Quality Technique for Upper Weight Wrestlers

Quality Technique for Upper Weight Wrestlers

Mar 18, 2013 by Nickolas Velliquette
Quality Technique for Upper Weight Wrestlers
When it comes to technique, big guys often don't get the love they deserve.  Many wrestling fans reason that those 184lbs. - HWT possess a more fundamental/less dynamic technical repertoire where as those 125lbs. on up -and stopping somewhere around 184lbs.- are assumed to enjoy volumes of advanced and stylish wrestling technique.  Far from the case, fellas.  I will admit that heavyweight technique is often limited in high-profile matches as the more solid, defensive heavyweights usually seems to capitalize off the attempts of their offensively-minded counterparts.  Take a look, however, at the technique of Daniel Cormier, Damion Hahn, Max Askren, Kurt Backes, Quentin Wright, Tommy Rowlands, etc., and you'll find that with big guys, the devil is in the details.  Elite level upper weights may go for fundamental (I like to call them "high percentage") attacks and counter attacks, but their system(s) of set-ups and secondary moves that make up these moves are detailed, comprehensive and wholly effective.  

Here we have three NCAA Finalists (Hahn was a champ) showing their technical prowess.  Upper weights, get these quality moves down, and you'll get results fast.

Daniel Cormier Shows the Essentials to a Snatch Single 
Cormier points out that when you attempt a snatch single leg, you have to step past the leg upon reaching. Try to close as much distance as possible, and make your opponent defends your entire body and not just your arms. After snatching the leg, make sure to keep your lead leg hand on top of your back hand. To finish, keep your butt down and throw your head into his chest.

Kurt Backes Shows How He Throws in the Leg On Top
Backes doesn't like to throw the leg in while his opponent is solid in his base so he makes sure to bump his opponent forward off the whistle. This gives him some space. He then begins to ride his opponent's near ankle while reaching for his opponent's far wrist with one hand and his opponent's ankle with the other. This allows him room to throw in the leg and work for a cross body turn. Hips on top the whole time!

Damion Hahn Shows How to Run Out of the Front Head & Into an Attack
Damion Hahn only shows the good stuff. Here he shows how to first get out of the front headlock and how to transition directly into a knee pick. When underneath on a front head, he shows to get elbow control, circle to that side and then, as your move your head up to your opponent's chest, you run directly towards your opponent's far knee for the pick.