This week at wrestling we focused on finishing a takedown when it fails. You get to the leg but get sprawled out on. This position sucks. Getting sprawled on is uncomfortable. This situation can be avoided initially by keeping the head up, back straight, hips in and elbows close, but things don’t work that way all the time.

So, when and if you do get sprawled out on, it’s important to remind yourself to stay calm and work from the position. Don’t give up on your attack because there is still opportunities to score from a classically bad position.

In the video above I show 4 different counters to the sprawl, starting with the worst. The first, you’re completely sprawled out on and you’ve lost hold of the leg below the knee and your partner doesn’t square up with you. When they don’t square up, you can’t cut an angle on them and you need to bail or attack on the other side. If they do square up, you have the opportunity to hit a “peak out” to finish the takedown.

The 3rd and 4th attack are possible when you maintain control below the knee. The 3rd you are completely sprawled out on but are able to maintain a lock, in this case you need to get your forearm to the mat behind their leg. Pressuring in with your shoulder on their thigh is very helpful. In the 4th you lose your lock and post on the mat, (it’s important to remember in the 3rd and 4th sequence you are able to maintain control of the leg below the knee) there are a few option from here but the sequence has to do with bringing the body back to the leg and your elbows close to your side. Once here you can finish by pushing with the back of your head and moving your body across to the opposite side.

Friday Wrestling in El Dorado Hills is a free class for all wrestlers age 10+ all levels, and experiences are welcome to come and share their love for the sport!