Introduction

This contains videos and commentary to supplement and reinforce what's being learned in the 2024/2025 Dodger wrestling program.

This is not a fancy website! It's a bare-bones website generated only to share content with and to inspire the kids.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2025-01-19 - Technique Corner: Russian 2 on 1 - another way to clear collar tie and get positional advantage.

It seems many of the kids get engaged in collar ties and either have trouble using their collar tie to score, or clearing their opponent's collar tie. Often, each wrestler ends up with a collar tie and no scoring occurs, or even worse, our guy gets scored upon.

Although we have shown techniques to clear collar ties such as snaps from the collar tie and the over tie position (see 12/10/2024 and 12/08/2024 entries), as well as elbow passes and the under elbow throw by, we felt it was prudent to show the Russian 2 on 1. Some consider this advanced technique, but it doesn't have to be. Moreover, the "Russian" accomplishes several things - it enables you to not only clear the opponent's collar tie, but also to reduce the opponent's ability to attack offensively, while you can maintain an both offensive and defensive position.

The Russian 2-on-1 technique, also known as the "Russian Tie" or "Russian Arm Tie", has its origins in Soviet-era wrestling. It became a prevalent technique in Freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling during the mid-20th century, largely due to the dominance of Soviet-bloc wrestlers on the international stage such as the Olympics and World Championships.

As has been explained to the kids, not everyone is going to "take" to the same technique. That's ok as there are many ways to be successful. Play around to see what is most comfortable for you! Just make sure that once you find something you like, perfect it. We want depth, not breadth!

Here is a nice basics video from Brian Peterson who runs the TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian channel on YouTube and is a former world champion and multiple world medalist in BJJ. He currently runs an academy in Valencia, CA.

Pay attention to the hand position on the Russian Tie: your hand is palm up on the wrist and your other hand is high up on the opponent's arm, on the shoulder - not the bicep or low near the elbow. Do this while you keep the opponent's arm tight to your body as if it was "sewn" on to you. We also taught techniques to implement whether you or the opponent has "head position".
Video: Brian Peterson.

Although there are myriad techniques (picks, throws, bodylocks, drags, high crotch, trips, fireman's carries, etc) from the Russian Tie, we just looked at the go behind when the opponent goes to the mat after you apply pressure and getting to the single leg. Let's perfect getting to the Russian Tie correctly and the basics before we get fancy!

Here is 2x NCAA Univ of Iowa All-American and 2016 US Olympic team member, Daniel Dennis, demonstrating the snatch single from the Russian. This technique from the Russian may resonate with the kids who don't like "shooting" and getting on their knees. Note how important hand position is on the Russian (that upper hands need to control opponent's shoulder and arm tight to your chest!!). If you have the Russian wrong, it won't work.
Video: Daniel Dennis, statch single from the Russian.

and again:
Video: snatch single from the Russian, video 2.



-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2025-01-13 - Technique Corner: Crossface/Near Ankle Counter- Defending the Head-Outside Single Leg (High Crotch).

This effective defensive technique is demonstrated by National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee Coach Dave Crowell, the current head coach at Nazareth High School (PA). Nazareth is located in Pennsylvania's wrestling hot-bed of District XI, which has produced numerous PA State Champions, All-Americans, NCAA Champions, Olympians, and World Team members.

Starting Position
Your opponent has secured a single leg with their head on the outside (High Crotch position). You may not only find yourself here from neutral, but in a scramble when you're in top/bottom and you or they are trying to escape or ride.

Execution Steps
1. Begin moving your attacked leg back while simultaneously...
2. Circling your hips away from the attacked leg
-- Example: If opponent attacks your right leg, rotate your hips left (away from attacked leg)
3. Drive your free hip (the non-attacked side) forcefully into your opponent's ribs/side
-- This hip pressure is crucial for the technique's success
4. Throughout steps 1-3, you're continuing to maintain strong pressure with your crossface
5. Once you've established side position and maintained the crossface:
-- Secure your opponent's near ankle with your free hand
-- Pull their near ankle up while you
5. Complete the counter:
-- Put your attacked leg's knee down and you
-- Use your free leg to "scoop" or step over their raised leg.

Result: When executed properly, this sequence will lead to a takedown in your favor and you can now go to your turns.

