The third skill in the sequence of seven is that of changing your level. Of all the skills, this is the one that is most often overlooked or executed at the wrong time. The skill which must precede the successful execution of any move is the ability to change levels in relation to your opponent and the mat. This skill is the one most often overlooked in the development of a good wrestler.
Changing Levels represents nothing more than motion in a vertical plane.
Although many wrestlers consider lowering or raising their head as the equivalent of changing levels, it is the ability to raise and lower your hips while remaining in a good position that is the key to the success of this vertical motion.
Only after properly changing levels can a wrestler successfully move into his opponent.
When going under an outstretched pole, the tendency is to lower your head first and then move forward. In fact, the only proper way to change your level is to bend at the knees – going to a low squat and keeping your head up. Whether the obstacle is a stick or your opponent’s arm, the principle is the same.
When executing a duck-under, an appropriate tug or snap on the opponent’s head will enable a wrestler to go down and immediately pop up behind him. If however, the wrestler bends at the waist, he leaves himself vulnerable to a front headlock. The wrestler can sometimes redeem himself by quickly lowering his level bringing his head up and straightening his back.
The same type of problem often develops when a wrestler tries to execute a head-and-heel takedown. The tendency is to bend at the waist as he reaches forward to secure the far heel, In doing so, the wrestler puts himself in a very poor position and can easily be scored on.
By first lowering his level and bringing the opponent down with him as he goes into a low squat, the wrestler will likely find his opponent’s far heel almost directly in front him with all of his opponents weight pinning his foot to the mat. The slightest bump forward will now put the opponent on his back or on his side.
The successful execution of a standup also is dependent upon a wrestler properly changing his level. Wrestlers are getting to their feet, however, once on their feet, many tend to bend at the waist. They lower their heads and look down at their opponent’s hands. Instead, the wrestler must lower their hips. This gives them more stability while at the same time makes them heavier for their opponent. It also makes it easier for the wrestler to break his opponent’s grip and turn to face him.
When put together, good position, quick circular motion, and a change of levels all add up to one of the most important finishes to a single let takedown. It is important to keep in mind that the only thing that goes down is the wrestler’s hips.
A level change is also extremely important in helping the wrestler successfully counter his opponent’s attacks. On a double leg attack, the defensive wrestler must be able to drop his hips, preferably driving them down through the offensive wrestler’s head or shoulders to cause him to lose good position.
Changing levels is important in almost every wrestling maneuver. Changing levels involves lowering the hips, keeping the back straight and maintaining good position.
The missing link for many maneuvers that could have been successful is the ability to lower one’s level. Before the wrestler will have any success, he must be able to get his hips down before he goes into his opponent.
Changing levels is the third skill in the sequence of seven leading to a successful wrestler.
In the next post, I will discuss the fourth Basic Skill of Wrestling known as Penetration.
Coach Hatfield
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