PRINCIPLES OF FREE-STYLE WRESTLING

FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Impreso en Espana
Printed in Spain
Autor: Rako Ptrov
Editor: Federacin Espaola de Lucha

Depsito Legal: M. 329 - 1977

Imprime:

I.S.B.N.: 84-500-1771-8

Santa Marta - Compte

PREFACE

The International Wrestling Federation has defined Technical Assistance as a programme of work of primary importance.
Nowadays, all over the world, great differences in the level of development between the nations and continents are manifest not only in the
sphere of economy, culture, science and education, but also in sports.
Such differences can be encountered in wrestling too.
Even before I wass elected President of the IWF I had intended to
submit to the International Federation my programme of Technical
Assistance, with the aim of bridging the gap between the developed
and underdeveloped countries in wrestling. This programme has been
improved since the IWF Congress in Munich in 1972. The only thing to
do now is to adapt it to the current conditions of life. Of course, it goes
without saying that this is not only my personal task, but also the task
of all the national wrestling federations, members of the IWF.
5

I would like to take advantage of this opportunity to most cordially

thank camarade Rako Ptrov, President of the Bulgarian Wrestling
Federation and the Bulgarian Union for Physical Culture and Sports for
having supported the initiative of the IWF for the development of the
Technical Assistance programme.
This book, which contains methodological instructions for training
young people, is particularly valuable because it is written by a man
who, by his theoretical knowledge and implementation of science in
practical work, represents one of the founders of modern wrestling in
Bulgaria and plays an outstanding role in international wrestling.
I most sincerely hope that all the interested countries will benefit
from this book to the advantage of their youth and progress of our
favorite sport, wrestling.
Milan Ertsegan,
President of the IWF

EARLY TRAINING IN WRESTLING AND PECULIAR

CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENT

Wrestling is one of the oldest and most popular sports in the

world. It has outlived many other sports disciplines because it has
always perfectly adapted itself to the requirements of different epochs
and because it has always menaged to meet the ideals of men. Nowadays, traditional wrestling in folklore style can hardly hold the attention of the spectators because its ritual is outdated and not interesting
for the civilized man. Also, the monotony, duration and hygiene of
the environment where such wrestling events take place sometimes do
not satisfy sanitary standards and the pace of modern times. For that
reason it is very difficult to maintain the medieval features of wrestling. That is why wrestling was faced with the problem: either to
disappear or transform itself. Other modern sports have also been faced with the same problem. New disciplines are continuously being set
up, whereas the old ones improve their competition rules, methods of
training and publicity. In its development contemporary wrestling has
also encountered difficulties of the following nature:
due to the development of science and technology wrestling is
constantly losing ground as a means of fighting,
attitude towards life of one part of young people is such that
they are not ready to cope with very high requirements of the
contemporary training of this sport,
actual competitions do not always show the true dynamics,
beauty and content of wrestling,
scientific analyses of wrestling and publicity for starting the
training at a very young age are insufficient.
In spite of the fact that some difficulties determined by social development still exist, wrestling will always retain its importance, be7

cause, more than any other sport, it significantly affects the development and shaping not only of the body but also of the personality of
the individual. We can expect that the historical and traditional role
of wrestling to make a man a man will acquire an ever increasing
importance in our times characterized By hypodynamics an a widespread desire to live a confortable life. For that reason wrestling will
remain a social necessity and it is our task to show its beauty to the
spectators and win the hearts of millions of children and adolescents
all over the world in order to secure for it a place it deserves in the
world family of sports.
The development of sports talents should start at a very early age.
Also, the practice of early training in wrestling stimulates the development of scientifics theories, which has already born fruit, so that now
we already have a number of outstanding wrestlers trained during the
last few years. In some republics of the USSR, in Mongolia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Japan, Iran and some other countries it is a centuries
old tradition to start training in wrestling at a very early age. Contemporary scientific works and practice denote that wrestling is a
sport absolutely accessible to children and emphasize its paramount
importance both for their physical and psychological development. In
fact, wrestling meets the natural aspiration of young boys to develop
their strength, virility and physical beauty. Is there a single man who
did not go in for wrestling when he was young? Even in the countries
where wrestling is not a popular sport at school everybody kneows who
is the best wrestler in his class.
There is no doubt that children all over the world can be trained
in wrestling. Yet, it is indispensable to establish regional rules of the
game of wrestling and have at the disposal the necessary space for
organizing such games and making them popular. For the time being
it is not possible to adopt uniform rules, because such an attempt
would not be in line with the tradition of the game of wrestling,
which varies from one country to another. On the other hand the
folk tradition of this nature could play a very important role. In fact,
traditional folk games of wrestling could be transformed into modern forms and serve as an introduction to wrestling as a contemporary sport.
The ways and means for developing the knowledge on wrestling
and motivate young people to go in for that sport can be classified
into four groups:
Simple forms of wrestling.These are various exercises with a
partner in the gymnasium. The purpose of these exercises is to practice the elements of resistance which fit into the framework of wrest8

ling. Their range can be enriched by new forms of wrestling based on

the technique of folk wrestling. These simple forms of wrestling develop both the desire to win in the contest and the feeling of the
opponent. They also develop the strength, swiftness, agility, feeling
for balance, technical know-how and tactics. These exercises can also
be practiced for the general development during the lessons of physical education at school, for training of young wrestlers and as natural
games for children. It is desirable to always stress the elements of
competition and popularize the forms which are closest to wrestling.
Mini-folk wrestling.These exercises resemble some folk forms
of wrestling such as: the sumo, tchidaoba, glima, gurech, kochti, la
bokh and others. The rules depend on the length and place of the
contest, age and weight of the wrestlers, etc. Every national wrestling
federation should establish its own mini-folk wrestling according to
its own tradition by providing rules which will make this kind of
wrestling close to the sport itself, particularly to its free style. Countries in which folk wrestling has withered away can borrow the most
appropriate forms from other countries.
Free Wrestling Games.They can be practiced together with other
children's games mainly to satisfy the natural desire in children to
assert themselves and determine who the strongest among them is.
These games do not follow an established pattern so that, sometimes,
they produce a bad impression on the parents and teachers because of
torn and stained clothes and accidental bruises ans injuries. The main
point is to adapt these wrestling games, of folk or similar origin in
such a way so that they do not violate the rules observed at school
or in the family. On the other hand, in order to draw and keep the
attention of the children these games should give rise to strong emotions, particularly at the end.
Mini Wrestling.In fact it is a children's game because it meets
the requirements of a game, although it is different from other games
because it is similar to wrestling as a sport. A great number of federations has already acquired a rich experience in organizing trainings
and competitions of this nature for children. The Scientific, Training
and Refereeing commissions of the IWF are already studying various
problems connected with mini wrestling so that, in near future, it will
be possible to establish not only the competition rules, but also a
uniform system of education, training and competition.
The setting up of a special commission for wrestling games and
mini wrestling within all the national wrestling federations would contribute to the popularization of this sport among children. In that
aim it is also necessary to adapt the training and competition rules to
9

their possibilities. Beside this, groups and sections for wrestling with
attractive names, such as: The Young Wrestler, Hercules, etc,
should be founded at schools and in sports clubs and an evaluation
system introduced according to which young wrestlers would be awarded special titles, diplomas, insignia, etc. This should be the first step
in the promotion of our strategy.
As a rather late echo of research work performed and recommendations made by outstanding pedagogues of all the centuries wrestling
has been introduced in school curricula in many countries. Well argumented proposals repeatedly submited to the Ministry of Education
of various countries could also pave the way for the development of
wrestling.
Children and adolescents are endowe with a great ability to assimilate the complex technique of wrestling and apply it skillfully during
the trainings and competitions. For that reason it is indispensable to
take advantage of the most suitable period for the biological, physical
and social formation of the individual by strictly respecting the peculiarities of a given age.
The individual development depends on permanent changes in the
structure and functions of the body. The young wrestlers differ from
the adult ones not only physically, but also psychologically and physiologically. All the systems and organs do not develop simultaneously
and in an identical manner. The unequal and often contradictory development of the body limits its ability to cope with great physical
changes and call for a rational distribution of work in order to develop various qualities and complex motor habits.
Although the age limit should be taken into consideration only
conditionally, sports pedagogues, when organizing the trainings, should
bear in mind the age of the group. It is also preferable to take into
account the social environment, feeding habits, work load and anamnesis of the diseases (rachitis, rheumatism, malfunction of endocrine
glandes, etc.) because they influence the development of the individual
which which means that some trainees should be transfered from one
age group into another. The sports doctor and pedagogue should organize the training of their wrestlers by assigning them to attend the
age group which suits best their overall development.

Main features of the motor system

The anatomy of children and adolescents is not adapted to great

mechanical efforts because in the very young age the bones are most10

ly composed of cartilage. The ossification of various parts of the ske

leton takes place gradually, along with the increase of the percentage
of calcium and phosphorus in the bones. At the age of 15 or 16 boys
grow up very intensively. After that age their extremities become lon
ger and their body larger, whereas their growth in hight slows down.
This has been confirmed by research made by N. V. Zak on the
average annual growth in hight. Between the age of 8 and 12 the
average annual growth is 4,4 cm., between 12 and 16 5,6 ., y at
the age of 17 and 18, 1,5 cm.
Already in 1901 Goain proved that children who practice physical
exercises develop better. The Hungarian researchers F. Bakoni, O. Ei
ben, D. Forkacht and T. Raikov have proved that motor activities
help children grow taller. Already long ago it was also established
that the structure of bones and the work of muscles are interdepen
dent (A. Rauber, P. Lesgaft and others). The inappropriate amount
of physical load prescribed to various age groups and intensive exer
cises for the development of strenght and flexibility can either impe
de the growth of a young wrestler or lead to another extreme, in
which case the amplitude of movements required for various articu
lations exceeds the normal limit. On the other hand, growth in hight
cannot be impeded after the age of 17 if the individual is physi
cally well developed and also because after that age the process of
growing in hight slows down. According to A. V. Arkine a young
man of 17 has already achieved 95 % of his tallness.
N. I. Gourov has proved that at the age of about 10-12 the thora
cic vertebrae develop slower than the lumbar ones. At that age, and
later, the main attention should be devoted to the exercises which
help develop the flexibility of the body. After having performed the
bridge special exercises should be introduced to develop the flexibility
in the opposite sense. All physiological malformations of the spine
should be reduced to a normal and acceptable limit.
Between the age of 7 and 14 the diffrenciation process of the

majority of skeleton muscles is completed, and they become almost

fully developed organs. Between the age of 10 and 12 the hormonal
changes that take place in the body stimulate a rapid growth of the
muscles and tendinal elements.
Between the age of 15 and 18 the formation process of the muscular fibres is accelerated, the development of the fibrous tissue continues and the neuro-muscular innervation process becomes more complex. The structure of the muscles is such that they are ready for the
optimal training requirements. The relative weight of the muscles
amounts to 44,1% of the total weight. In adults it amounts to 45%.
11

The strength of the muscles increases most between the age of 20

and 30. It greatly depends on the coordination of all the efforts made
by the muscles for the development of which favorable conditions exist
already between the age of 11 and 13. At that age the exercises for
the development of (acrobatics, sports games, jumps, etc.) can be in
troduced in order to form the basic motor habits indispensable for
the performance of the grips. At the age of 13 muscles are very
excitable, which represents a solid basis for the development of
strength and swiftness.
In fact, exercises for the development of swiftness also develop the
strength, but on a smaller scale because they require a physical effort
of shorter duration. Between the age of 14 and 16 the amount of
exercises for the development of strength , be gradually increased.
On the other hand, static exercises and slow movements with a heavy
load should be avoided. After the age of 16 the amount of training
for the development of strenght can be increased without any apprehen
sion whatsoever, provided that the didactic principles of gradualness
be observed and isometric exercises avoided. Young wrestler can de
velop flexibility, swiftness and strenght already during their school
age. On the other hand exercises for the development of endurance
can be fully practiced only at the age of 18 or 19.

