How to Do a Half Nelson

In folk style wrestling, the type of wrestling practiced in the high school and collegiate levels, holding an opponent's back to the mat so that both shoulder blades are flat results in a pin, ending the match. On of the most common and effective methods to turn an opponent over and attempt to pin them is the half nelson.

Instructions

    • 1

      Assume the top position, with your partner flat on his stomach. Your hips should be behind your partner's hips. Your hands should be in a position to reach around your partner's waist.

    • 2

      Take an arm and slip it under your partner's corresponding armpit. If you want to do a half nelson to the left, slip your left arm under their left armpit, and vise versa for the right side.

    • 3

      Bend the arm that you slipped under the armpit and cup your hand, placing it on your partner's neck, just below the back of the head.

    • 4

      Using the grip on the back of your partner's neck as leverage, use your arm to drive his shoulder up, while tucking his head down under your armpit. Walking out to the same side that you have the half nelson on, and use your legs to drive will provide additional power to turn your partner over.

    • 5

      Once you have turned our partner, keep your arm tight around his head. Keep your chest on his chest, exerting as much force onto his chest as possible, by staying on your toes and squeezing with your arm, lifting his neck. In practice you need not squeeze for too long, but in competition, keep your center of balance pinned on top of your opponent's chest until the referee signals a pin, or your opponent escapes.