Wrestling Seven Basic Skills - Motion

The second in the sequence of Seven Basic Skills of Wrestling is called MOTION.

To be successful, a wrestler must be able to move in a free and fluid manner across the mat, circling his opponent or moving to or away from him. Smooth movement is the result of the wrestler constantly readjusting the position of his feet, keeping them underneath them at all times. This usually can be accomplished with quick, short, choppy steps.

By spreading his base and lowering his hips, a wrestler can create a great deal of stability, but he sacrifices mobility. On the other hand, by bringing his feet close together so that there is one small point of support, he can create a great deal of circular mobility. This principle also applies on the mat, where a quick spin around a single point of support will enhance fast, smooth movement.

The same is true when on one knee while finishing a takedown. A similar situation also exists on a standup. Too often, after a wrestler has gained his feet, he will try to walk away from his opponent. What is needed is a quick spinning action accomplished by pivoting on one foot.

This type of movement can be practiced by using a line as a reference point, executing a series of 90 and 180 degree turns. It is important that the entire wrestler’s weight be momentarily distributed to the foot on which he is going to pivot.

One of the most important finishes to a single leg takedown depends upon this type of smooth, circular motion. Once the wrestler has secured his opponent’s leg, if he drives into the offensive wrestler, a quick circular movement will split his base and allow the offensive wrestler to set him down on his hip directly in front of the attacking wrestler.

Another variation that is still dependent upon the smooth transition from one position to another is that of changing the pivot point from the inside foot to the outside. This movement splits the opponent’s base once again, but this time causes him to fall forward to his stomach.

These subtle changes in direction create new angles from which to attack an opponent. When using a fireman’s carry, the initial forward motion is changed to a twisting rotation of the hips and legs. In this position a wrestler can now easily pull down on the arm and finish the carry.

If, however, the opponent straightens up to block the initial move, the offensive wrestler can rotate his outside leg and hips forward instead of back, thereby blocking the defensive wrestler from making a step. Now the offensive wrestler can lift and finish the move.

Motion is one of the most important skills in wrestling. It’s getting an opponent to change angles so a wrestler can score. It makes the defensive wrestler more vulnerable to the offensive wrestler’s attack.

In summary, the ultimate goal in the sport of wrestling is to be able to take your opponent from his feet to his back. To do so a wrestling must constantly change the direction in which he is going to attack his opponent. Changing these directions or creating new angles is the direct result of smooth, fluid motion, the second of the seven basic skills of wrestling that lead to success.

In my next post, I will discuss the third Basic Skill of Wrestling known as CHANGING LEVELS.

Coach Hatfield