Main features of the respiratory and cardiovascular

The growth of children and adolescents depends on the growth of
their lungs and improvement of their respiratory functions. The grea
ter the mobility of the rib cage the greater the vital capacity. Possible
disturbances in the respiratory rhythm due to a physical strain can be
explained by the fact that the respiratory system is not able to control
its processes.
Research work conducted by Iv. Iliev and N. Hanne (in 1956) m
breathing after a dosed physical effort showed that, in case of a gi
ven effort, children compared with the adults have a better ventila
tion, a smaller percentage of oxygne assimilation and a smaller defi-

cit of oxygne, so that the compensation process takes place much

faster. This ability, to bear the physical strain and recover from it
rather rapidly enables them to go in for systematic trainings already
at that age. Wrestling very much contributes to the development of
12

both the respiratory and cardiovascular system. Comparative studies

of sportsmen between the age of 14 and 18 going in for various sports
disciplines reveal that after a training of several months young wrestler increase most their vital capacity, their amplitudes ranging between
200 and 1 000 cm3 (R. E. Motilianska). According to A. T. Tseitline
the chest measurement of an adolescent athlete amounts to 86,9 cm.,
of a gymnast 86,2 cm. a skier 89,7 cm. and that of a wrestler 90,3
centimeters.
The respiratory functions are linked with those of the cardiovascular system. As the child grows up the frequency of his cardiac contractions diminishes so that at the age of about 17 or 18 his systolic
volume achieves the value characteristic of the adults.
During puberty the heart grows faster than the arteries, which causes some problems in blood circulation (A. A. Harkov). A. high reactivity of the cardiovascular system during work causes the increase of
the arterial pression up to 200 mm. and acceleration of the pulse up
to 240 beats per minute.
Due to the inability of the nerves to fully control the cardiovascular activities and insufficient strength of the cardiac muscle the individual gets tired much sooner. An irrational, very intensive training on
a large scale, can negatively affect the cardiovascular system and cause organic damage. On the other hand, regular training with optimal
physical strain increases the strength and contractiveness of the cardiac muscle and simproves the blood circulation system. A great number of scientists affirm that children recuperate the consumed energy
much more quickly than the adolescents and adults (V. M. Kassianov,
N. la. Gorkine, V. A. Biurukovitch, I. Rouk, I. Iliev, etc.) Yet, from
the scientific point of view these are only hypoteses. According to V.
M. Volkov children recuperate the consumed energy more quickly because the nervous processes taking place in their bodies are less stable. Yet, it is not possible to generalize on the ground of that statement, only.

Main features of nervous activities of superior order

During childhood a great number of changes take place in the
morphology and functions of the central nervous system. The child
constantly enriches its motor experience through the mechanism of
conditioned reflexes. The motor habits acquired during childhood are
13

very stable. For that reason it is necessary to begin to learn the tech
nique of wrestling at a very young age and in a very correct manner,
because it is very difficult to correct mistakes in the technique of
wrestling one got used to at a young age.
During childhood (age 7 to 12) the main features of the nervous
system are rather poor memory and wandering attention, which create
difficulties in acquiring new motor habits. During his work a sports
pedagogue should use a very appropriate language and show in a very
precise manner all the movements the children should acquire. In or
der to be efficient the work should be conducted in an animated and
emotionally pleasant atmosphere.
The sensorial mechanism develops most at the age of 13 or 14.
The perfectioning of the sense of touch and motor and vestibular me
chanisms is of particular importance for wrestlers. For that reason
special methods should be applied in order to develop them, based on
the results achieved both in theoretical and practical work (R. Petrov).
During puberty adolescents manifest a continuous desire to commit
creative or heroic deeds, and, consequently imitate the behaviour and
training of famous sportsmen. At that age they have a rather well
develop sense of equity and a rather good logic.
The French psychologist Henri Villon has described the main fea
tures of that age in the following manner: At that age feelings are
pronouncedly contradictory; very often shyness is combined with boastfulness and modesty with coquettishness. Extreme egoism and extreme
altruism go hand in hand and it seems that it onlv depends on given
circumstances whether this that quality will prevail. For that rea
son the sports pedagogue should comply with the natural development
of his pupils and be aware of these psychological features of their age
in order to provide them a well balanced education.
Significant results in sporis can be achieved only if the training of
children and adolescents has in view well defined aims and if it is
based on the achievements of modern science. The sports pedagogue
should study and channel the motivations of the wrestlers in order to
transform the training into a life long necessity.

14

PREPARATION FOR SPORTS OF CHILDREN

AND ADOLESCENTS

The preparation process of young wrestlers should be aimed at a

complete and harmonious formation of their personality. The physical, technical, tactical and psychological preparation, research work
and the sports regime are all very closely linked and responsible for
good health, excellent physical development, mastery of the sport and
a high capacity for intellectual and physical work. The education and
formation of young wrestlers is a long process which involves a great
number of individuals and institutions. Yet, it goes without saying
that the work of the coach is of primary importance. His main tasks
are:
to develop high moral qualities in his trainees,
improve in a harmonious manner their physical development
and working capacity,
improve their theoretical, technical and tactical knowledge.
improve their the psychological preparation,
strengthen their health and develop in them the habits of
sports hygiene.

Educational activities of the sports pedagogue

Education of young wrestlers is a collective work. It is a follow
up of the education at home, at school, in social organizations, etc.
From the very beginning of theoretical and training programme the
sports pedagogue, the sports community, friends etc., exercise a great
educational influence on the young wrestler who is open to both posi15

tive and negative influences. For that reason his education is inconceivable without combined pedagogical efforts on the part of all the
institutions, organizaitons and individuals involved in his social and
sports activities.
Evidently, at tne presente stage de velopment of socit and sport
the aims and content of work of the coach have undergone and are
still undergoing significant changes. Nowadays, the coach is an educator, teacher, the one who explains science, organizer and director of
all the aspects of preparation for sport. All these functions by far
exceed the obligations the coach used to have in the past and for that
reason he is fully entitled to be called a sports pedagogue.
The pedagogical work of a specialist in wrestling should be based
on well established rules and principles. Their diversity and the way
they are applied depend on the pedagogical concepts of the specialist
himself, the characteristics of young wrestlers and concrete conditions.
The aims of education.The sports pedagogue should carry out
his pedagogical work in the manner he personally considers as best
and adapted to the individual qualities of the wrestlers he trains. His
main and obligatory aim is to develop in them a high social and
humane moral. Not only the positive natural propensities but also mistakes commited should ne put to advantage with the aim of developing in young wrestlers the qualities of moral purity.
The development of qualities of high moral and persevereness is a
sine qua non prerequisite of every training and theoretical work. Only
courageous, strong willed and viril wrestlers can achieve outstanding
results in the sport they go in for. They should get used to surmounting by themselves and consciously all the obstacles they encounter in
everyday life and during trainings. Also, they should endeavour to
achieve perfection in their sport, studies and work, get used to controlling their feelings and bearing a great physical and nervous strain.
An experienced pedagogue is always able to conduct his pedagogical
work in a competent and purposeful nanner.
Harmonizing education, studies training and private life.Education, studies, and sports training are closely interconnected. If the pedagogue subordinates studies and training to educational aims the sports
evolution of his pupil accelerates. Also, private life is closely linked with
the achievements in sport. For that reason the work of the pedagogue is not limited to the training only. He must be well acquainted
with the family life of his trainee, his behaviour, free time activities
and performance at school. Only then he will be able to take the
most appropriate decisions in sports pedagogy and methodology.
16

Setting and definition of aims to be achieved.This problem is

closely connected with planning of theoretical work and training. Curricula for groups and individuals should be established several years
in advance. Also they should define and anticipate the future development and sports achievements of the boys involved.
Policy of no compromise in pedagogical requirements.The pedagogue who truly respects his trainees should conduct a policy of no
compromise in his pedagogical requirements. He should never pass
over mistakes in silence, no matter how minor they are. It is not
necessary to constantly talk about them either, but if the trainees repeat them the pedagogue should remaind them that it is not the first
time they commit them. Thus the boys become aware of the fact that
even their minor mistakes do not escape the notice of the pedagogue,
which makes them increase the control of their own behavior.
Education for the development of physical activity independence
and creativeness.The coach should not show everything to the wrestlers. He should request his trainess to look for and discover by themselves various parades, returns, links between different grips, tactical
variants, etc. The coach approves, supervises and assists such activities
of his trainees. He sets them problems to solve, discusses with all of
them the problems arising during the process of sports preparation,
criticizes simple imitation and fashionable trends in wrestling and strives
to eliminate stereotypes from his own work.
The method of technical and tactical compounds implemented by
Bulgarian wrestlers can perfectly serve the above mentioned purpose
and help make the training more intelectual. Tranks to this method
the young wrestlers get used to discovering by themselves new parades
and returns, links between different grips and numerous technical and
tactical variants, by developing, at the same time, their critical and
constructive way of thinking.
Establishment of educational atmosphere within a collective.If a
pedagogue works for a long time in one school for sports or with
one team he develops a spirit of friendship, community, self criticism
a mutual assistance, etc. On the other hand the established order,
good discipline, sports regime, pedagogical requirements and assistance
provided by the parents and social organizations create in the collective (community) an atmosphere in which the breach of the rules of
discipline is not tolerated.
Development of positive qualities.Educational work is individual
and should be adapted to each individual sportsman, his characteristics and positive qualities. Each pedagogue should be familiar with
17

the nature, character, strength of will, point of view, behaviour and

habits of his trainees so that, grounding his work on their positive
features and qualities, he can enrich them. Strict action helps correct
mistakes much more efficiently than futile criticism or preaching.
Equal behavoir towards all.A sports pedagogue should not have
his favorites. Yet, if he has some, no one should know about that,
neither the officials, nor other sportsmen. The most frequent pedagogical mistake is the affection for one or several trainees, which is,
most often a source of conflicts, jealousy, unhealthy atmosphere in
the collective, doubts in the honesty of the pedagogue, and validity of
his sports principles, etc.
Education through small details.For a great number of coaches
education does not mean a pattern or a set of general pedagogical
principles. But, since individuals very much differ from one another,
their negative acts differ even more, which calls for an active reaction
on the part of the pedagogue in case of both minor or more serious
infringements.
Variations in educational methods.In order to be efficient as
educator the sports the pedagogue must always implement the most suitable methods of work and other pedagogical means. The forms of work
he applies must always be fresh, interesting and adapted to the age,
cultural level, attitudes, nature, mistakes, etc. of his trainees. In fact
he educates them by means of his words, tone of his voice, gestures,
smile and humour.
Fight against mistakes.Means to be applied in that aim depend
on the nature of the mistake, nature of the trainee and competence
of the pedagogue. The main point is to fight against the mediocrity
of the wrestlers by explaining to each of them individually the causes
of a given state of affairs and line of action to be followed in order
to improve it.
In order to achieve success it is of particular importance to combat fear. A good preparation, good motivation, a well structured training, a stable nervous system, good knowledge of the opponent, etc.
are the elements which contribute towards this aim.
The pedagogue has to fight against many things at once: simulation, vulgarity, falshood, jealousy, misbehaviour, laziness during the
trainings, caprices of the stars, negative influence of outstandings
sportsmen, stubbornness, greediness for money, indolence to work
and studies, prejudices, fatalism, etc.
The influence of the behaviour of the pedagogue and the example
he sets.The behaviour of the sports pedagogue is also a part o the
education of his trainees.
18

Encouragement and punishment.Encouragement is a pedagogical

measure indispensable in the process of education. Its impact is very
important but, unfortunately, not always positive.
Punishment as a pedagogical measure should be applied as rarely
as possible and always for a very justified reason. It depends on the
nature of the mistake committed by the sportsman.

