The pin, or fall, is the ultimate goal of a competitive wrestler in any match. Once a referee calls a pin, the match stops, and the pinning wrestler is the winner. This is true even if the pinned wrestler was far ahead on points at the time of the pin. Successfully performing a pin on a live opponent requires practice and training.
Cradle
Step 1
Begin with your opponent on the ground and you on top of him.
Step 2
Wrap one arm around your opponent’s neck, hooking it in the crook of your elbow.
Step 3
Wrap your other arm around your opponent’s leg or legs, hooking the crook of your elbow through the pit of the knee. Wrapping two legs gives you more control, but wrapping one leg reduces the amount of strength you're fighting against.
Step 4
Lock your hands together. This usually means bending your opponent uncomfortably at the waist and back.
Step 5
Roll your opponent onto his shoulders. Hold until the referee calls a pin.
Half Nelson
Step 1
Begin with your opponent flat on his stomach, with you on top.
Step 2
Slide one arm under your opponent’s corresponding armpit, keeping your weight on his back. For example, slide your right arm under his right.
Step 3
Hook the hand that slid under the armpit over the back of your opponent’s head.
Step 4
Rotate your feet to the side with your arm under it until your body is at 90 degrees to your opponent’s body.
Step 5
Lever your opponent’s head toward you as you drive his body forward with your chest and legs. This should turn him over onto his back.
Step 6
Lie chest-to-chest on your opponent, holding him to the ground until the referee calls a pin.
Head and Arm
Step 1
Begin standing or in any position on the mat in which you can grab your opponent’s head.
Step 2
Wrap one arm around your opponent’s neck and under the arm on the opposite side of his body.
Step 3
Lock your hands together and squeeze. Note that wrestling rules forbid locking the head alone, so it’s vital to have the arm in this lock.
Step 4
Roll or throw your opponent by the head and arm until both of you are on the ground.
Step 5
Roll toward your opponent’s head until he’s on his back or side with you on top, still maintaining the lock.
Step 6
Sit on your buttocks with your legs pointing out at 90 degrees from your opponent. Put as much of your body weight as possible on his chest.
Step 7
Adjust your position until your opponent is flat on his back. Hold that position until the referee calls a pin.
Tips and Warnings
- Practice pinning combinations as often as possible before trying them in competition. Phil Porter, grappling master and coach to the U.S. Olympic Judo Team, says competence begins at 5,000 repetitions.
References
- Andy Brick, Wrestling Coach, Hillsboro, Oregon
- Phil Porter, President and Judo Teacher, U.S. Martial Arts Association, Sacramento, California
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