Here is a video Coach Crowell demonstrating.



-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2024-12-29 - Technique Corner: Roll Through Tilt (aka The Clemson Roll).

Off a tight waist and near-arm chop, the technique we most recently posted, we look to secure a wrist. One effective technique for earning back points is working off a cross-wrist -- an advantage we often gain when on top and breaking our opponent down.

In this example, Guinness Book of World Records Pin Record Holder Wade Schalles reviews the Roll-Through Tilt, also known as The Clemson Roll, with Dan Vallimont - Jefferson High School's 2x NJ State HS Champion and Penn State National Runner-up.

During practice, we demonstrated the technique by reaching in front of the opponent's legs with your free hand and positioning your elbow inside his thigh. Coach Schalles shares his variation here: placing your free hand behind the opponent's thigh, ducking your head inside their lap, and high-legging over.

Experiment with both methods and see which one works best for you!

Video: Wade Schalles Clemson Tilt



-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2024-12-22 - Technique Corner: Tight Waist, Near Arm Chop.

Note: This was initially posted on Dec 6, 2023, but given we are reviewing it again in Dodger and it is one of the fundamental breakdowns, it is worth "bumping" this back to the top. University of Iowa NCAA Champion Matt McDonough really gives a complete treatment of the technique.

Mat wrestling takes attitude. The person on the bottom wants to escape or reverse the opponent, and the person on top wants to keep them down and turn them. It's often a battle of wills. In US folkstyle, which we do in the US at the youth, HS, and college levels, mat wrestling is where you can separate yourself. Many top high school state champs and top recruits often are very good on their feet, especially from wrestling freestyle. However, I can't tell you how many times I've seen a top recruit be ok on their feet early in their college career, but get ridden like they're stapled to the mat once on bottom. They also can't ride anyone, let alone turn them. For kids used to winning, it can break them mentally.

Wrestler philosophy from the Top position (Generally):
1) You want to put your opponent's weight on his or her hands
2) Drive opponent forward to get their hips up and their weight on their hands
3) Keep your chest on your opponent's back no higher than the base of their shoulder blades or mid-back.
4) Keep your arms behind your opponent's arm pits; do not drape arms over their shoulders or you'll get reversed!
5) Cover their hips with yours
6) Make the bottom person feel your weight!

Tight Waist Near Arm Chop:
Cary Kolat, current US Naval Academy Head Coach; considered one of the top HS wrestlers of all time, 4x undefeated Pennsylvania State HS Champion, 4x Div 1 AA, 2x NCAA Champ, 2000 Olympian, World Medalist reviews the basics of Tight Waist Near Arm Chop. Note how he uses his back knee to drive the bottom person forward. Also, note how Cary is covering his opponent's hips and has his opponent's legs split when he is done breaking him down.
Video: Tight Waist Near Arm Chop: Cary Kolat

Here is Matt McDonough, 3x Iowa state HS champion, 3x NCAA finalist (University of Iowa), 2x NCAA Champion, University Games Bronze medalist, and Team USA member demonstrating his take on the Tight Waist Near Arm Chop. Note how Matt uses his back knee to also drive up his opponent's tailbone. When he is finished, like Cary, he has his opponents legs split and his knee follows up. That back leg is where your power is! Also, make that tight waist count! It's called a tight waist for a reason. Squeeze those ribs! Matt also uses his near knee to block his opponent's near knee to prevent a knee slide. Why? The bottom person, if not blocked, can knee slide up to a stand up. Our Dodger program teaches a knee slide stand up, for example.
Video: Tight Waist Near Arm Chop: Matt McDonough

Tight Waist, Far Ankle breakdown:
Here's another breakdown. It was the first one I learned way back when. In this video, Adam Wheeler, 2008 Olympic Bronze in Greco-Roman and a Masters No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) world champion, demonstrates the move. On an aside, read up on Adams story. He didn't start wrestling till he was a freshman in HS and went 1-15. He improved, but still never qualified for the California state HS tournament. He joined the Coast Guard out of HS and wrestled for the Navy (the military branch, not Annapolis) wrestling team, specializing in Greco-Roman. He upset the favorite in the 2008 US Olympic Trials, made the US team, and was the only US Greco-Roman wrestler to medal in 2008 Olympics held in Beijing. He also has earned a black belt in BJJ.
Video: Tight Waist Far Ankle Breakdown: Adam Wheeler

Ok, you break your opponent down, now what? That's right, look for the half nelson!

