How to Do Moves From the Bottom Referee's Position in Youth Wrestling

The bottom referee's position is one of the three basic starting positions in wrestling. As a training wrester, you develop an arsenal of moves from this position. Even if the move you're trying doesn't work, you learn how to disrupt your partner's moves against you.

Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your weight on your hips, and keep your hips up. Curl your toes on the mat to help generate power. Ensure that your elbows are slightly bent so that you push up and back when the whistle blows. Whenever possible, maintain hand control by grasping your opponents wrists. Never lay on your side or hips.

    • 2

      Execute a stand-up. As soon as the whistle blows, press back and up explosively with your elbows. Keep your elbows in while you get to your feet. Move your feet forward and away from your opponent so that he can't easily knock you back down. An opponent will typically grasp you around the waist at this point. Press down and away on his hands to break the grip, then grasp his wrists. Now spin around quickly to face your opponent.

    • 3

      Attempt a switch. As soon as the whistle blows, press back with your arms while simultaneously sweeping your hips and leg out so that your foot rests on its back heel and you are sitting on your butt. As always, keep your elbows in. Use the hand closest to your opponent to hook him just below the knee. Maintain your grip on his knee while keeping your weight on your wrist or elbow. Rotate on your hips and grasp his exposed arm with your hand. Pull yourself behind him. You should now be on top.

    • 4

      Try a standing switch. Begin by executing a standard stand-up so that you are on your feet and your opponent is behind you with his hands around your waist. Instead of moving your feet away from your opponent to create a base, keep your feet beneath you. Run forward, pulling your opponent with you. Once you have some momentum, dive forward while rotating on your hips as if you were trying a switch. Your opponent's momentum will continue forward; hook the inside of his knee and pull yourself behind him. If the move didn't work you should be near the edge of the mat and can quickly get out of bounds for a fresh start.