Grabbing ahold of your opponent is one of the core mechanics of wrestling technique. Although wrestlers are not allowed to grab each other's clothing or headgear, grabbing the body is how they control their opponents and score points. Each of the three possible positions in a wrestling competition has its own rules and strategies for when and how to grab.
Grabbing in Neutral Position
Neutral position is when both wrestlers are on their feet, with neither in control. While in neutral position, it's legal to clasp your hands together to strengthen a grab. Wrestlers in neutral position are very mobile, making it hard to maintain a single-handed grab, meaning wrapping your arms around your opponent and clasping hands is the move most likely to be successful. Some examples of these grabs include the single-leg takedown and ankle pick.
Grabbing from Top Position
A wrestler in top position is in control of his opponent, either holding him flat on the ground or behind him with the controlled opponent on all fours. In top position, a wrestler may clasp hands only if his arms are wrapped around at least two limbs. The purpose of grabbing from top position is to force an opponent into a pinning combination, which the top wrestler uses to score points or end the match with a fall. Some examples of pinning combinations are the cradle and the head and arm.
Grabbing From Bottom Position
From the bottom, a wrestler may not clasp his hands unless he's holding at least two of his opponent's limbs. The goal of grabbing from bottom position is to interfere with the top wrestler's offense and to try to get out of the controlled position. This usually means capturing one of your opponent's limbs with both hands, then using that to gain leverage and advantage. The wrist capture and granby throw are two examples of this kind of grab.
Grabbing Exercises
Successfully grabbing in wrestling competition requires impressive strength in the hands and forearms. To build this strength, wrestlers will do fingertip pushups, forearm curls and body weight exercises during practice. Wrestlers who want to build grabbing strength outside of practice might consider rock climbing, playing a stringed instrument or squeezing a stress ball. All of these activities build all the muscles directly related to the muscles important in a grab.
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