Diversity in the process of physical preparation

The principle of harmonious development has acquired a particular
importance in modern wrestling. Diversity in the process of physical
preparation makes the whole organism stronger, improves the functions of all the organs and systems, develops the motor qualities and
habits and strengthens the volitive qualities.
The process of physical preparation of wrestlers is divided into
two groups: a) general physical preparation and b) special physical
preparation.
Theoretical work and training of children and adolescents always
begins with a rational and diversified physical preparation. First comes the training for strengthening the osteo-ligamentous parts of the
body, the muscles and the cardio-vascular and respiratory system. Only after that follows special training. The major part of the training
consists in exercises for the development of the body and motor qualities, whereas games serve a different purpose. They are attractive
and create an emotionally interesting atmosphere.
Development of motor qualities.A wrestler cannot implement in
practice a complex technique of his sport without having previously
developed his strength, swiftness speed, agility and flexibility. That is
why the development of these qualities should be the primary task
during theoretical work and trainings of the children and adolescents.
Every contraction of a muscle has a certain strength, velocity and
duration and as such represents an external manifestation of some
motor qualities. The efforts to improve one quality usually bring
about favorable changes of other qualities as well. On the other
hand, an unsuitable training methodology is responsible for two negative effects: one quality is overdeveloped, whereas the others are limited in their development.
Theoretical work and training of children and adolescents should
start at the age of 10. During the first year exercises for physical
19

preparation are diversified. Also, some simple movements of control

and grip in wrestling should be trained. Exercises for the development
of various motor qualities should be adapted to the age and level of
physical preparation of the trainees.
Development of strength.Although wrestling as a sport provides
ideal opportunities for the development of strength training in wrestling only is not sufficient. The first exercises of this nature should
aim at the overall development (throwing, exercises with a partner,
with a medicine-ball, a club, etc.). Also, simple exercises in wrestling
can be practiced already by boys 10 to 12 years old. But, between the
age of 12 and 14 it is necessary to introduce moderate dumb-bell
exercises, exercises with rubber quoits and springs, exercises on apparatuses and exercises in acrobatics. It is advisable to adapt the shape
and weight of the apparatuses used to the age of the trainees. After
f
the age of 15 the volume o exercises for strength development increases. Dumb-bell exercises are fully recommended. During the following years al the usual exercises should be introduced and the content and intensity of the training enlarged. Between the age of 16 and
18 the physical strain can be almost identical to that prescribed for
adults. Also, between the age of 16 and 18 exercises for strength development and swiftness should predominate. At that age static exercises should also be gradually introduced because many grips and other
situations in wrestling require an isometric regime of muscular activities (bridge, pull away, loosening of an arm's lock, etc.).
During every training this kind of preparation exercises should be
practiced, even in the morning, when the purpose of exercises is to
wake up the muscles. Within special training in wrestling there is only
a small amount of exercises for strength development and that only
during the warming up period and about ten minutes after the first
assault. Exercises for strength development are counter indicated for
children.
For the age groups of 14 in their structure these exercises should
be close to the grips. Also, diversified work aimed at the development
of strength, swiftness and endurance of those muscles which play a
decisive role in performing certain grips increases the overall competence in tnis sport.
Control over muscular tonus.Control over muscular tonus enables the wrestlers to more precisely dose the effort performed by their
muscles, much better control their motor activities more efficiently
coordinate the activities of their protagonist and efficiently coordinate
the activities of their protagonist and antagonist muscles, etc. According to modern physiology the increase of muscular tonus is responsi20

ble for the increase of physical strength. Exercises which increase the
tension of the muscles can be practiced to various degrees in order to
develop the ability to consciously control this tonus.
Vigour.In wrestling strength is manifested in various ways; such
as: its volume, intensity and duration. Its increase depends on the
improvement of other motor qualities. Dynamic trainings of swiftness
increase the strength, and the other way round. This relationship is
particularly important since every grip requires swiftness, strength and
ability to move in space. A combination of strength and swiftness
gives rise to a new quality vigour.

.,.
Vigour =

Work
Time

SM
T

=s

M
T

= SSj.

S = strength; M = movement in space; T = time and SI = swiftness.

It goes without saying that strength and swiftness develop in a

complex manner, particularly after the motor habits have been
formed.
Development of swiftness.The development of swiftness or speed
can start througth physical education already at the age of 10 or 11.
Swiftness can also be considered as a manifestation of strength.
If a wrestler imposes on his opponent a maximal speed then tze
manifestation of his strength will also be maximal. Yet, one should
never disregard the fact that the increase of speed also has its limit
which, in exceeded, negatively affects the preciseness and efficiency of
the grips.
The following methods are applied for the development of swiftness (speed): intensive exercises in the gym, take-off and sprint 10 to
20 m., exercises in acrobatics, jumps, throwing and putting, trrowing
of various balls, various sports games, etc. The exercises for the development of swittness are parcticed during the introductory part of
the training. Owing to the fact that the motor mechanism is not developed in children and adolescents the exercises of swiftness for these
age groups should be as natural as possible and never require maximal tension.
The specific kind of switness can be developed by exercises which
simulate the gestures performed in wrestling, including swift control
over the opponent and various grips and returns.
21

Development of agility.The development of agility can successfully start after the age of 10 or 11. This quality implies that the
wrestler is able to grasp the complex and unusual situation during the
constest as quickly and efficiently as possible and react in the most
appropriate technical and tactical manner. Agility can be developed by
means of gymnastics and acrobatics, various jumps, throwing and
putting, thrusting, diving, sports games, etc. These exercises constitute
the introductory part of the training and they should not be practiced
on a large scale because they require, not only a considerable physical
effort, but also a considerable nervous tension.
Special exercises and exercises of grips are of particular importance.
Development of flexibility.The degree of flexibily is measured by
the amplitude and articulation of the movements performed by an
individual. It mainly depends on the elasticity of articular muscles and
ligaments. The systematic impact of streching formes increases the
amplitude of the movements and the ability to articulate and sustain
a bigger load. The wrestling technique requires an outstanding articular mobility and plasticity of movements. Flexibility and plasticity develop best at of the age of 12 or 13. Young wrestler should practice
every day in order to consolidate and stabilize their wrestling bridge.
Also, special exercises should be carried out every day for the maintenance of flexibility, particularly between the age of 14 and 18 because, otherwise, it gradually diminishes.
The inappropriate amount of exercises for the development of
strength, swiftness (speed) and flexibility is very often responsible for
disproportion in the development of the motor mechanism, which entails permanent morphological and functional changes. As a rule muscles are affected by hypertrophy, whereas strength, when pushed beyond its optimal limit, negatively affects the amplitude, speed and
coordination of movements.
Development of endurance.In modern wrestling endurance plays
a decisive role in winning the match.
Special kind of endurance indispensable to wrestlers is developed
on the ground of general physical endurance, which can be developed
through various sports, sports games, gymnastics, running at a middle
and long distance, hiking, canooing, skiing, camping, etc.
Special kind of endurance can be developed by means of special
exercises and contest trainings.
The sports pedagogue shlould be very carefull when working on
the development of endurance in children. Children should perform
natural and short exercises which *are dynamic and emotionally grati22

fying. Also, easy exercises should alternate with the more difficult
ones. In addition, periods of physical activity should alternate with
the periods of rest. Training in wrestling for children should never be
too strainous because of their limited strength which prevets them
from performing difficult grips and those grips which require static
strength.
Endurance of wrestlers in directly related to their breathing. A
young wrestler should learn how to breath correctly at the very begin
ning of his training this sport. This is the only way to overcome the
problem of arhythmic and withheld breathing, which are peculiar to
wrestling.
The method of intervals is the most suitable one for children and
adolescents. This method becomes more efficient if the training time
of wrestling itself is diminished and two pauses introduced.
The basic elements of this method are: the following:

a determined duration of one round of the contest,

the intensity of the round,
the number of rounds within one match, and
the length of the pauses between the rounds.

These elements can be combined in various ways. The combina

tions depend on the aim and time of training, and age and prepara
tion level of young wrestlers. The duration of each fraction can be
+ + , with an one minute pause in between, T + 2' + T
with an one or two minute pause in between, 3' + 3' + 3', + 2' + 2\
T + 3' + 2', 2' + ? + 2' + 2', etc. The fractions need not last the
whole minute. At the beginning each minute can be divided into 4 or
5 fractions. Later on the number of fractions per minute can be dimi
nished and their duration and intensity increased. For juniors, for
whom the contest lasts 9 minutes, at the beginning each fraction can
last 4 minutes, with gradual increase of intensity up to the maximal
limit. In this case the method of inversed proportion should be ap
plied because the basic elements of intensity and duration of one frac
tion of the match are enversely proportional.
The method of intervals is even advantageous. According to this
method less intensive fractions alternate with the more intensive ones,
which means that training is similar to the competition itself. Due to
peculiarities characteristic of wrestling two consecutive fractions
(rounds) never take place in the same pace and with the same in
tensity.
The maximal constest intensity within a training can be achieved
23

by assigning two or three partners to wrestle in turns with one proficient wrestler, the task of each of them being to wrestle during his
fraction (round) with maximal swiftness and instensity.
When the wrestlers prepare themselves for a competition their training matches take place twice a day during two or three consecutive
days. Yet, this pattern of work can be applied only if the wrestlers
are at least 16, or older. Four matches are the maximum number for
two consecutive days.
Improvement of sensorial function,. In order to master a sport it
is necessary to improve the sensorial functions, the kinesthetic mechanism in the first place. A very refined diffrenciation of muscular
sensibility is, to a great extent, responsible for the awareness of one's
own movements, authenticity of motor actions, precision of movements and ability of the wrestler to quickly assimilate the new techniques and movements.
Methodology for the development of muscular sensibility should be
based on exercises for the improvement of various functions. For
example, the ability to asess one's own muscular tension and resist
external pressure can be improved by means of exercises for the improvement of the muscular tonus and development of agility.
During the wrestling match the visual sensation very often diminishes, whereas the cutaneous and muscular sensibility increases.
Usually the visual control is much greater at the beginning of the
training in wrestling. Later on, along with the development of motor
habits in gradually diminishes to the advantage of muscular sensibility.
Evidently, the importance of the visual mechanism should not be
underestimated in wrestling. For certain grips the eyesight is of paramount importance. Thus, for example, the desequilibrium and overtun
forward by locking the legs is only possible if the wrestler has a good
eyesight which enables him to marke a good visual appreciation of
the situation.
The vestibular apparatus also plays an enormous imprtance in
wrestling, particulary when the wrestler wants to throw on the ground
his opponent who reacts by opposing himself with his equilibrium.
Due to a complex relationship between the motor, visual and tactile
apparatuses all the actions the aim of which is to decrease the equilibrium sensibility threshold and increase the stability of the vestibular
apparatuses, which requires the same amount of work as that reqired
for the development of physical qualities.
24

