Using Set-up Tactics to Score from the Neutral Position

            When I was in college, our team placed a heavy emphasis on using tactics to set-up an opponent for a takedown.  Tactics are not necessarily specific moves, like an arm drag, but they are like, well, tactics.  It’s probably easier just to describe them.  Before I start, I should mention that the original source (that I am aware of) of the concept of tactics was published in an article entitled “Tactics” by Ed Yarovinski, sometime in the 1980s. 

            You should use tactics several times in a match and be able to switch from one to another as the situation dictates increases their effectiveness. 

            The first tactic is Breaking Balance, which is using any kind of control tie to get an opponent out of position so you can shoot.  The best ties for this are simply a collar tie used effectively to snap the head, and underhook, or a Russian tie.  Using this tactic looks a lot like an Iowa-style of wrestling where your are in an opponent’s face and just knock him or her out of position until you can attack the legs.  Probably the best thing about this tactic is that it keeps opponents on the defense.

            Binding is probably the next most effective tactic.  This involves using a control tie such as an underhook, Russian tie, or wrist control to slow down an opponent.  When the opponent works to clear from the ties, there is often an opening for you to attack.  You must be focused on aggressive wrestling, however, because if you just hang on the tie you can be called for stalling.  Avoid getting lazy in this position and don’t get in the habit of hanging in the position too long.

            Maneuvering is kind of the opposite of binding.  Most coaches call this clearing ties.  Use this when an opponent ties you up.  If an opponent hangs onto a collar tie, clear the tie or maneuver out with a slide-by or a duck-under as the situation dictates.  Clear a Russian tie by spinning or attacking the far elbow.  When an opponent has an underhook, battle for head position and go on the offensive.  The key is to look for a scoring opportunity as you are clearing the tie, don’t just clear the tie only to give an opponent another fresh start.

            Another very effective tactic to practice is Repeated Attack.  This is simply planning two or three attacks in a row.  Basically, as soon as an opponent blocks your first shot, you follow it up with a second.  Timing is critical.  You don’t want to take a shot from a poor position, but you can’t wait too long for an opponent to get back to a defendable position.  Your repeated attack can be the same shot, if the opponent is in position or it can be another shot.  Double leg attacks work well for same-shot repeated attacks as long as you keep your head up and don’t get stuck on your knees. You can also follow a double-leg attack with an outside single (high crotch) attempt. 

            Most wrestlers and coaches use Reshots so I won’t spend a lot of time on them here.  A reshot is simply stopping your opponent’s initial attack, and attacking him before he can get back to a defensible position.  Double legs, ankle picks and sweep singles are all effective re-shot attacks depending on the situation.

            Fakes.  I would much rather wrestle an opponent that was very strong than one who was quick and moved well.  Using fakes to set-up an opponent is an easy way to keep an opponent on the defense, because every well-executed fake must be taken seriously.  Unfortunately, I don’t see nearly enough wrestlers using this great tactic.  One wrestler who made a career on this kind of movement is the legendary John Smith, now the head coach at Oklahoma State University.  He would change his levels and fake a shot with his entire body and even world-class opponents could rarely stop his shot. 

            The final tactic I found to be effective is called High and Low.  Using this tactic simply involves alternating between attacking the upper and lower body.  My favorite way to do this was to use a head snap to set up a leg attack or faking a leg attack and then snapping the head for a go-behind takedown.  It can also involve using an upper-body control tie to set-up an inside trip.  If you are a good thrower, there are several opportunities to hit body locks, bear hugs and lateral drops after an opponent fights off an initial shot.

            The key to effective tactic drilling is to have a good training partner.  The reason I like tactics so much is because they are the kind of movement that actually happens in a match.  However, to effectively drill them, your partner should be giving you at least 70% resistance and must react to your set-ups.  I might mention here that when I coach a drilling session, I pay as close attention to the defensive wrestler as I do to the guy who is drilling the shots.  If the defensive drill partner is not reacting realistically (sprawling, level changing and reacting to fakes), then the drill is a waste of time.  Think about it.  Who makes you better?  It’s your training partners.  If they aren’t giving you a good defensive look on your shots, then find a new partner.

            Incorporating tactics into your drilling will give you effective series of attacks from each position.  Eventually, you will get into a rhythm of how the opponent reacts and what effective second- and third moves are available. 

            When I coach a drill session, often I will say that the drill is Breaking Balance to any takedown or I will call for Re-shots.  The key is that I don’t just call for a move like a single leg, I try to call for a set-up, which will open up scoring opportunities for many moves.

            Incorporate tactics into your training and you will find that your takedown success will increase quickly, because your set-ups will be more fluid.