Tight Waist Chop to the Half Nelson:
Here is Angel Cejudo, brother of Olympic Gold Medalist and UFC champion Henry Cejudo demonstrating. Angel was no slouch either on the mat either. He was 150- 0 in high school, winning 4 Arizona state titles. He also qualified for the 2008 Olympic Trials in freestyle.
Video: Tight Waist Chop to Half Nelson: Angel Cejudo



-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2024-12-18 - Technique Corner: The #1 Takedown in Wrestling- The Go-Behind.

In Dodger, we have been reviewing the front head and arm or front headlock position. The 2023-12-22 entry featured Kolat demonstrating.

Here is bonus footage featuring NCAA, World, and Olympic Champion David Taylor, currently the Oklahoma State Head Coach, working with Cornell and Penn State NCAA Champion Max Dean on the Front Headlock:
David Taylor video

Kolat and Taylor have slightly different approaches to the Front Headlock. Notably, Taylor keeps his shoulder a little lower on the opponent's back compared to Kolat, who positions himself more up on the neck.

However, several key principles are consistent across both techniques:
1. Alligator Arms.
- Keep elbows tucked in to prevent the opponent from grabbing and pulling them down.
- Taylor suggests imagining how your arm position should be in a wrestling stance - elbows in and shortened.
2. Grip the Chin.
- Maintain a firm grip on the opponent's chin at all times.
3. Positional Dominance.
- Drive the opponent onto their elbows.
- Ideally, get them flat or with their head on the mat.
- Apply pressure on their shoulder blades or the back of their neck with your shoulder and bodyweight.

The importance of mastering this position cannot be overstated. The go-behind from the Front Headlock or Front Head and Arm is the most frequent takedown in wrestling, typically occurring after:
- Sprawling or down-blocking an opponent's bad shot
- Ending up in a scramble situation

Many wrestlers mistakenly view this as a neutral or stalemate position. However, with proper technique, wrestlers should approach this position with a scoring mindset.

Here's David Taylor highlighting the importance, technique, and the mindset you should have in this position.

David Taylor emphasizes several key technical and mental aspects:
- Creating an angle
- Forcing the opponent's head and arms to the mat
- Blocking the opponent's arm or executing a short arm drag
- Keeping chest contact on the opponent's back while circling behind
- Securing the near ankle and driving the opponent to their hip to secure takedown on way to possible cradle or ankle lace if freestyle.

The techniques demonstrated by both Kolat and Taylor provide a comprehensive approach to dominating the front headlock position and converting it into scoring opportunities. Have the mindset that when you shoot, you score, and when they shoot, you score!



-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2024-12-10 - Technique Corner: Taking the Opponent out of Their Stance by Snapping.

Following up on 12/8/2024's entry highlighting Japan's World and Olympic Champion, Takuto Otoguro and his snaps and arm drags to get his opponent out of position and past their heads and hands defense.

Now we will look at Japan's Masanosuke Ono, who just took the wrestling world by storm by winning both the U20 World (Junior) Championships and the Senior World Title at 61kg (134 lbs) about 8 weeks apart in September and October 2024 in dominating fashion. At the Senior Worlds, he went 5-0, outscoring his opponents 55-2, tech falling 4 of the 5 matches and defeating the 5th opponent, 2021 Tokyo Olympic Champion and 2x World Champion, Zaur Uguev of Russia, 10-2. In the semifinals of the Sr Worlds, he tech falled returning world champion Vito Arujau of the US 12-0.

In fact, his closest bout in the 2 tournaments was against 17-year-old rising US high school senior Marcus Blaze (Perrysburg, OH) at the U20 World Championships. Marcus, the #1 Class of 2024 pound for pound high schooler, recently signed with Penn State, was the 2023 U17 (Cadet) World Champion, and recently placed 3rd at the 2024 US Olympic Trials, making the US Senior team while in HS.

Ono uses exclusively snaps to get to his go-behinds or leg attacks. In fact, he does not take one traditional penetration step the whole tournament, instead relying on level changes. Later, we learned he had broken a bone in his foot right after the U20 World Championship tournament and before Senior Worlds. So, if you don't like going under someone with an inside penetration step, I would suggest studying this technique, as Ono used it to take down the world's best wrestlers in his weight class.

