Wrestling matches begin with both athletes standing upright and facing one another. Once the whistle blows, each wrestler tries to drag the other wrestler to the mat and establish control. A successful "takedown" is worth 2 points in college wrestling. Wrestlers practice many takedown techniques to help them succeed.
Double Leg
A double-leg move may be the simplest takedown in wrestling. In a double-leg takedown, a wrestler "shoots" -- goes in low toward his opponent's legs -- and grabs the backs of the opposing wrestler's thighs, one in each hand. He simultaneously drives one shoulder into his opponent's hips as he pulls with both arms. This rotates the opponent's body around the hips, dropping him to the mat on his back. It's easier to get into this takedown if you precede your shot with a feint to the head, making your opponent flinch backward and exposing his legs.
Ankle Pick
This low-line takedown works best for wrestlers who are quick and flexible. To start an ankle pick, the wrestler steps wide to one side of his opponent and drops to one knee. From that position, he "walks" forward one step while in a kneeling position. As he passes his opponent's leg, he snags the ankle with one hand, then stands up and grabs the leg with both arms. From there, he can trip the other leg, or use his upper body to force his opponent to fall.
Head and Arm Throw
More common among the slower-moving heavier weight classes, this throw resembles some moves from judo and jujitsu. The wrestler begins by stepping toward his opponent and across him with one foot, so that if he turned completely, his back would be to his opponent. As he untwists his legs, he raises an arm to catch his opponent by the neck. His opposite hand catches his opponent's arm as he bumps and lifts with his hip, throwing the opponent to the ground. When the wrestlers land, he will have his opponent trapped on his back in a pinning combination.
Fireman's Throw
A low-line throw that can end with your opponent in a pinning combination, this takedown is more common among high school wrestlers. It's too ornate and easily stopped in most college competition. The wrestler grips his opponent's wrist in one hand as he steps with his opposite foot between the legs of his opponent and drops to his knees. From this position, he pulls downward with the gripping hand, and pushes his opponent's hips upward with the opposite arm. This rolls the opponent over his shoulders and drops him to the mat on the opposite side.
References
- Andy Brick; Wrestling Coach; Hillsboro, Oregon
- Made Man: High School Wrestling Takedowns
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