Although many wrestlers prefer the more aggressive phrase "slap the elbow," tapping the elbow is a common tactic in wrestling competitions. The idea is to set yourself up for a successful move that captures the arm by pushing that arm into an advantageous position. Although the physiology of tapping the elbow is relatively simple, executing it in competition can be difficult. Most wrestlers know about this tactic; they are likely to guard against it.
Step 1
Watch your opponent; time your attack appropriately. Watch for moments when your opponent is beginning or ending a move of his own, or for slight disruptions in his balance. Situations like that are your best opportunities to catch him flat-footed or unprepared for your attack.
Step 2
Establish yourself at a position where you are facing perpendicular to the direction your opponent is facing. Do this by turning him 90 degrees, turning yourself 90 degrees, or turning both of you 45 degrees each. Exactly how you do this will vary widely according to what position you originate in, and what move you're setting up by tapping the elbow.
Step 3
Prepare your "active hand," the one you will use to execute the move, by putting it in position to grab your opponent's arm.
Step 4
Use your other hand to slap your opponent behind his elbow, at the point where his upper arm ends, with the palm of that hand. This will restrict his mobility while tapping his arm forward into your active hand.
Step 5
Grab your opponent's arm with your active hand. Specifically how you do this will depend on the finishing move you want to use once you've grabbed the arm. For example, grab the wrist with an overhand grip in preparation for a wizzer throw. Grab with an underhand grip for an arm bar.
Tips and Warnings
- As with all wrestling moves, you will tap the elbow more effectively if you practice it hundreds of times during practice. As with all practice, this will be more effective if you do it under the supervision of an experienced wrestling coach.
References
- Mixed Martial Arts: Wrestling Moves List
- "Coaching Wrestling Successfully"; Dan Gable; 1999
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