Success in wrestling competition is largely a factor of how well you can grab your opponent and maintain that hold despite his resistance. This requires technical proficiency, grip strength and strong muscles in the areas that support an individual hold. Wrestling drills that build these attributes can improve a wrestler's level of success.
Partner Pullups
Start this partner drill with one wrestler lying flat on his back. His partner stands with his legs astride his chest, his face toward his partner's head. The wrestlers grip each other's hands while the bottom athlete pulls himself up until only his heels touch the ground. The bottom wrestler then does a series of pullups while his partner supports his weight. This builds the raw hand and forearm strength a wrestler needs to maintain a grip.
Knee Tag
This drill builds the reflexes a wrestler needs to both achieve a grip on his opponent and counter an opponent who is trying to get a grip on him. Two wrestlers begin in neutral position, both standing up facing one another. On the "go" command, the wrestlers don't attempt regular takedowns. Rather, they try to score points by tagging their opponent on the knee with an open hand and while simultaneously protecting their own. Knee tag improves wrestlers' ability to make the initial contact necessary to initiate any kind of grab.
Countergrabbing
Start this drill with one wrestler grabbing his partner firmly by the wrist and forearm. On the "go" command, this wrestler strives to maintain his grip while the other tries to escape and apply a wrist grab of his own. This drill develops strength while simultaneously teaching about the body mechanics involved in maintaining and escaping from a grab.
In-Context Training
In-context practice is the best way to develop any athletics skill. In wrestling practice, developing your grabbing includes any kind of sparring competition or practice, where one wrestler must maintain his grip against another trained wrestler who is actively trying to prevent him. Takedowns, pinning combinations and throws are all good moves to practice in order to improve grabbing.
References
- "USJA Basic JuJutsu Manual"; Phillip Porter; 1996
- Andy Brick; Wrestling Coach; Hillsboro, Ore
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