing and being in position to attack. Then, we leg attack from those positions. Finally, a few live drills:

1. Head fighting offense-defense. One guy is on the head constantly, trying to dominate position, while the other has to hold, and win, his position. No backing up. Next, same drill, but the attacker is free to leg attack as well.

2. Hand-fight drill: Both guys are trying to dominate position with their hands. Two on one and underhooks are in play, too. Another variation of this one - both guys can attack but stay off the knees.

3. Lock The Leg is a drill that does the same thing, but the main objective is to pick up the opponent's leg and lock your hands.

4. Offense/Defense has been talked about before - one guy is shooting and attacking, while the other guy is fighting for position and defending. Defender should never back up or look like he's stalling, if done right.

We also want to be able to use our hands to move our opponent. Pull-Shuffle drills are effective for getting your athletes used to moving their opponent with the arms, while also positioning their feet to attack. Another one - Push-Hit the Head. Get your athletes to move the opponent with this combination. Finally - tap knees. Go from an inside tie to tapping a knee to get the opponent to move a foot.