How to Wrestle

Wrestling is a competitive sport involving two opponents. Each opponent uses body positioning and holding techniques to force the competitor on the mat for a certain length of time or to score more points during the match in order to attain victory. Wrestling requires mental alertness, physical quickness, flexibility and strength. To wrestle as an amateur, you need to know three basic positions or stances of the sport.

Things You'll Need

  • Wrestling shoes
  • Wrestling singlet (uniform)
  • Headgear (recommended)
  • Mouthpiece (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy the necessary gear. (It's listed in the "Things" section.)

    • 2

      Learn the rules of the sport. Go to a wrestling academy near your location. Enlist in an amateur class. Meet your coach and get paired up with a partner in the same body category as yours. Step on the mat with your partner and begin to practice amateur wrestling.

    • 3

      Use the standing stance to drive your opponent forcefully or to gain inside position and control. This is the neutral or default position. It's an important method for achieving a takedown. To achieve it, do the following: put the right foot forward and plant the left foot firmly under the hips, with the toes turned to about 90 degrees. Keep your knees bent and the weight distributed evenly on the knees. Keep your head level at all times. Place your hands firmly in front with the palms facing down. Use this position to perform front and back pivoting, as well as sideways movements. Avoid bringing your feet close together.

    • 4

      Enforce the basic down positions to control the opponent once he's down on the mat. One goal is to prevent him from escaping or achieving a reversal. Another goal is to pin him down and achieve a victory. Control the hip area by keeping the forearms locked close to the body. Use the elbows to limit the opponent's leg movements.

    • 5

      Employ the top stance to prevent the opponent from pinning you on the mat and scoring a victory. This is a defensive position. Keep your weight behind the hips while the head and shoulders are up. Keep your legs braced apart so that the center of gravity is low. Use the legs more than the arms when in a stomach-down defensive position.

    • 6

      Perform Steps 3 to 5 wisely as the situation calls for during the match. Abide by the rules of wrestling at all times. Focus on achieving victory. Use cover and prefer restricted over extended movement.