What Does Cradle Mean in Wrestling?

When it comes to wrestling, there are many terms that may be unfamiliar to those who are new to the sport. One such term is “cradle.”

In wrestling, the cradle is a move that is commonly used to gain control over an opponent and potentially secure a pinfall victory. Let’s take a closer look at what the cradle entails and how it is executed.

The Basics of the Cradle

The cradle is a technique that involves controlling your opponent’s upper body while positioning them on their back. The goal is to secure both of your opponent’s shoulders on the mat for a pinfall. The cradle can be executed from various positions, such as standing, top position, or even from bottom position when attempting a reversal.

Executing the Cradle from Standing Position

To execute a cradle from a standing position, you first need to establish control over your opponent’s upper body. This can be done by grabbing their head and arm or by using an underhook technique. Once you have control, you will need to bring your opponent’s head towards their knee on the same side.

Now comes the crucial part – securing the cradle. To do this, you will need to wrap your arm around your opponent’s head and leg, forming a lock. This lock will prevent them from escaping and also put pressure on their upper body.

With the lock in place, you can now start rolling your opponent towards their back while maintaining control of their upper body. Your ultimate goal is to expose both of their shoulders to the mat for a pinfall.

Variations of the Cradle

The basic cradle described above is just one variation of this move. There are several other variations that wrestlers can utilize depending on their style and the situation on the mat.

One popular variation is the cross-face cradle. This involves using a cross-face technique to control your opponent’s head while securing the cradle lock. The cross-face adds extra pressure and discomfort to your opponent, making it harder for them to escape.

Another variation is the power half cradle. This move involves using a power half technique to control your opponent’s arm while executing the cradle lock. The power half adds leverage and makes it easier to turn your opponent onto their back.

Conclusion

The cradle is a fundamental wrestling move that can be highly effective when executed correctly. It allows wrestlers to gain control over their opponents and potentially secure a pinfall victory. By understanding the basics of the cradle and its variations, wrestlers can add this powerful technique to their arsenal and increase their chances of success on the mat.