Throws in Wrestling

• By Isabel Rodriguez

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.  

2. Hip Toss 

The Hip Toss is a super basic throw that can also be a dependable offensive move to pin an opponent. Similar to the Head and Arm throw, this technique is about positioning and timing.  

To start, get an over-under tie on your opponent, which is an overhook with one arm and an underhook with the other. Next, with the underhook side, move your arm to reach around their waist as you turn your hips to be slightly underneath theirs. Now bend your knees and rotate your hips and arms downward while throwing your opponent over you. As they fall make sure to land in the side control position to keep that secured pin.  

3. Lateral Drop  

The Lateral Drop is such a vital throw that can be executed well with the right technique and confidence. Confidence plays a part because this move involves going backward which, if you become hesitant, could lead to you on your back. 

 First, get the over under control as mentioned in previous techniques. Next, you need to wait for the right timing, the technique works best when your opponent is putting forward pressure. As they push into you, step the foot that is on the same side as your under-hook tie, in between the opponent's stance, and drop your hips slightly. Next, explode your hips and rotate your body while also bringing your opponent downwards over your shoulder. Your tie should be helping you as you tug down on the over hook and push up on the under hook. As they fall make sure you don’t get caught underneath them or they will get the dominant position. Ever so slightly move out of the way as you throw them over so that you end up in some sort of side control.  

Throws are one of the more straightforward moves that can lead to big scoring. While they can be tricky and lead to bad situations if done incorrectly, they are worth learning. Many of these moves can be lifesavers if you need a last-minute pin as they go from neutral straight to the opponent's back. While you may not want them as your main go-to, having these techniques as options is a game changer.  To look into more techniques similar to the ones mentioned above, go to this CoachTube link.