The spiral ride is an incredibly effective riding technique that makes movement from the bottom opponent incredibly difficult. The spiral ride offers a visible route to breaking down, controlling, and turning your opponent. In this blog, we review how to technically perform the spiral ride, how to use the spiral ride to control your opponent, and how to easily score points off of tilts.

Without a partner or mat, improving your wrestling skills can seem almost impossible. However, because of the various skills needed to succeed in wrestling, many different drills can be done at home without the need for a practice partner or a mat.

These drills, although done alone, must be done with intent and intensity to achieve the greatest improvement in your skills. In this blog, we review 5 drills that can be done alone, at home, and with minimal equipment.

5. Stance and Motion Drill

The Stance and Motion Drill can be done anywhere, any place, and anytime. The drill involves getting into a proper wrestling stance and mirroring movements you would perform in a match. While doing this, you can also incorporate shots and sprawls to increase endurance and develop more than just your stance. This drill also allows you to work on your level-changing ability and feints. Completing several rounds of moving in your stance for 2-5 minutes with roughly 20-30 seconds of rest in between each round is a great way to prepare for and simulate matches.

The NCAA revised its rules in 2023, increasing the points awarded for a takedown from two to three. This was done to give offensive wrestlers an edge and make matches more active and aggressive. With takedowns now carrying more weight, knowing the best and most reliable takedowns can be the key to victory. As with many techniques, factors such as body type and flexibility may affect the effectiveness of certain moves. However, with these takedowns, you can’t go wrong.

1. Blast Double 

A blast double is similar to a normal double leg with a few key differences in technique. Blast doubles are less technical and better when facing a tougher opponent. One advantage of the blast double is that you don’t necessarily need to set it up. If your opponent is within reach, then the move is obtainable. First, begin in your stance. Next, level change and take a deep penetration step in between your opponent's legs. As you move forward, position your head in the middle of their chest or to the side and wrap your arms around the back of their knees. Continue to push your opponent forward as you pull in their legs all with explosive power and then secure the takedown. Since the blast double is more about explosive power than speed and technique, it can be a simple move that gives solid results.  

The most basic goal in wrestling is the same for each variation; pinning your opponent. Even so, there are differences in rules, techniques, and style overall. Freestyle wrestling is practiced more internationally and within women's wrestling, while folkstyle wrestling is the more general form that can be seen within various levels of American competition. This blog will go over the specifics of each type of wrestling and their overall pros and cons.  

The grab ride is an advanced riding technique in wrestling where the top man utilizes their legs as 'hooks' to manipulate and control the opponent. This ‘leg-ride’ allows top wrestlers to stay mobile, score off tilt opportunities, and break down their opponents to finish their pinning combinations. This blog will examine how to technically perform the crab ride, its advantages, scoring opportunities from the ride, and common mistakes that wrestlers often make.

How to Utilize the Crab Ride:

First, wait for your opponent to stand up or sit out of the bottom position. During this process, there will be an opening for the top man to insert his legs underneath theirs. Once your legs are on the inside of theirs, weave your ankles inside their lower legs to maintain complete control of your opponent's lower body. During this process, continuously fight for wrist control and maintain consistent pressure on your opponent's back to prevent an easy stand-up. To break down your opponent from this position, use your legs to stretch out or elevate your opponent's legs while keeping pressure on their back. Then, pull their body backward while continuing to control their legs. 

Moves that tend to be overlooked in wrestling include various throws. While some are familiar with them due to knowledge of Judo or BJJ, many only become aware of certain throws when they are done in matches. Throws are often seen as these grand moves that look impressive and difficult to perform. However, after reading this article, you can see how simple, effective, and unexpected throws can be in wrestling.

1. Head and Arm 

One of the most common throws is the head and arm. This throw is exactly what it sounds like, throwing with the head and arm. Even though the move itself is simple, it requires timing and follow-through to be done correctly.  

When beginning your match, you don’t need to start looking for an opening. One of the pros of a throw is the surprise of it. Begin your match like any other, tie up with your opponent, and maintain dominant control. With one arm controlling their upper arm and the other around their head. Close the distance by stepping closer to your opponent and aligning your hips to theirs. At the same time, wrap your arm around their head and secure your other arm tightly to theirs. You both should be facing the same direction with your opponent being slightly behind you. To execute the throw, bend your legs and get under your opponent’s hips. Tug downwards at their arm and head that you secured. Finally, explode your hips upward and lift your opponent while also rotating your body. You will land in a side control with their head and arm still secured so it will be easy to hold on for the pin.  

Wrestling is a physical and demanding sport that requires athletes to have a strong and determined mindset. People often overlook the mental aspects of the sport which can be one of the biggest factors in deciding the outcome of a match. Whether it's being confident in your own capabilities or being relaxed to face your opponents, having that mental edge truly matters. This article will go over the mental game of the wrestler themselves and how the right mindset can provide the right results.