Videos from Alonzo Davis's Earn Your Gold Medal channel on YouTube. He does a nice job of breaking it all down:
Video: Masanosuke Ono
0:37 Ono typically uses a Left collar tie
0:47 If opponent collar ties back, Ono will grab the opponent's forearm or wrist.
- Note, he attacks the leg on the same side as his collar tie (if Ono has a collar with his left hand, he will end up attacking the leg on the same side, or the opponent's right leg).
- If Ono has a square stance, he will step back and out with his left leg, the same side as his left arm collar tie, loading up and simultaneously snapping his opponent down. As the opponent is coming down, he brings his right leg back and shoots off his right leg.
From 2:13 onward, there's action against Vito Arujau, Uguev, Blaze, and others, where the opponent typically ends up with one or both hands on the mat, allowing Ono to chase the corner or grab the single leg or ankle pick.
- Also, if he misses the leg or the go-behind, he is not in danger. He can circle out and get into a good stance again.
- Importantly, Ono loads up on the collar snap by stepping the same side leg back and out to generate power. As he snaps, he then steps his other leg back to both 1) get it out of harm's way and 2) generate power to push off of to chase the corner or get to the leg.

Now, if he cannot get the collar tie with his left hand because his opponent establishes their own collar tie on that side, he will snap from a left over tie. Remember, an over tie is simply when you collar tie over someone else's collar tie.
Video #2: Masanosuke Ono
At 2:37, when he snaps from the over tie, Ono snaps violently so he ends up looking down between his own legs. He is NOT stopping and looking forward at the opponent while he snaps. The crown of his head is facing the mat, and he is looking into his own legs generating the appropriate amount of power. If you don't commit to the snap this way, it won’t work.

Note, when Ono does the over tie snap, he attacks the opposite leg. Meaning, a left over tie snap results in attacking the opponent's left side or leg. So, the opposite side leg of the collar tie snap.



-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2024-12-08 - Technique Corner: Getting Past Opponent's Lines of Defense- Snapping.

We stress good stance and positioning because this allows for:

Balance and Stability
Good stance provides wrestlers with a solid foundation that prevents them from being easily taken down or pushed off balance. By maintaining a low center of gravity and keeping their feet shoulder-width apart, wrestlers can resist their opponent's attempts to displace them.

Power Generation
Proper positioning allows wrestlers to generate maximum force from their legs and core. A strong, balanced stance enables them to explosively drive into takedowns, execute throws, and apply leverage during various wrestling techniques.

Defense and Mobility
An effective stance keeps wrestlers ready to react quickly to an opponent's movements. It allows for rapid changes in direction, quick shots for takedowns, and swift defensive maneuvers like sprawling or escaping holds.

Efficiency
Efficient positioning reduces unnecessary movement and helps wrestlers maintain optimal muscle tension. This means they can move more efficiently, not wasting energy, and avoiding getting tired quickly during matches.

Leverage and Control
Good positioning enables wrestlers to apply and maintain control over their opponents. By understanding how to use their body weight, angle, and leverage, wrestlers can manipulate their opponent's balance and create opportunities for scoring points or executing decisive moves.

Well, to score you need to get past the opponent's lines of defense.

Principally, these three lines are the following:
- Heads
- Hands
- Hips

As we have previously seen, Kolat stresses the Head defense in this stance and motion drill where we grab the opponent's wrist and work in collar ties, while moving with purpose. (11/23/2024 entry)

In this new video, a Takedown Study of Takuto Otoguro, a World and Olympic Champion from Japan, we see these lines of defense at work and how Otoguro overcomes them to get takedowns.
Video: Takuto Otoguro

Namely, Otoguro uses Snaps and Arm Drags to get past the opponent's lines of defense.