Development of technical and tactical

qualities in wrestlers
The content and method of work for the development of technical
and tactical qualities in children and adolescents should be adapted to
the age and main characteristics of young wrestlers. For that reason
the sports pedagogue should observe in his work the following basic
didactic principles:
Educational approach.During the theoretical and practical work
with his trainees the sports pedaguoge should use all the means at his
disposal in order to improve the overall qualities of the young wrestlers. In that aim he should explain to them in details every single
exercise and grip, quote all the outstanding wrestlers who have practiced them, give arguments in support of his method, quote the scientific works on wrestling and develop in his trainees the qualities of
independence and self-control.
Harmonious development.This should be the main feature of
theoretical and practical work with children and adolescents. Each training sftould start with diversified exercices for physical preparation,
adapted to tne age and capacities of young wrestlers. It is almost
impossible to make up later for what was omitted during that stage.
The audio-visual principle.This principle is of great importance
both for children and adolescents, because at that age the trainees
understand much better what they see than what they are told. For
that reason all explanations should be followed by audio-visual demonstrations (pnotos, drawings, slides, diagrams, tables, graphs, video-tapes, etc.), and remarks on and assesment of trainings and competitions.
A sports pedagogue can apply various methods for explaining the
grip (combined movements, individual movements, slowed down movements).
System of progression in pedagogical work.This principle implies
that there must be a logical link between the material taught. The
exercises must be repeated until permanent motor habits are built up.
The volume and intensity of work should be gradually increased. Permanent motor habits are most efficiently built up through the so called repetition without repetition, which means that during each new
repetition the trainee corrects his proviously committed mistakes and
looks for new ways and means to improve his performance. The studv of the technique, gradual progression of trainings and exercises
within one training, etc.. should be carried out in a chronological and
*

25

logical order. Namely, the work should develop from the simle to the
complex, from the easv to the difficult and from the known to tne
unknown.
First, various standing and ground positions should be trained including the assesment of the distance and various controls and movements on the ground. Only after that very simple grips on the ground
and in standing position should be studied.
The next stage is the practice of the parades, returns and counter
grips. All the nwHously practiced grips should b<= repeated at the beginning aim at the end of each lesson (training). The most convenient
approach is to start with counter grips.
Anticipated results of pedagogical work.This principle is based
on forcasting the development of each individual wrestler and, consequently, the results in wrestling both on the national and international
level.
In order to implement this principle in practice it is necessary to
analyse the overall qualities of each individual wrestler and improve
them by having in view his future opponents. This principle is observed in practice, although it has not been described in technical literature so far. It should be mentioned that there is a great number of
lost talents because the principle of anticipated result was not observed in the past.
Accessibility.According to this principle the pedagogue should
adapt the exercises to the characteristics of the age, state of health,
spiritual and physical development and the level of preparation of
each individual wrestler. The volume of physical work imposed and
the nature of the grips studied should be suited to the capacities of
each trainee. For example, it is possible to practice the lift reverse
with rebours hold only after the trainee has acquired a solid technique in performing the bridge. Insufficiently prepared children or adolescents taking part in matches with older and heavier wrestlers are
exposed to serious dangers of physical and psychological nature. The
defeat can be responsible for the inferiority complex which cannot be
easily overcome.
Continuity in training.Each new training programme should be
established on the ground of the level of physical preparation and
experience of the trainee. His creative individuality can develop only
if the pedagogical, methodological and stylistic requirements are met.
A new coach does not necessarily continue along the lines of the
former one, which means mat the trainee is often obliged to meet
completely different requirements, so that, instead of improving his
technique he almost starts his physical preparation from the very be26

ginning. Only a coordinated programme for all the trainees based on

scientific principles garantees the continuity and efficiency of work.

How to acquire and improve the technique and

tactics of wrestling
All technical and tactical preparations of wrestlers should take
place simultaneously. The mastery of grips in wrestling is the result
of the motor habits established in the meninx and the relationship
between some other motor habits.
During the first stage new motor habits can be developed on the
ground of the already established ones. During the second stage,
which is in fact the stage of automation, dynamic stereotypes should
be acquired to the extent that they become automatic. In other words
the wrestler should be able to perform every grips without concious
control of his movements, .$o that he can concentrate his attention on
more complex mental activities.
The improvement of the technique and tactics of wrestling is the
result of a complex technical and tactical approach to this sport. In
my opinion this represents a new stage which I consider as a stage of
integration and diffrenciation of motor habits. In fact, when studying the transitions from one grip to another or from one grip to a
return (counter), one, in fact, builds up a complexe programme of
future activities based on the replacement or shifting over of various motor habits.
During this stage the connection between some motor habits
should be established, partial automation of some links achieved, the
motor habits modified so as to meet the requirements of the technical
and tactical block, one specific link developed to its optimum, a programme worked out for the performance of links and grips, etc.
Figure 1 shows a conventional relationship between the motor habits and four basic ground grips. All the motor habits required for
these grips should be developed in an autonomous manner. When
they become automatic, they constitute a part of the technical and
tactical block.
It depends on the level of preparation of the individual wrestler
and the complexity of the grip to be studied whether the coach-will
apply the synthetic or analytical method. According to the synthetic
method the grip is performed as if the wrestler participated in a competition. On the other hand, the analytical method is more suitable
for the practice of complicated grips.
27

The studying and brushing up of grips also depend on the age of

the wrestlers, their level of preparation and the characteristics and na-

ture of the grips to be studied. Thus, for example, when studying the
flexibility grips the trainees usually get afraid (self-defence reflex).
They can overcome their fear by practicing special exercises. It goes
without saying that it is much easier to study simpler grips. Yet, in
spite of great differances in the structure of various grips and individual abilities of the wrestlers involved wrestling technique should be
taught according to a general methodological pattern, which contains
the following elements:
28

1. Name of the grip.

2. Exercises of simulation and exercises for the development of
the muscles involved in the grip.
3. General theoretical explanations of the efficiency, characteristic aspects and tactical premisses of the grip.
4. Demonstration of the grip according to the synthetic method,
from both sides (on guard on both the right and left side),
in static position or in movement, accompanied with explanations the aim of which is to round up the motor image.
5. Demonstration of various stages of the erio and precise formulation of concrete tasks.
6. Mental repetition of the grip.
7. Performance of all the various stages of the grip in static
position and from both sides.
8. Complete performance of the grip, in static position, from
both sides, with a partner or a dummy.
9. Repetition and performance of the grip, in static position and
in movement, with a partner, first without resistance and
later by gradually increasing it.
10. Demonstration and explanation of mistakes in order to correct
them.
11. Repetition of the performance.
12. Demonstration of various controls and some elements of tactical preparation of the grip, in static position and in movement.
13. Repetition of numerous variants of the grips, in static position
and in movement, with a dummy or a partner, first without
resistance and later by gradually increasing it.
14. Mastery of the grip through the mastery of the elements
constituting its technical and tactical block.
15. Mastery of the grip through a conventional, free or competitive block.

When studying the grip the exact order of items in the above pattern need not be, necessarily, observed. Besides, during one lesson or
training it is not possible to take up all the above items. The above
pattern, in fact, only provides a general methodological framework
for acquiring the technique (fig. 2).
In fact, it is up to the sports pedagogue to judge whether he will
teach the grips in a simplified or more complex manner. The best
29

Schme-type pour tude et Le perfectionnement

de la technique en latte
Terminologie
de la prise

Exercices de
similitude

Caractristiques
thoriques de la prise

Demonstration

Excution symtrique Excution en situation

de gauche \ de droite surplace \ en mouvement
Execution

I
idatorique

\Excution analytique^

tails avec mannequin de

te. Dtails avec
Dartenain
partenaire

A Excution dynamique
l
avec mannequin de lutte
avec partenaire

'xcution
en situation

'xcution
symtrique

5
5

s
s

Introduction tactique
Handicap
^

<0

Excution complexe

Qj

>3

Excution acclre
Fig. 2

Variqtion de la
resistance

s
s

approach is to base the work on the degree of resistance of the partner or his ability to perform the parades returns and specific counter grips.
Further improvement of the technique and tactics of wrestling is
achieved in matches with a partner. These matches can be conventional, free-style or competitive.
The contemporary way of teaching and improving the technique
and tactics of wrestling is based on a differenciated pedagogical work
during the lesson or training. Also, the subject studied should be presented in a concrete manner. This can be achieved in various ways,
some of which are considered traditional, with a more restricted sphere of activities, whereas the others, also traditional, include elements
of physical education. In practice theoretical work and training depend on the competence of the coach and the methodological approach
he implements. It should be emphasized that a diversified methodological approach of the coach makes his work more efficient and accessible. Consequently, the trainees learn more easily and more rapidly
improve their technique and tactics of wrestling.

The methodologycal approach

Imitation.When teaching the grips the coach request his trainees
to perform exercises with a similar structure which develop and improve the motor qualities. At this stage proyections with a partner or
a dummy are very useful.
Increase of resistance.At the very beginning of studying a grips
the partner should reduce his resistance to the minimum. Later on,
when the trainee begins to assimilate the required movements the partner can gradually increase his resistance up to the competition conditions.
Change of partners,in order to master a grip as best as possible trainees should practice with partners who differ in size, weight,
style and skill.
Modification of the nature of contest.It depends on the aim of
the lesson whether the contest will be conventional, free-style or competitive.
Changing the pace of the contest.This should be done in order
to develop in wrestlers the ability to control the pace or rhythm of
31

the contest and improve their specific endurance. The pace of the
contest can be changed unilaterally, by one of the wrestlers, or bilaterally, as a result of the efforts of both partners. The pace of the
training should be similar to the rhythm of regular competitions.
The conventional opponent.The sports pedagogue assigns the
partner various tasks of technical and tactical nature. He also determines: the nature of the parades and returns (counters), the tactical
variant prepared in advance, the style of the contest by having in
mind the style of a future opponent, the tactics of the contest by
having in mind the tactics of a future opponent, etc.
Blind performance.The aim of this approach is to improve motor, vestibular and tactile functions. The grips and exercises are performed without visual control.
Performance with the assistance of the coach.The sports pedagogue can help his trainee perform a grips by correcting his control
with one hand, or by retaining or lifting the opponent in order to
facilitate the performance of the grip. The coach can also make remarks and signs or give explanations.
Analytical performance.Every grip is performed stage by stage
in order to better understand its structure.
Performance of details.Only some details of the grip are performed, e.g. break between the legs of the opponent, performance of
one control, projection from the at ease position up to the hip contact with the partner.
Synthetic performance.According to this method the whole grip
is performed without breaking it down into stages.
Performance in static position.This approach is applied in case
of a ground grip from an initial position or determined control. In
some cases the sports pedagogue can discontinue the contest make
him better understand the committed mistake.
Slowed-down performance.The grips is performed in a sloweddown manner in order to better understand all its peculiarities and
important details.
Corrective performance.If the wrestler does not perform a given
grip correctly he is requested to repeat the mistake in a slightly different manner, which is, at the same time, close to the correct performance. For example, if the trainee, when beaking between the legs of
his opponent falls down on both knees, instead of falling down on
one knee only, in his repeated attempt he is not allowed to touch the
ground even with one knee.
Guided performance.During the trainings for the improvement of
a given grip the coach describes the situations in which it is possible
32

