High School Wrestling Moves For Beginners

Wrestling competition involves literally hundreds of different moves, each with its own technique and goal. For a beginning wrestler, learning a wide variety of moves can be difficult and frustrating. Instead, new high school wrestlers should focus on a handful of "bread-and-butter" moves and master them. This will give you the tools you need to compete in the shortest possible time.

Double Leg Takedown

You use a double leg takedown to throw your opponent to the ground from a position with both of you standing. To perform a "double leg," you dive toward your opponent's thighs. As you make contact, you pull on his upper legs with your arms while pushing at his stomach with your shoulder. This rotates your opponent at the hips and drives him off balance. Finish up by getting above and behind your opponent as he's on the ground, which gives you a takedown worth 2 points.

Half Nelson

If your opponent is on the ground, face down, you need to roll him onto his back to score points or win the match with a pin. You can do this with a half nelson. Start a half nelson by sliding one arm underneath your opponent's arm at the armpit on the same side of the body -- for example, you would slide your right arm beneath his right arm. Cup the back of your opponent's head with that arm, then lever him over by pushing on his head while lifting at his arm with your elbow. Never use a half nelson with your opponent on his hands and knees, as this exposes you to a throw.

Stand-Up Escape

With your opponent on top of you, you can start a stand-up escape by getting to your hands and knees. From that position, you will sit on your rear end. You can do that by pushing back into a sitting position, or by moving your rear forward to a point below your head. Stand up by planting your feet and pushing back against your opponent. This will naturally push your rear off the ground to make you stand upright. Escape by breaking your opponent's grip around your waist.

Cradle Pin

A pin in wrestling ends the match with you the winner, which makes pinning the ultimate goal of a wrestling match. The cradle is an effective pinning combination that can trap your opponent on his back long enough to score a pin. Start a cradle by wrapping one arm around your opponent's head, and the other around one or both of his legs. Clasp your hands together to lock him into this position, then roll him over onto his back. Be sure to hold him in position until the referee calls the pin, since "catch and release" cradles are a common rookie mistake.