This video is almost 11 minutes, but here are the time stamps:
0:20 - 0:32 Jordan Burroughs and Kolat showing how to use the head as a line of defense.
- We also need to position our hands well- arms with elbows in, with our palms facing down and hands in front of us. Importantly, your hands work in conjunction with your overall stance and feet. "Move your hands and feet, staying in your stance at all times".
0:36 - 0:58: Burroughs, Kolat, Hassan Yazdanicharati (Iran's World and Olympic Champion), Cael Sanderson (at the US Olympic Training Center vs MMA star Kamaru Usman).
- We must get past the Heads and Hands of the opponent to score takedowns from leg attacks.
- We can do this by going beneath or around these lines of defense, which is the purpose of the level change and penetration steps (inside step penetration to the double leg and the outside step penetration to the swing single, as examples). Snapping, dragging, 2 hands on a wrist thus are some ways to take the opponent out of position so the level change and penetration step can be effective and not be met with a head or hands.

Hear are examples of level changes and going under or around the opponent's Head and Hands.

Going Under:
1:18 - 1:36 4x NCAA Champion, 4X World Champion, and 2x Olympic Bronze medalist Kyle Dake shows a level change and hi-crotch to a single leg off an elbow pull vs J'den Cox (3x NCAA Champion, 2x World Champion and Olympic Bronze Medalist).
1:47 - 2:00 Kolat off a snap to a post, Cuban World and Pan Am Champion, Yowlys Bonne using an elbow pull.

Going Around:
2:00 - 2:12 John Smith demonstrating an arm drag off an opponent's collar tie, to an outside step swing single, as well as using the drag off the collar tie to an inside step double leg.
2:12 - 2:21 Jordan Burroughs getting to an outside step, creating an angle from a cross wrist and a collar snap/steering wheel.

Going under or through the hands:
2:21 - 2:30 2x NCAA Champion Gabe Dean of Cornell demonstrating an inside step Hi-crotch.
Ok, what does Otoguro do? He gets his opponent's hands on the mat and then looks for a leg attack or go-behind:
3:00 - 3:27 Vs. Bajrang of India in the 2018 World finals, Prepelita of Moldova, US 4x NCAA Champion and 2016 World Champion Logan Stieber, Otoguro uses a heavy snap to get the opponent's hands to mat where he can now chase the corner and grab the hamstring for the go-behind.
4:00 - 7:32 Snaps, from collar tie or over-tie, not just using his hands on the back of the neck or arms, but he uses his feet and lower body to generate power. He also is moving his feet in a back step and/or an arc path to help create an angle and power. Note: an over-tie is when you "collar tie" or go over an opponent's collar tie.

The snap and the required power is just like we drill in Dodger practice when we do the ball slam drill. Gotta use the body, especially the lower body, to generate Power!

When the opponent has to brace themselves with their hands on the mat, they have to stop being offensive, become solely defensive and are less mobile.

When Otoguro gets this reaction from an opponent he does not hesitate and is immediately looking to attack!

He also utilizes arm drags, which we haven't gone over yet in practice, but is worth watching. The arm drag is deserving of a video in and of itself:
7:32 - 10:33 review of arm drag to force opponent to post his hands on the mat.

Here's an additional study of Otoguro and how he uses the snap.

More on snapping to follow.



-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2024-11-26 - Technique Review: Knee Pound/Knee Slide Entry.

This is something we review in Dodger, though last year we reviewed the knee slide in Clinic, too (Recovering to your Base). As always, defer to the coaches in your child's program, as some of this, once again, is being done with our more experienced cohort. Nonetheless, this is being provided, as mentioned, because many of you have indicated you were looking for resources as you're new to the sport or maybe you do BJJ and this can help your game, too.

The knee pound (or knee slide) is an essential wrestling technique for generating power, maintaining position, and executing quick transitions during attacks, counters, and escapes. Many consider it the most fundamental drill in wrestling. Here, Olympic Gold Medalist and current U.S. National Freestyle Assistant Coach Brandon Slay demonstrates the movement with Rich Perry, a coach at the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center (PRTC).
Video: Brandon Slay, knee pound/knee slide.