to perform it. In fact, the described situations represent guide lines

for tne performance of given grips. These guide lines imply suggestions as to the attitude to be taken or distance, guard or control to
be observed. The coach should also make these suggestions loudly, at
the most appropriate moment.
Dynamic performance.The grip is performed in movement under the circumstances similar to those characteristic of a genuine competition. This approach also includes various maneuvres and feints
which precede the performance of a grip.
Accelerated performance.Every wrestler should consciously en
deavour to perform a grip more rapidly than he usually does it until
he achieves the optimal rhythm of its performance.
Symtrie performance.According to this approach the grip is
carried out from both sides (right and left). The results of our practice show that much better results can be obtained when the trainees
first learn a grip from the side that does not suit them and only after
that from the side that suits them better.
Analogous performance.One grip should be consciously repeated several times under more or less identical circumstances.
Complex performance.Each individual grip should be performed
within the framework of its technical and tactical complex.
Coordination of breathing.Breathing of each individual wrestler
should be coordinated with the structure and nature of the effort required for the performance of a given grip.
Psychological performance.Each individual wrestler carries out a
given grip under different psychological circumstances.
Technical and tactical episodes.During one contest the wrestlers
perform certain technical and tactical actions (grips, counter-grips,
technical and tactical block, tactical variants, etc.). The lenght of a
contest corresponds to the duration of one technical and tactical episode.
Performance with a handicap.According to this approach the
conditions of the assault in a contest should vary. Also, when performing given grips the wrestlers should be faced with specific problems. For example, the partner may be given an advantage in the
controls of various positions, additional points, etc.
Iniciation in the tactics.This approach means the performance of
33

the technical and tactical block as an introduction to the performance

of the grips.

Psychological preparation of the wrestlers

Numerous scientific and pedagogical works emphasize that motor
qualities of outstanding wrestlers are more or less equally developed
and that their knowledge of wrestling and its technique are almost
identical. This fact opens up new possibilities for the development of
almost limitless psychological capacities, promotion of the rational
use of all emotional and volitive potentials and improvement of the
sensorial and motor system of wrestlers in order of enhance their chances for victory. In fact, thanks to their outstanding psychological qualities the famous wrestlers, such as: Joso Sassahara, Anatoly Kolessov, Alexandre Medved, Ahmed Aik, Boyane Radev, Enio Valtchev,
Peter Kirov, Istvan Horvat, Janos Varga, Ion Berceanu and many
others have managed to win numerous victories in international, although their partners were equally strong or even stronger than them.
In fact, the psychological preparation of wrestlers should aim at a
diversified and integral development of all psychological qualities of
an individual and his personality, so that they can fully express themselves in various complex situations characteristic of matches and competitions.
The psychological stability and working capacity of each individual
wrestler depend on his psycho-motor, sensorial, intellectual, emotional
ans volitive qualities and his ability to sustain strainous physical, intellectual and emotional efforts. In fact, the Psycho-motor qualities are
responsible for a rapid and precise motor performance, good coordination, ability to implement new form in the attack or defense and a
better and more complete manifestation of motor qualities. The psycho-motor qualities can be developed during each training, by combining the motor actions with various psychological activities. The development of volitive qualities constitutes one of the most important
aspects in the work of the sports pedagogue and each individual
wrestler.
Strong and effective will can be developed through self-control and
other imperatives and aims each individual wrestler sets himself.
The development of intellectual qualities is a prerequisite for the
evolution in all sports, including wrestling. First of all, the wrestler
34

should be able to make a correct global assessment of each individual

grip, through a good coordination between the visual signals and
motor information. The psychological activity can only be enriched by
clear cut, stable and new concepts of wrestling. Also, the technical
and tactical aspects contribute to the improvement of psychological
exercises which make the trainings more intellectual and provide a
foundation for an overall improvement of the performance of wrestlers.
Trainings in wrestling require a very good and precise memory of
the trainees, because they have to memorize the details of numerous
grips, parades and returns, technical and tactical groups, tactical
plans and means, theoretical problems, etc. without which it is impossible to achieve good results in this sport. Also, it is of special importance to remember in details all the grips the opponents perform.
It is equally important for wrestlers to be able to concentrate and
maintain ther attention, because, during the contest each wrestler
should endeavour to carry out his tactical plan and carefully follow
the actions of his opponent. This mean that each wrestler should concentrate his attention on the performance of his grips and, at the
same time, split his attention so as to be able to follow and control
not only his own actions, but also those of his opponent, follow the
signs of the referee, be aware of the flow of time, the boundaries of
the wrestling mat, etc. An unbalanced concentrations gives rise to
mistakes. On the other hand, well prepared and skilffull wrestlers
very successfully shift their attention from one objective to another. It
is a well known fact that two things can be done simultaneously only
if one is able to do them separately. For that reason a perfect technique is a prerequisite for a good concentration and a stable attention.
A good sports pedagogue can develop in his trainees the above qualities through appropriate exercises during the trainings.
The swiftness (speed), precision, flexibility and a well developed
tactical mind depend on the preparation of the wrestlers, their individual characteristics and general psychological and physiological state
before the gong announces the beginning of the match A detailed
study of the opponent and an overall approach to the tactical plan
can be conducted only by a mind able to function in an intensive,
precise and logical manner.
The emotional situation affects all the psychological processes. A
good emotional balance achieved during the trainings is a prerequisite
for better achievements in competitions, because it is responsible for
a better mobilization of all the human potentials and a higher degree
of enthusiasm and self-confidence.
35

We are going to dwel longer on self-confidence because of its particular importance. In fact, self-confidence depends on three mutually
related elements:
The cognitive element provides information both the opponent and
one's own qualities and advantages. It also enables the wrestler to
assess his own chances for success. According to Clipared only individuals confident in themselves that are able to avoid danger do not
feel any kind of fear whatsoever. For that reason in order to be selfconfident sportsmen should develop a reliable information system of
this nature, because the analyses of their own possibilities and those
of their opponents should be impartial and correct. The so called trainings of analogous models are of particlar importance because the
conditions under which they take place are similar to those characteristic of competitions.
The emotional element is responsible for the vivacity of the spirit,
gaity, emotional enthusiasm of the wrestler, etc.
Sports pedagogues and sports psychologists should be able to
channel the emotions accompanying wrestling their intensity and all
the other aspects by developing strong will in their trainees. In that
way the volitive acts will be able to control the emotional ones.
The volitive element is related to the general self-confidence resulting from a good preparation of the wrestler to, his confidence in the
positive issue of the competition, his desire to concrete actions, the
strenght of his will, etc. A strong relationship between cognitive and
emotional elements is evident.
Self-confidence also plays me role of a stabilizing factor responsible for general mental health.
If a sportsman wants to actively and effectively participate in competitions he must have a good control over his mental capacities. This
can achieved by means of:
explanations which will enable the individual to establish an
exact self-diagnosis, help him conciously overcome obstacles of
psychological nature ana achieve full control over his mental
condition;
psychosomatic (autogenous) training;
development of confidence in a happy issue of the competition
and mobilization of the total intellectual and volitive potential;
adaptation and choice on the ground of emotional factors
(change of environment, lack of information on the opponent,
avoiding to talk about possible failure, etc.);
36

 new motivations (change of the aim, responsibility to the co

llective, social importance of the victory, etc.);
decrease of emotional tension by massage, warming up, sho
wers, conversation about indifferent topics (reciting poetry, sing
ing songs) visual correction of tremors, etc.
self-encouragement and self-praising by repeating to oneself: I
am a champion, I am well prepared, I am the stronger,
I am still strong, etc.;
consolation by using one of the following formulas: I am
going to win, I am calm, nobody is invincible, etc.;
encouragement and slogans: be a man, be calm, hold
out, etc.;
remembering pleasant things, victories, ceremonies of awarding
prizes, examples set by heroes, the dear and beloved ones, etc.
performance in thoughts of favourite grips and elements of
the tactical plan.

Rules of hygiene for young wrestler

In order to remain in good health and develop physically young
wrestlers should observe some rules of personal and social hygiene. A
rational diet, regular sleeping hours, trainings alternating with periods
of rest and a balanced life are prerequisites for a normal development
of children and adolescents and a good performance in sports.
A deep and sound sleep makes the body stronger and able to per
form hard work. For that reason every wrestler should sleep 10 to 12
hours a day.
Trainings, on the other hand, help develop the muscles, but are
also responsible for a considerable loss of energy. That is why young
wrestlers, who are in the stage of intensive physical growth, must eat
diversified food rich in calories, proteins, vitamins and minerals. It is
a crime towards the children and adolescents to let them lose weight
artificially, because, by doing that they jeopardize both their health
and sports future. Every wrestler should compete in the category de
termined by the natural weight of his body. After his weight has been
taken he should not eat great quantities of heavy food difficult to
digest. Instead of cold water it is much better to drink hot tea with

37

sugar or glucose, hot, thick soup, 30 mg. of vitamin , 10 mg. of

vitamin and 5 to 8 gr. of salt. The exaggerated consumption of
liquids negatively affects the cardiovascular system, endurance and
strenght of will.
It is also important to take into consideration the time of diges
tion of food. It is two hours for tea, water, cocoa, milk, soup, french
fried potatoes, etc., two to three hours for coffee with milk, chocola
te, eggs, fish and white bread, three to four hours for boiled meat,
black bread and apples, four to five hours for grilled meat, french
(string) beans, peas, etc., eight hours for canned fish, etc.
It is recommendable for young wrestlers to take saccharoese (cane
sugar) 2 hours to 20 minutes before the match in order to strengthen
the whole organism.
After great efforts the sportsmen should drink alkaline water and
eat grapes and other food rich in alkaline which absorbs the acids
accumulated in blood.
Alcohol and tabacco are incompatible with all sports activities, in
cluding wrestling.

Medical and self-control

All trainings of children and adolescents should be conducted un
der the supervision of a doctor. In fact, the doctor of a sports school
or club (if there is one) should take care of the health of young
wrestlers and prescribe them the dose of permitted physical effort,
necessary rest, diet, weight control, etc. Periodical medical examina
tions, particularly before competitions, are obligatory for all young
wrestlers.
Self-control is also very important because each wrestler should be
able to control the state of his organism and, together with his peda
gogue, discuss all physical in his body and their nature. Each sports
man should keep a diary which would contain facts and personal ob
servations on his health.
In order to protect the wrestlers from traumas it is necessary to
eliminate from their trainings everything risky.

38

Here are some of the causes of traumatism in wrestling:

1. Deviations in the organization of and methodological work
during the trainings and competitions, such as:
trainings and competitions with older wrestlers;
trainings and competitions with heavier wrestler;
implementations of methods of work and practice of exercises which do not suit the age of the wrestlers involved;
participation in competitions of wrestlers who are not well
prepared;
insufficient or inappropriate warming up;
poor physical preparation;
poor technical preparation;
incorrectly assimilated technique;
dangerous disproportion between the number of trainees
and size (dimensions) of the wrestling ground;
inappropriate disposition of couples on the wrestling
ground;
poor discipline during the trainings;
trainings from which the sports pedagogue is absent;
ignorance of prophylactic measures against traumas;
performance of dangerous, rough and prohibited grips;
forced preparations.
2.

Deviations from the standards observed for technical equipment used during the trainings and competitions:

3.

