Wrestling is a grueling sport and a tough one to perfectWrestling as a sport is very popular worldwide and has legions of fans that follow it regularly. However, the moves which wrestling stars do in the ring, take years of practice to do safely.In order to become a good wrestler, you need to practise a few basic techniques. These are vital for all beginners to perfect, in order to avoid injuries while wrestling, and making an impact inside the ring. Let us have a look at five basic wrestling techniques for beginners.
#1 How to Stand
Wrestling uses two basic stances.
One of them is the square stance. Here wrestlers stand with both feet parallel to each other and weight evenly distributed on both feet. The other one is the staggered stance. In the staggered stance, one foot is ahead of the other and more weight is on the front foot.
In both the stances, the feet are slightly wider apart than shoulder width. Both stances require one’s knees and hips to be bent and a lowering of one’s body to lower the centre of gravity. It helps in maintaining perfect balance.
One should lean forward with his chest over the knees and the rear pushed backwards. Elbows should be bent, keeping them close to one’s torso and hands should be held in front of the body.
#2 Penetrating shot
One of the most important moves is to know how to penetrate through your opponent’s defense.
To do this, you must start in a staggered stance, lowering your body towards the mat. Next you should shift your body onto the back foot and move ahead with your lead foot, placing it between your opponent’s legs.
Now, you should press forward with your front foot, bend and land on your front knee. You should try to bring your foot up and plant it firmly on the mat, as you move forward to grab one or both legs of your opponent.
#3 Lifting Your Opponent
Lifting is a basic move normally used when you try to take down your opponent. You can begin by standing to the side or behind your opponent with your hips squarely beneath your shoulders.
Next wrap your arms around his waist, locking your hands. Pull your opponent close to you and lower your hips lower than his. You should try to push through your legs, driving your hips forward into your opponent and straightening your legs to lift him off the net.
Try to maintain control and safely lower him to the mat for the takedown. You should not throw or slam your opponent to the mat because this is illegal.
#4 Knowing How to Pin
The half nelson is one of the most commonly used pinning moves. When your opponent is face down on the mat, slide either your right arm under his right armpit or your left arm under his left armpit.
Next place the palm of your hand on the back of his head. While pushing on the back of his head lift his arm up with your arm and move your body to the side of his body.
#5 Learn to Escape
The escape is an important move to take you from the bottom initial position, on your hands and knees with your opponent on top, to a standing position. You should begin by moving your foot to the side, away from your opponent.
For example, if your opponent is on your right holding you, move your left foot to the left. Simultaneously lift your left knee, plant your left foot on the mat, lean back into your opponent and push through your left foot to get up from the mat.
Grab and pull on the wrist that's around your waist as you try to quickly pivot and turn to escape his hold.
