How Do You Get Better at Bottom in Wrestling?

Wrestling is a physically demanding sport that requires strength, agility, and mental toughness. One of the most challenging positions in wrestling is the bottom position. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your skills, there are several key techniques and strategies you can implement to become more effective from the bottom position.

1. Mastering the Stand-Up

The stand-up is one of the most fundamental moves from the bottom position.

It involves quickly getting to your feet and escaping from your opponent’s control. To execute a stand-up:

• Start in a good base: Begin by positioning yourself on all fours with your hands shoulder-width apart and your knees bent.
• Create separation: Use your explosiveness to drive off your back leg while simultaneously pushing off with your hands. This will create enough space between you and your opponent to work for a stand-up.
• Get to your feet: Once you have created separation, quickly rise up onto one foot while keeping the other foot positioned behind you for balance.
• Elevate and escape: As you rise up, elevate your opponent’s arms above your head and pivot away from them. This will allow you to escape their control and gain an advantageous position.

2. Utilizing Granby Rolls

A Granby roll is a defensive move that allows you to quickly change directions and escape from an opponent’s hold.

It can be an effective technique when executed correctly. To perform a Granby roll:

• Start in a controlled position: Begin by lying flat on your stomach with one arm extended in front of you and the other arm tucked tightly against your body.
• Initiate the roll: Push off with your extended arm while simultaneously kicking your legs up and over your head. This motion will initiate the roll.
• Complete the roll: As you roll, bring your tuck arm across your body and use it to drive off the mat.

  This will help you complete the roll and come up to a standing position.

• Transition to offense: Once you have completed the roll, look for opportunities to attack your opponent. This could include shooting for a takedown or securing a dominant position.

3. Developing Strong Hand-Fighting Skills

In order to be successful from the bottom position, it’s important to develop strong hand-fighting skills.

Hand-fighting allows you to control your opponent’s hands and wrists, making it more difficult for them to maintain control. To improve your hand-fighting:

• Maintain an active stance: Always be on the lookout for opportunities to control your opponent’s hands. Keep your hands up and ready to intercept their attacks.
• Pummel for inside control: Use pummeling techniques to establish inside control of your opponent’s arms.

  This will give you more leverage and make it easier to break their grip.

• Create angles: Constantly move and circle around your opponent, changing angles and forcing them to react. This will make it more difficult for them to maintain control.
• Use fakes and feints: Mix up your attacks by using fakes and feints. This will keep your opponent guessing and open up opportunities for you to gain control.

Conclusion

Improving your skills from the bottom position in wrestling requires practice, technique, and strategy. Mastering the stand-up, utilizing Granby rolls, and developing strong hand-fighting skills are essential components of becoming more effective from the bottom position.

Remember to train regularly, focus on proper technique, and stay mentally tough. With time and dedication, you can become a formidable wrestler from any position on the mat.