Inappropriate and narrow wrestling hall;

unpadded objects close to the wrestling ground;
too hard or too elastic wrestling mat;
uneven wrestling mat;
a torn or badly fixed canvas;
a too small mat;
absence of protection zone round the carpet;
use of training apparatuses (dummies, sacks, dumb-bells,
weights, etc.) inappropriate for a given age group;
training in torn jerseys and clothes;
trainings, barefooted or in unconfortable shoes.
Poor medical control:
premature admission to trainings or competitions of the
wrestlers after injuries or illness.
admission to trainings and competitions of ill wrestlers;
39

continuation of the training or competition after the injury;

violation of medical rules for sportsmen;
non hygienic conditions of trainings;
unfavorable meteorological conditions during the training or
competition.

SELECTION, ORGANIZATION AND PLANNING OF

THEORETICAL WORK AND TRAINING FOR CHILDREN
AND ADOLESCENTS

Nowadays we are faced with a trend to constantly decrease the lower age limit for young wrestler. This means that they have less time
to prepare themselves for that sport, which also affects the system of
training and selection of children and adolescents.
Early sports preparations and recruiting of young sportsmen from
among young children constitute an integral part of both the theoretical and practical approach to all modern sports. Coaches of swimming, artistic skating, track and field, etc. select their trainees not only
from among elementary school pupils, but also from among children
in kindergardens. Yet, this approach is not always justified from the
scientific point of view. Very often the aim of the so called scientific
theories is to justify the lowering of the lower age limit in order to
attract children to go in earlier for the sports that have, so far, been
the tabu sports for their age groups. The aim of such theories is
not only to promote certain sports, but also justify an early selection
of those children and adolescents who will be able to achieve outstanding results.
It is still a contraversial issue when young wrestler should start
their sports preparation. In some countries it is the age of 8 or 9, in
some others 11 or 12. The number of those supporting the view that
preparation for wrestling should start at the age of 14 or 15 is constantly decreasing. In Bulgaria the most suitable age is considered 10
or 11, whereas special preparation in wrestling beging at the age of
13 or 14.
Preparatory groups for children should have 25 trainees. It is preferable that they all attend the same school, or at least live in the
same neighbourhood and attend school at the same hours of the day.
This is very important for regular attendance of trainings.
The second stage of true selection begins after the preparatory
training course for children. It is based on the standards established
41

for general physical preparation, on the examination of the sports

doctor and personal impressions of the specialist in charge of selection during the trainings and competitions.
Regardless of all the advantages of such a system of selection
sports pedagogues should, at any moment, admit in their respective
groups any child or adolescent endowed with basic qualities promising
a good sports development.
In Bulgaria preparation of children and adolescents is organized
according to The Overall Programme of Theoretical Work and Training in Wrestling, which has been approved by the Bulgarian Wrestling Federation.
The Programme provides for the establishment of the following
age groups:
Preparatory groups for children JO to 12 years old.Trainings takes places three times a week and last 90 minutes each. These are, in
fact, lessons which consist of various exercises for general physical
development and games. Their aim is to develop the basic physical
qualities and build numerous motor habits. The trainees attending these
groups take part in 2- to 3 competitions annually, at the most.
Groups for children 13 and 14 years old.Trainings take place
three to four times a week and last 90 minutes each. This is the stage
when a special sports preparation begins. The trainees attend a course
in basic technique of wrestling. They also get acquainted with the
rules of competition and general theoretical premises of wrestling. The
trainees attending these groups take part in 5 or 6 competitions annually at the most, with the maximal number of matches ranging between 12 and 16.
Group for adolescents (I) for boys 15 and 16 years old.Trainings
take place three to four times a week and last 90 to 120 minutes
earh. The aim of individual work at this stage is to develop physical
qualities in the trainees and help them acquire the technique and tactics of wrestling. Also, the trainees study more thoroughly the theory
of this sport. The trainee attending these groups take part in 8 to 10
competitions annually, at the most, with about 20 matches.
Groups for adolescents (II) for boys 17 and 18 years old.The
nature, volume and intensity of work devoted to preparation on this
level is similar to the amount of exercises prescribed to the groups for
juniors and seniors. The trainee have five to six trainings a week,
each of them lasting 90 minutes, or more. The method of work is
almost completely individual. The trainees attending these groups take
part in 12 to 15 competitions annually with about 30 matches at the
most.
42

Planning of sport preparation

Under contemporary circumstances of sports preparation high
achievements in wrestling are inconceivable without a detailed and
well planned preparation of wrestlers. Also, such plans should be established for one or several years.
Planning several years in advance.Such long term plans are made for adolescents. They establish the basic premises for future development of the wrestlers, prescribe the volume of technical, tactical
and theoretical material to be taught, indicate all the aspects of physical preparation to be developed and anticipate individual results of
the wrestlers involved.
In establishing the so called prospective plans for adolescents the
following should be taken into account:
1. The aims and tasks of the sports preparation should be strictly
defined so as to avoid all exaggeration.
2. Controls test should be in conformity with individual qualities
of the wrestlers involved.
3. The prospective plans should be established for the period of
1 to 4 years in order provide for the sports preparation after
the age of 18.
4. The relative duration ot the preparatory period should be
longer and the amount of work necessary for general physical
preparation and improvement of technical and tactical knowledge greater than for senior wrestlers.
5. The prospective plan should also deal with the education and
future profession of each individual wrestler.
In order to better develop the potential possibilities of each individual wrestler the plan should also contain all his main personal data
(age, anthropometric data, physiological data, data on the nervous
system, technical range, tactical abilities, theoretical knowledge, personal views, volitive qualities, etc.).
Every prospective plan should be set up in such a way so as to
provide a basis for the sports preparation over a period of several
years and thus enable the sportsmen develop and improve their old
and acquire new habits and qualities.
Every proficient wrestler should have his own prospective plan of
individual development. These are long term plans which cover a period of several years and in a detailed and precise manner set task
which should be achieved.
43

Annual plans.These plans are usually a part of the prospective

plan and provide for concrete and specific task to be accomplished
over a period of one year.
Usually, the annual sports preparation of children and adolescents
consists of three consecutive cycles: preparatory, competitive and transitional. Annual planning of two consecutive cycles is recommended
only for proficient wrestlers from group II for adolescents.

Operational planning
Operational plans in fact consist of working plans for one training
cycle or competition. The following is the most usual pattern:

Date, day and

number of
trainings

Basic aim
of the
training

Content of
theoretical and
practical work.
Effort required

Methodological .
remarks

In groups for children and adolescents a weekly cycle of training

should be implemented. The beginners and children have 3 trainings a
week, adolescents, group I, 4 to 5, adolescents group II 5, more proficient wrestler 6 to 7. Younger wrestlers can also have 6 to 7 trainings a week before important competitions.
Before a wrestling tournaments the number of trainings also increases. In such case a bi-weekly cycle of training is sometimes implemented. On the very day of competition only semi-close assaults
should be practiced in the amount equal to one or two matches. Thus
the style of the preparation becomes similar to the nature of the competition itself.
When working out a plan for the preparation of a competition the
following elements should be taken into consideration:
1.

44

When preparing a bilateral competition the contest trainings

should take place every second day. The rythm of one special
preparation training should coincide with that of the competition itself.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

The closer the day of the competition the shorter the duration of the training contest so that at the end it coincides
with the time set by the rules.
The training match should be organized at the same hour of
the day when the competition itself takes place.
If the competition takes place in the afternoon the wrestlers
should rest in the morning so as to have both strength and
desire to wrestle with maximal intensity.
When there is no training in the morning, the morning gymnastics represents a mini-training and can last up to 35 minutes.
During the preparation of a tournament the most loaded
week should be the one a fortnight before the competition.
Ten to twelve days before the competition the load should be
dosed in such a way so as to help the wrestlers maintain
their form.
The programme of training matches should coincide with the
programme of the competition.
The aim of trainings during the period of competitions is to
help maintain the acquired form and beneficially affect the
central nervous system.
On the same day trainings for general physical preparation
should be preceded by trainings for special preparation. The
reversed order is not recommended.
Complete rest before the competition is not necessary. A light
warming up should take place on the day before the competition.
The closer the day of the competition, the smaller the
amount of exercises for general physical preparation, the
shorter the duration of the match* and the greater its intensity.

The sports pedagogue should work out a summary plan for each
training, in conformity with the general plan, level of preparation of
the trainees and their age group.
Owing to the fact that the sports pedagogue represents the leading
figure in the process of planning and implementation of the programme of sports preparation his role should be described in a more detailed and elaborate manner.
Together with his trainees the sports pedagogue works out a programme of physical preparation (fig. 3). The plan of each individual
training constitutes an integral and logical part of the overall programme of sports preparation. The point x of the channels a
45

and al reprents the entry of all the information on the programme.

In spite of the fact that the plan is general information coming from
the two channels are not identical, because one contains personal concepts of the coach and the other personal concepts of the wrestlers
involved (a ^al). Physical exercises are responsible for some changes
in the wrestlers (fatigue, pain, satisfaction, lack of self-confidence,
which constitute item b). These changes produce a feed-back effect
f on the further development of the training. Through the channel
i the sports pedagogue receives information on the course of the
training and the condition of each individual wrestler. The wrestlers

?
Corree - "<
S fions eipro
grammation
Comptiteur
flan de plusieurs annes

Pdagogue
sportif

Plan annuel
Plan d'une priode
de travail
Plan del ley

I~

on

Sance de la leon

Changements dans
L'organisme
Effet

cumulatif

Competitions
Normes de contrle
Observations pdagogiques

Etudes

biomdicales
et
psychologi ques

Fig. 3

receive the same kind o information through the channel il. If

some corrective measures are necessary the sports pedagogue can introduce them through the block R. Each individual wrestler can
make self-corrections through the block Rl. The automation of the
46

feed-back information system by means of magnetic tapes, pulsometers, electromyographes and other modern apparatuses increases the
reliability of a given information. All the changes in the organism
caused by the training are responsible for the accumulation of a functional and psychologycal potential called the cumulative effect
(C).
The level of sports preparation can be measured by means of
pedagogical observations, biomedical and psychological studies, control tests, results achieved at competitions, etc. The relationship between K and Kl enables a comparative analyses between the initial information and the model of the plan of work. After a detailed
analyses it is possible to introduce corrections and even make completely new plans.
A considerable part of each individual programme is devoted to
the scientifically grounded forcasi of the development of each individual wrestler and his possible opponents. A realistic forcast of this
nature should be made on the ground of serious scientific works, rational and realistic sports information and a manysided interpretation
of all the data. Very often an information valuable today becomes
obsolete the next year. For that reason it is necessary to keep
abreast with the latest achievements in science.
Optimal planning in sports is based on the following basic sources
of information:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Information on the development trends in wrestling (A), including the new rules, styles, systems, methodology, etc.,
Information on the possible opponent (B), his school, style,
physical characteristics, tactics, technique, psychology, age,
etc.,
Information on the latest achievents in science and innovations in the theory and practice of wrestling (C),
Information on general strategy in wrestling implemented in
the country,
Information on former theories and pratice (E), if possible
translated into parameters of measurable figures,
Assessment of anticipated future development of each individual wrestler on the ground of his talent, age, training conditions, etc. (F).
Information on anticipated changes in the training system,
Information on the material, financial and technical conditions (H).

