Greco-Roman wrestling involves reacting to your opponent and completing moves before he reacts to you. While strength and speed remain important, having the right technique can help you overcome a more athletic opponent. Learn the proper technique to counter each position that you find yourself in and you can become a better wrestler.
Positions
Keep good positioning in a Greco-Roman match, as your opponent can put you at a disadvantage if he takes a better position. Attempt to compromise your opponent's balance by out-positioning him. You spend much of the match in base position and only leave when you attempt an attack. You have to attack quickly and then return to base position right away, as your opponent can counterattack when he feels as though you have left this position. If your opponent ever gets you into a vulnerable position outside of base position, get to wedge position by taking control of your opponent's head. If you put his head in a compromised position, he has to move his legs to remove his head. Once he moves his legs, you can get yourself back to wedge position or even base position.
Throwing Your Opponent
Throwing an opponent becomes difficult at high levels of Greco-Roman wrestling, so you must act quickly. Start by taking your opponent's balance away by getting him away from his center of gravity. Do this by pushing and pulling him until you feel his balance slightly compromised. Begin by choosing one part of your opponent's body to control using your arms and shoulders. When you have control of one part of his body, you can attempt a throw. Attempt your throw the instant you feel your opponent go off-balance, as most high-level wrestlers recover rapidly.
Par Terre Top Position
Par terre position, where the referee orders one wrestler to his hands and knees and his opponent comes behind him, gives the top wrestler the chance for an offensive maneuver. Many wrestlers attempt lifts from this position, which scores them points and can lead to a pin. When on top, take a reverse body lock position and quickly drive your hips to a standing position. In doing so, you will lift your opponent into the air, giving you the chance to complete a throw.
Par Terre Bottom Position
When in the bottom position, move directly into a defensive posture by putting your belly flat on the mat with your torso slightly raise and your arms apart. This makes it much more difficult for your opponent to lift you into the air and complete a throw or apply another hold. Anticipate your opponent's direction as he attempts to turn you on the mat, as this allows you to defend the move. Eventually, you can separate his hands and return to a more neutral position.
References
- "Greco-Roman Wrestling"; William Martell; 1993
- "Coaching Wrestling Successfully"; Dan Gable; 1998
Member Comments