Notice:
- Trail leg is your power leg!
- You slide, or "pound" your knee to the point where your:
--- Back is straight
--- Head is up
--- Chest high and proud
--- And your knee is under you, NOT past you so you fall or are leaning back past 90 degrees

Review - why do we care about the knee pound, aka the knee slide?
1. Facilitates Explosive Penetration on Attacks.
The knee pound allows wrestlers to penetrate deeply into their opponent's space during a shot, such as a double-leg or single-leg takedown. Dropping the lead knee to the mat while driving forward creates momentum, helping wrestlers get underneath their opponent for effective leverage. By using the knee pound instead of stepping forward, wrestlers cover more distance quickly and maintain better alignment.
2. Maintains Proper Posture and Body Mechanics.
A well-executed knee pound ensures that a wrestler stays low, balanced, and compact during their attack. Keeping the chest upright and the head in proper position (e.g., up and looking forward) reduces the risk of getting sprawled on or countered. It also minimizes overreaching, which can throw a wrestler off balance or leave them vulnerable to counters.
3. Enhances Power Transfer.
Dropping the knee allows the wrestler to drive their hips forward effectively, which is critical for completing takedowns. The knee pound helps convert downward energy into forward energy, making attacks more explosive and harder to defend.
4. Sets Up Chain Wrestling.
After the knee pound, the wrestler is already in a position to transition smoothly into the next move. For example:
- From a single-leg attack, they can pivot or climb up the leg.
- From a double-leg, they can drive across or lift.
This ability to seamlessly flow into follow-up techniques is key in folk and freestyle wrestling, where counters and transitions are constant.
5. Prevents Stalling During Attacks.
In wrestling, the referee may penalize wrestlers for stalling if they hesitate or fail to commit to an attack. The knee pound shows clear intent and engagement, demonstrating that the wrestler is actively pursuing a scoring opportunity.
6. Neutralizes Defenses.
By getting underneath the opponent with a well-timed knee pound, the wrestler can bypass common defenses like hand fighting or blocking. It also helps in staying close to the opponent's hips, reducing their ability to sprawl effectively if you're in on a leg attack. On bottom, it allows you to get seperation of your hips from the top opponent on the way to an escape or possible reversal.

Summary:
The knee pound is a fundamental aspect of effective attacks in both folkstyle (what we do in the US at scholastic and college levels) and freestyle wrestling (one of the 2 Olympic styles). It combines speed, power, and positioning, allowing wrestlers to execute takedowns and escapes efficiently while staying balanced and ready to chain into other moves. Mastering this technique is critical for success at all levels of competition.



-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2024-11-25 - Technique Review: Sit and Turn/Sit and Turn to Peterson Roll.

When on bottom, whether we get there because we are starting in referee's position or we were taken down, we want to escape or reverse our opponent.

Remember our bottom wrestler principles:
1) Stay light on your hands, any weight should be on pinkies; butt back on your heels. Chin over knees. You want your hips or center of gravity under you.
2) Turn hands so your fingers point slightly out.
3) Make like a turtle shell with your back.
4) Keep head up - no hanging your head or laying it on the mat. Bad things will happen!

Last week in Dodger practice we introduced a classic - The sit and turn:
1) Step out to the side with your outside leg or lift your outside leg slightly as a dog would if it was tinkling a tree or hydrant. Don't step forward while hunched over or you'll risk getting cradled.
2) Now, Hip Heist with your inside leg. Step 1 and 2 are eerily similar to going from a bear crawl position to a crab position just like we do in warm ups... hmmm.
3) You should now be sitting up strongly, with your heels into the mat and generating some back pressure into your opponent while you look for hand/knuckle control (not wrist) and to seal off your sides.
4) Kick the leg you stepped to the side with in Step 1 high so you go into a front neck bridge.
5) Your opponent will likely look to follow you around, so you need to keep your free arm up to block him from following you. This arm is called a "cow catcher".
6) You will get an escape or you can get a reversal
7) Bonus...if your cow catcher arm ends up between your opponent's legs you can then sit through to a Peterson Roll for the reversal and back points!

Video: Here is Eric Akin, demonstrating the Sit and Turn, along with bonus footage for the Peterson Roll.

Who is Eric Akin? He was one of the best lightweight folkstyle and freestyle wrestlers over the past 30yrs in the US:
- 4x NCAA D1 All American (Iowa State University, placing 8,3,4,2)
- 3x Big 8 Champion
- 2x Olympic Team Alternate 1996 and 2000
- 2000 World Cup Silver medalist
- 4x Fargo Champion (premier HS aged freestyle and greco roman tournament in US)
- 2x Under23 US Freestyle Champion
- 3x Kansas state HS Champion
- Cadet (15-16yo) Greco Roman World Team Member
- Jr World Team Member (~17-20yo)
- Team USA Member
- 10x US Freestyle All-American



-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2024-11-24 - Fundamentals Review: Hip Heist

Why Hip Heist?