47

THE TACTICS OF WRESTLING

The tactics of wrestling implies the ability of the wrestler to achieve a strategic aim by creatively implementing, during the match his
technical knowledge and putting to advantage his physical and psychological qualities in all the changing situations on the ground of all
the information he has on his opponent.
The tactics represents the most subtle aspect of the sports preparation of wrestlers, because its successful implementation depends on
their intellectual capacities and other various and numerous factors.
For that reason all dogmatism in the approach to this subject, its
rules and patterns, should be rejected as inappropriate. The evolution
in this sphere is so rapid that sometimes serious changes should be
introduced in the previuosly established plan even during the same
competition.
Various aspects of the tactics include:

..

the tactics of technical actions,

the tactics of the match, and
the tactics of the competition.

Technical Means in Wrestling

The on guard standing and the on guard ground position represent a basis for carrying out all technical actions.
The on guard standing position represents a basis for all the
offensive and deffensive actions. There is a very close relationship
between this position and the technique implemented. By changing his
on guard standing position the wrestler creates numerous offensive
49

opportunities against his opponent, and also opportunities for his personal defense and counter-offensive. Besides, he also introduces in the
match the elements of dynamics and surprise and assures for himself
the advantage to see well and control the actions of his opponent.
There are three on guard standing positions: high, middle and
low. They depend on the position of the body of the wrestler.
The on guard ground position also has there variants: The on
guard high, the on guard middle and the on guard lying position.
After the obligatory period of ground wrestling has been deleted
from the rules, together with all its advantages, some underestimate
the importance of this position. Yet, I would like to emphasize that
two thirds of all the victories on fall can be achieved by ground
grips.

Controls
By means of various controls the wrestler, in fact, exercises a mechanical influence on his opponent. In wrestling pushes, drags and
grips can be performed by means of various controls which can be
classified into two groups:
1. Controls leading to a grip, and
2. Controls for modifying the position of the opponent.

Grips
In wrestling a victory can be won thanks to the grips. So far the
exact number of grips has not been established but it is certain that
their number amounts to several hundred. This enormous technical
wealth is, usually, not used during the competitions, because all
wrestlers tend to implement the most efficient technique Normally,
during one competition in Graeco-Roman style 20 to 25 grips are
performed and 25 to 35 in free-style wrestling. Yet, every grip can be
performed in several ways. That is why there is an infinite number of
combinations of the controls and movements in wrestling.
50

Joint actions of technical and tactical means

Each round within a competition consists of a series of movements
whose form and content is not rounded in the majority of cases. In
fact these movements precede and prepare the attack, the defence and
the counter-attack, or represent feint actions in wrestling.
a) Distances.During a wrestling round the wrestlers alternatively get closer to and away from each other by. At the same
time they change the controls and wrestling stances. By changing their wrestling stance and distance they increase or decrease their offensive and defensive opportunities. In fact there
are four possibilities: wrestling from the distance, wrestling
from middle distance, close wrestling and corps--corps wrestling.
b) Wrestling stances.The change of the wrestling stance enriches
the range of tactical possibilities. For that reason wrestling
stances are considered as links connecting technical and tactical actions.
c) Controls.All non specific controls can be considered as joint
actions.
d) Movement in space.

Tactical means
In spite of the fact that there is no clear cut boundary between
the technical and tactical means in wrestling in some actions it is a
tactical element that predominates. For that reason we are going to
consider such actions as purely tactical.

I. Tactical means for the preparation of a grip

In modern wrestling it is impossible to perform a success full grip
against an outstanding wrestler without a good tactical preparation.
51

Throws.It is very difficult to maintain the equilibrium in wrestling because all the time each wrestler endeavours to throw his opponent forward, backward or on the ground.
The throw represents a basic tactical moment in the performance
of numerous grips (fig. 4). It is not only considered as a stage in the
performance of numerous grips, but also as a means for exercising a
moral influence on the opponent to puzzle and exhaust him in order
to create favourable conditions for the attack. A wrestling match with

constant movements, pushes, drags, halts and other means which help
frighten the opponent and make him nervous offers excellent opportunities for various attacks.
In order to successfully perform a throw it is necessary to be familiar with the technique of wrestling and biomechanics and attend
special trainings for the improvement of vestibular functions.
Maneuvres.This a tactical approach in which all the combinations of various movements, wrestling stances, controls and distances
are implemented in order tu upset the opponent and create favourable
conditions for technical actions. This approach is adopted by all contemporary wrestlers and thanks to it individual wrestling matches acquire specific features.
The maneuvre is also implemented together with other tactical
means, such as: throw, menace, obstruction, etc. It can be performed
52

by the movements of the legs, arms or body, and very often of all
the three together.
Through the maneuvre the wrestler also strives to secure the advantageous position on the mat, impose the stance, distance or a given activity. This approach also increases the militancy of the wrestler
who implement it and, at the same time, crushes down and paralyzes
the opponent because it exhausts him both physically and psychologically.
Threat.This is, in fact, a feint offensive action. Its aim is to
channel the defence of the opponent in one direction only and make
him break guard so as to be able to carry out a one's own premeditated technical action. In fact, the wrestlers who implement this approach perform a feint of control or grip. They persist in their attempts to mislead and deceive the opponent until he becomes vulnerable to the premeditated attack.
Some wrestlers attack in such a way that their opponents understand the nature of the feint action and they keep repeating in until
the opponent calms down: Only then they actually carry out the feint
grip.
Repeated and serial attacks.After the wrestler has repelled an attack his vigilance always diminishes and very often he very slowly
returns to his usual position, distance or control. All good wrestlers
take advantage of this opportunity and at that finally they attack
with all their strength.
The repeated attack means the repetition of the initial grip or performance of another grip under favourable circumstances. When the
wrestler attacks several times by repeating the same grip only then he
performs a serial attack.
Allurement.The aim of this tactical approach is to create feint
offensive possibilities which induce the opponent to attack. This enables the wrestlers to get acquainted with the technical and tactical
qualities of his opponent. In many cases the wrestler must play his
role very naturally in order to deceive the most sceptical opponent
and make him believe his feint actions. He can do that in various
ways, such as:

breaking guard (uncovering),

provoking,
retreating, and
simulating.
53

All these actions create a psychological basis for a more intensive

activity on the part of the opponent by stimulating his aggressiveness
to attack there where he has a chance.
Clocking.This approach provides wide opportunities for action,
in fact, defensive wrestling limits the offensive possibilities of the opponent by various controls of both arms and the upper part of the
body. In his desire to escape the control the opponent, in fact, breaks
his guard (uncovers himself).
The psychological effect of blocking is very important, because the
wrestler facing it has to deviate from his inital plan of action and for
that reason gets nervous, become less precise in his defense, concentrates his attention on how to escape the control, etc. Some controls
are considered as blockings because, in disguised manner, they create
opportunities for various attacks. Blockings also give rise to a permanent feeling of insecurity.

II.

Tactical Means in Wrestling

Tactical means in wrestling embrace all the elements practiced during the match, particulary those which pave they way for a grip and
lead to the actions which provide information on the opponent, disguise one's own intentions, set the rythm of the match help develop
moral superiority, etc.

Information
Information has a great general importance. Here, however, we
are going to speak only about the information directly connected with
the wrestling match.
Previous information.Provides data on the nature of the match
and the opponent. These information are used both for theoretical
work and trainings.
Information on the opponent.This kind of information can be
obtained before, during and after the match. Information obtained
before the match are used for tactical planning; those obtained during
the match to check the tactical plan and, if necessary, make corree54

tions; those at the disposal after the match to make tactical preparations for the following competition.
Previous information on the opponent include:
sports results and classification, victories over outstanding
wrestlers, defeats and their reasons, results achieved at the latest match,
present form and condition of the opponent,
for how long he has been wrestling, how old he is and, if rather old, how much worn out,
morphological data (size, length of extremities, condition of
muscles, weight, fatness, etc.),
information on his health,
information on his physical and motor qualities,
information on his technical and tactical qualities (grips, distances, controls, tactical means),
information on his weak points in offensive and defensive actions,
information on his moral and volitive stability.
Information during the match.The tactical plan should also provide for the possibility of obtaining information on the opponent during the match, particularly if an unknown wrestler is in question. The
basic aim of information during the contest is the following:
to determine the nature of physical qualities of the opponent.
In fact, physical qualities should not be considered as constant
values. Due to fatigue during the match physical qualities deteriorate, which should be kept in mind and taken advantage of,
get acquainted with the psychological and mental qualities of
the opponent. In spite of the fact that it is impossible to get
thorough information of this nature it is possible to discover in
the opponent concern, uncertainty or emotion. The unfavourable
mental state in the opponent can be detected by his general appearance, and the way he looks and moves even before the beginnin of the match and by his violent reaction to feint threats.
Young and less experienced wrestlers are always very excited at
the beginning of the match. This should be taken advantage of
for the attack already during the first minute, because later the
opponent gets calmer and starts wrestling according to his possibilities. During the match every wrestler should endeavour to
inform himself about the mental state of his opponent and, at
the most appropriate moment, take advantage of all the negative changes:
55

 discover the plan of his opponent. This is of particular impor

tance because it helps counteract all surprise technical and tac
tical actions, favourite grips and other tactical solutions impo
sed by the development of the match.
The strategic aim of the opponent can be discovered on the
ground of his overall possibilities and penalty points (bad marks) accumulated during the preceding round of the match. On the ground
of that information the wrestler will endeavour to win on points, on
fall, etc.
changing his wrestling stances controls, distances and tentative
grips the wrestler can also detect which are the favourite grips and
technical and tactical intentions of his opponent. During the corps--

corps contest the ability to make a distinction between real and feint
actions is of paramount importance.
The pattern of the tactical plan of the opponent is gradually revealed during the match. Yet, it is much easier to understand it

before the match the wrestler has some information on the ranking,
position and general tactical approach of his opponent.
New tactical decisions are determined by concrete situations. Alert
ness to tactical opportunities is always bilateral. Every wrestler always
has in mind the way his opponent would react. Outstanding wrestlers
can always anticipate changes in the tactical approach of their oppo
nents.
Every wrestler should always keep in mind the fact that his oppo
nent is animated by the same kind of curiosity. For that reason he
sould use his best endeavours to conceal the core of his own tactical
plan.
Information after the competition.A tactical analyses of the
match provides numerous information on the opponent. It is necessa
ry to write them down and memorize some of them in order to ap
propriately plan all future technical and tactical trainings. These infor
mation should be completed by the observations on the opponent
made by other wrestlers during the previous matches.
The ability to conceal one's plan.The wrestler should be able not
only to reveal the plan and tactical approach of his opponent, but
also to conceal his own. He should deceive his opponent about his
strength, swiftness, endurance, agility and technical flexibility. He can
achieve this by means of feint grips, wrestling stances, distances, con
trols, feint parades, intentional slowing down of pace, manifestations
of feint concern, intentional uncoverings, etc.
56

Every wrestler should use his best endeavours to prevent his opponent discover his plan of attack and weak points in his system of
defense and make it impossible for him to concentrate on the he intends to carry out. This can be achieved by various tactical means
such as: maneuvres, threats, allurements and blocking, for which concealment constitutes an integral part of the under taken action.
The informative plan of every wrestler should also include all the
means which can help him conceal each individual stage of his plan.