To escape, you need to separate your hips from your opponent. To do this, you need to be able to hip heist.

In these drills and instruction, you'll see movements we do in warm ups, such as the Bear Crawl position and the Crab Walk (see the "table top" position- that's the crab walk position). We perform them for a reason- they are elements of fundamental movement in wrestling.

We originally posted this on 2023-12-05 on the 2023/2024 clinic webpage.

Here is Dalton Bullard, who we have introduced in the stance and motion entry, demonstrating a Hip Heist drill from a Bear Crawl (you can do this in your living room, no mat required):
Video: Dalton Bullard, Hip Heist drill.

Here is Cary Kolat, who we previously featured on the Swing Single, demonstrating a Hip Heist Wall Drill:
Video: Cary Kolat, Hip Heist Wall Drill.



-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2024-11-23 - The Outside Step Swing Single -- Two Hands on One Set Up and Stance and Motion Drill

We've introduced the outside step swing single in Dodger practice. But what exactly is meant by an "outside" step? It refers to stepping to the outside of your opponent's foot during your penetration shot. In contrast, a traditional double-leg takedown uses an "inside" step, where you step inside or between your opponent's feet.

Personally, I (Coach Adam) prefer the outside penetration step as a primary attack over the inside penetration step for several reasons:
- Faster penetration: The outside step allows for quicker entry.
- Creates an angle: It gets you to your opponent's flank or side, rather than straight on.
- Avoids defenses: You can bypass your opponent's head, hands, and even their hip lines of defense.
- Lower risk: If you miss the attack, you can easily circle out without getting stuck underneath.
- Efficient chaining: If your opponent squares up (faces you as you step), you can transition to secondary attacks like a double-leg, duck under, hip toss, or even an inside trip (ouchi gari for our judo friends).

How to Get to the Outside Step Swing Single

We've been demonstrating this move starting with an "outside-in" wrist grab. So, what does "outside-in" mean?
- Begin by grabbing your opponent's wrist from the outside (same side as the back of their hand).
- Then, use your other hand to grab the inside of the same wrist.
- For example, facing your opponent, grab their left wrist with your right hand, then immediately grab the inside of their left wrist with your left hand. Now, you have both of your hands controlling one of their wrists.

Using your arms and lats (back muscles), pull the opponent slightly to help create an angle. At the same time, step towards and to the outside of their foot.

Your "shooting" hand is the same hand you used for the initial outside grab. For example:
- If you're grabbing their left wrist and attacking their left leg, your right hand shoots to the leg while your right foot makes the outside penetration step.

What's Next?
We'll post about finishes soon, including ones we've covered in practice.

For now, here's Kyle Dake, a 4x NCAA Champion, 4x World Freestyle Champion, and 2x Olympic Bronze Medalist, demonstrating this exact setup using the two-hands-on-one-wrist technique. Notice how he emphasizes:
1. Shifting his opponent's weight to the far leg (the leg he's not directly attacking).
2. Keeping his hands in a strong wrestling position to stay both offensive and defensive at the same time.

He's demonstrating this technique on Dan Vallimont, a 2x NJ state high school champion from nearby Jefferson High School, and a 2x All-American with an NCAA runner-up finish at Penn State.
Video: Kyle Dake, two-hands-on-one-wrist.

Also, here is an excellent stance and motion drill demonstrated by Cary Kolat, current Head Coach at the U.S. Naval Academy and a decorated wrestler (4x Pennsylvania state HS champion, 4x NCAA All-American, 2x NCAA champion, Olympian, and world medalist).

At a kids clinic in Ohio, Kolat emphasizes maintaining a strong stance while moving hands and feet, changing levels, and staying active. The drill focuses on wrist control, passing the wrist between hands, and working into a collar tie—all while forcing the sparring partner to react and move. It is obvious how this drill leads to openings for the swing single. This drill is also good practice for those who like operating out of a collar tie and wrist set-up, which we see some of the kids do. The collar tie with the wrist tie is how Cael Sanderson and some of the PSU guys operate. Play around with it.
Video: Cary Kolat, stance and motion drill.



-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2024-11-22 - Stance and Motion

Although many think success in wrestling is knowing 100's of moves, it is not. Technique wise, you need to perfect the chaining of 2-3 techniques from your feet, another 2-3 from the top position, and 2-3 from the bottom- and 3 may be too high of a number. Depth not breadth!

However, before you can learn and perfect technique you got to have fundamentals. This is why we stress it in practice all the time.

Fundamentally, paramount is being able to move in 3 dimensional space. We could spend the whole season just working entirely on this aspect. That's how important this is. So, before one wants to and can learn all sorts of techniques, let's first learn Stance and Motion. Let's get to it!

Here are some video links you can review and are also linked on our Madison Youth Wrestling website, the 2023-11-28 entry on stance and motion, originally created last season for Clinic, but for now:

Here is Bruce Burnett, former Team USA Freestyle Head Coach (1993-2000), former US Naval Academy Head Coach, and Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling HOF going over "Key Wrestling Skills". The video is nearly 4 hours, but don't worry, here are the time stamps for the things we are focusing on in this thread:
Video: Bruce Burnett, stance and motion.

3:20 Stance (square and staggered)
- Weight slightly forward on balls of feet.
- Feet should be shoulder width or slightly wider (be comfortable!).
- Shoulder over knee, knee over toes.
- Back straight (not perpendicular to ground, but straight!)
- Head up.
- Elbows in.
- Palms turned partly down.

7:57 Motion
- Small, short shuffle steps.
- Move both feet.
- When feet move, hands move.
- Stay in your stance (see above)

Here's a Master Clinic from recently retired Oklahoma State University Head Coach, 2x NCAA Champion, 2x Olympic Gold Medalist, 4x World Champion, and HOF'er John Smith, widely considered the GOAT. He's certainly on the proverbial Mt Rushmore of American Wrestling.

This video starts out by Coach Smith going over the essences of hard work and being a competitor: super important as far as mindset, no matter the field or endeavor. At 9:50 he starts to stress the importance of footwork as the prerequisite to learning a skill such as a takedown, fancy throws, and all these moves on your feet. At 15:00 of he starts to review square stance. You can do these techniques on your own and use motion drills to get in condition.
Video: John Smith, stance and motion.

Here's a nice drill from 2x NCAA Division 3 All-American Dalton Bullard. Listen to Dalton's commentary as to the importance of this. We do this in clinic, so it should look familiar. Just sayin'!

Circular motion, incorporating sprawls, down blocks, snaps, circling out, shots/re-shots...
Video: Dalton Bullard, stance and motion drill.

Why This Drill Matters:
- Conditioning: It builds endurance and mimics the intensity of a real match.
- Fundamentals: Keeps athletes disciplined in their stance and ready for unpredictable situations.
- Muscle Memory: Reinforces habits that become automatic during competition.
- And just so you don't think this is just for the neophytes, this is emphasized by national and world class wrestlers.

Here's a real, live stance and motion drill performed at the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center (PRTC) at UPenn. At the time, it was led by Brandon Slay, then PRTC coach and now Assistant National Freestyle Coach and National Freestyle Resident Coach for USA Wrestling. Slay is a former NCAA runner-up and Olympic gold medalist (Sydney 2000).
Video: Stance and Motion drill at PRTC/UPenn.

When the video opens, you'll see 3x NCAA, 3x World, and Olympic Champion (Rio) and Silver (Tokyo) Kyle Snyder in the black t-shirt and dark blue singlet. Behind him in the white t-shirt is 4x NCAA, 4x World Champ, 2x Olympic Bronze medalist Kyle Dake. At 0:34 is 4x NCAA finalist, 2x NCAA Champ, 3x World Champ, Olympic Gold (Tokyo) medalist, and newly named Oklahoma State HC David Taylor. NJ's own Frank Molinaro (Southern Regional HS), 3x NJ State (NJSIAA) champ, 4x NCAA Div 1 All-American, NCAA Champion and 2016 Olympic 5th (Rio) is in the frame as well, towards the end in the yellow shoes, blue/black shorts, and black t-shirt. This PRTC clip is one of the 3 x 1 minute "go's" with 10 second "foot fire" at the end.



-------------------------------------------------------------------------