The technico-tactical block

The technico-tactical block consists of grips, parades, ripostes, and
oter tactical actions implement in a mutually connected and consecutive manner, in compliance with the changing situation during thematch
and chracteristcs of the apponent.
This block can be established both during the training and the
match itself. There are two kinds of technico-tactical block: the elaborate block established and improved during the lessons of theory and
trainings and the extemporized block established on the spot, during
the match. Very often spontaneous situations during the match bring
about changes in the technico-tactical block. The result is a mixt technico-tactical block which consists of elements of both the elaborate
and extemporized one.
There are several types of technico-tactical blocks:
1. The structural technico-tactical block con be carried out from
a given position (initial position or control). In fact, several
offensive actions grips can develop from one initial position.
In performing this block certain initial control or determined
position of the extremities should be preserved.
2. The functional technico-tactical block.It can be develop on
the ground of the reactions of the opponent either to real or
feint attack. Most often the opponent uncovers himself by carrying out a parade on the grip, thus providing the opportunity for another grip. For example, after on attempt of the attacking wrestler to perform the external leg lock from above,
the wrestler underneath, by extending his arm uncovers his
neck, thus providing the opportunity for half Nelson. On the
other hand, if the wrestler underneath wants the make a parade on the second grip by pulling his arm towards the body he
57

loses support for his actions of strenght and can be very easily
turned over by the first grip (leg lock). If the attacking wrest
ler unhooks his leg he can perform a reverse thigh ac
tion, etc. Almost all these parades lose their efficiency when
the attacking wrestler implements a technico-tactical block.
3. The combined technico-tactical block.This block can repre
sent a continuation of an initial position (or control) or a reac
tion to the riposte by the attacked wrestler.
The combined technico-tactical block can be divided into two ma
jor groups: the offensive and counter-offensive one.
Other classifications are also possible within this block.
The attack can develop from one grip to another, which depends
on the controls and parades of the opponent. The number of passa
ges also determines the number of maneuvres.
Are passage from one grip to another can be carried at any stage
of the performance of agrip, namely, after the preparation of the
grip, after the performance of a control, after the grip has been per
formed and after the final actions.
The technico-tactical blocks are based on the links existing between
various grips. They can be structural, functional, structural and func
tional and functional and structural. In structural technico-tactical
blocks the attacking wrestler goes directly from one grip to the next,
without making feint movements or attempting to attack by means of
other grips. In this case the link is direct. On the other hand, if a
performed grip is preced by attempts to perform other grips then the
link is an indirect one.
In the case when the attacking wrestler starts a log lock grip and
then can perform tac half Nelson and ga back to the leg lock the
is two directional. On the other hand, when the attacking wrest
ler goes from one grip to another without being able to return to his
initial grip then the link is one directional. The link is afferent if it
goes from the periphery to the center, and efferent if it goes from
the center to the periphery.
In some cases one grip can be performed in two or three ways. If
there is only one way the link is single, if there are two ways itm is
double, if there are three ways treble, etc.
It goes without saying that the efficiency of all the connections is
not the same. Each technico-tactical block should indicate its most
efficient connections. They are called cardinal connections and, accor
ding to their efficiency they can be of the first, second and third
degree.
58

The dominant connections is the best assimilated one. It varies

from one individual wrestler to another and very often does not coincide with the cardinal connection because the latter is most often determined by statistical data and the latest trends in technical development. The ranking of dominant connections is individual.
Dominant and cardinal connections are more or less constant, whereas the optimal ones are variable. During the trainings it is necessary
to transform cardinal connections into the dominant ones.
Each connection consists of specific and different technical and
tactical elements. If its purpose is to deceive the opponent it is called
a feint or pseudo connection. In cases when the actions of the wrestler in top position make his opponent uncover his defense and provide an opportunity for a grip the connection is imperative. When the
wrestler has a choice between two grips the connection is optional.
There is also a transitional connection which enables the performance
of a grip paving the way to the planned one.
On the ground of its origin, purpose and structure the same connection can belong to several groups. All the technico-tactical blocks
represent algorythmes of all the actions undertaken by one wrestler.
Their knowledge and practical implementation are of paramount importance for the mastery of this sport.

Moral Superiority During the Match

During the match the emotional state and self-assurance of the
wrestler change, which also affects their way of thinking. In fact,
endeavours for initiative and moral superiority in the match constituve
basic prerequisites for moral victory. Every wrestler should do his
best to impose his style of wrestling and jeopardize the moral stability
of his opponent. He can achieve this by impressing his opponent with
his self-confidance, swift and bold offensive actions and controls and
constant feint threats. Repeated and serial attacks threats and uncoverings limit the freedom of action of the opponent and undermine
his self-confidance. All the outstanding wrestlers such as: Nicolas
Stantchev, Petro Sirakov, Stoyan Kolev, Boyan Radev, Prodan Gardjev, Alexandre Medved, Husseine Akbach, Ossamo Watanabe and
many others have almost always had the initiative in wrestling matches.
Some wrestlers wrestle roughly, sometimes even too much so, which
also makes their opponents apprehensive.
59

Control of Pace
A very intensive pace of the match exhausts the strength of the
less prepared opponent because he has to react to actions which are
not natural to him, and face technical and tactical situations he has
no time to analyse, which undremines his moral stability. That is why
the ability to impose his own pace of the match can never be too
emphasized. That is why good wrestlers maintain a high level of tension throughout the match. In that way their vigilance remains intact
and they menage to impose their will on the opponent.

Mistakes
Mistakes are almost always responsible for defeats. Some are caused by skillful tactical and technical actions of the opponent, some
are caused emotions and lack of attention, whereas some can result
from rough accidental tactical and technical mistakes of the opponent.
Yet mistakes are not a frequent phenomenon and, for that reason,
every wrestler should be ready to take advantage of them. First of
all, during the match every wrestler should very carefully watch the
movements of his opponent. Some wrestlers try to impose a fierce
pace of the match because, in that case, their opponents are much
more prone to committing mistakes. For example, most wrestlers mostly commit mistakes on the edge of the mat. Every wrestler should be
able to anticipate the mistakes of his opponent in a given situation
and ready to take advantage of them.

The Wrestling Mat

The wrestling mat has limited dimensions. For that reason it is
very important to know how to use it properly. The use of the edge
surface is of particular importance both for offensive and defensive
actions. Very often the wrestlers are lost on the edge of the mat
and many get bad marks for getting off the adge.
At the beginning of the match the contest usually takes place in
the middle of the mat. Every wrestler usually tries to perform a num60

ber of grips immediately after the referee's signal for the beginning of
the match, before his opponent is able to take his favourite position.
Very often the better wrestler strives to occupy the center or the inside edge the mat in order to have a position which will enable him to
carry out the planned technical and tactical actions.
Ofensive actions on the edge of the mat depend on the structure
of the grips. The wrestler on the inside edge of the mat can perform
various grips in the direction of the center, whereas in the opposite
direction he can perform a throw or a leg lock. The latter can successfully be performed when the wrestler withdraws and takes advantage
of the offensive movements of his opponent. This position is also
favourable for performing a lift with cross body hold, standing rear
body lock and lift, etc. Grips can be prepared in various ways. It is
much easier to throw the opponent after a grip loosening in the edge
zone. Some wrestlers carry out grip loosening and blocking on the
edge of the mat, as if they were discontinuing the match. This maneuvre creates favourable conditions for attacking.
If the situation is too dangerous for him the wrestler on the edge
can always get off the mat, but he will get a bad mark for that.

The Tactical Plan of the Match

This plan embraces all the logical combinations of tactical and
technical means for carrying out offensive, defensive and counter-offensive actions. It is wrong to assume that the offensive can be reduced to one grip only and the defensive to a parade.

The Offensive
Lately, wrestling has rapidly developed the counter-offensive and
defensive, which has diminished the importance of the offensive and
deprived this sport of its true dynamism, dramatic aspects and beauty. On the other hand, the offensive has become more precise and
complex, including the contest for the control, position, distance, space, pace and the implementation of technical means for the preparation and performance of a grip. All offensive actions consist of one
or several attacks. All attacks leading to a grip are considered as fundamental, whereas the others are considered as complementary.
61

Every attack is limited in time and space and most often has a
determined tactical aim. The time of the attack is divided into three
stages:
preparation of the attack,
development of the attack, and
conclusion of the attack.
Al technical and tactical means should be implemented for the
preparation of an attack. The development of the attack means the
performance of a grip (technical action). The conclusion of an attack
means the result achieved. Fundamental attacks carried out successfully can bring about victory on points or by fall. On the other hand,
complementary attacks pave the way to favourable situations which
make possible a successful fundamental attack.
It has already been mentioned that, according to tactical tasks,
attacks can be real or feint. These two kinds of attacks should be
similar. Otherwise the opponent will easily be able to notice the difference, which will diminish the possibilities of the wrestler to transform the feint attacks into the real ones.
According to the offensive actions of the wrestlers their attacks
can be sincere, surprise or against an opponent defending himself.
There are three kinds of attacks which depend on the movement:
attack by moving towards the opponent,
attack on the spot, and
attack by withdrawing from the opponent.
According to the position of the wrestler with regard to his opponent the attack can be:
frontal, which includes: lift with cross body hold, overturning
fackward and forward by leg lock, etc.
lateral, which includes: arm grip, arm lock, Nelson, half Nelson, etc.,
rear, which includes: holding in bridge, throwing forward after
having gained the position behind the opponent, etc.
The offensive become permanent when the opponent only defends
himself and carries out passive controls and wrestling stances. If a
permanent offensive does not lead to grips, at least it makes the opponent passive.
62

The Defensive
The wrestlers organize their defense not only by means of various
parades on the grips, but also through various tactical actions, such
as: blocking, threat, maneuvre, throw, a simulated action, attack on
the edge of the mat, push off the mat, contest on the edge of the
mat, etc. However, the parade remains one of the most important
aspects of the defense. It represents the opposition to the attack and
prevents its development by impeding it.
It is very difficult to classify the defense according to its forms.
Universal defense implies a low wrestling stance, and wrestling
from the distance by impedeing the opponent to move by holding his
arm in grip.
Specific defense implies the defense againts a given grip.
Some form of universal defense can be carried out even before the
contact with the opponent. For example, when wrestling from the distance the wrestler who defends himself lowers his stance (on guard)
and arms even before being attacked. This is preliminary defense.
The wrestler can react to the attack either by responding to it or
avoiding it.
Specific defense is a reaction to given grips. The attacked wrestler
can decide to implement the so called deaf defense in order to impede and discontinue the actions of his opponent. For example, if
one his legs is attacked he can jump backwards. This is passive defense. When the wrestler retreats but in such a way that his opponent
falls on the kness, which means finds himself in a position suitable
for counter-attack, then it is called active defense. Every wrestler of
the modern times should be able to judge the situation and determine
whether he should carry out an active or passive defense.

The Counter-Offensive
Dynamism and beauty of modern wrestling greatly depend on the
counter-offensive. Without it every wrestling match would leave the
impression of a disconnected series of rare and isolated offensive episodes and lose its suspense and pleasant feeling of danger.
The counter-offensive can be direct and indirect. It can use various
allurements and be organized on the ground of complex technical and
tactical principles. In modern wrestling the counter-offensive as a tac63

tical element is acquiring an ever increasing importance. There is a

trend, which we consider erroneus, to orientate wrestling toward the
counter-offensive only, particularly when the wrestlers are older and
make up for the reduced agility and rapidity by a more rational organization of the counter-offensive.
A simplified approach to wrestling and rare counter-attacks characteristic of some wrestlers are the result of erroneous training methods. After the technical performance of a grip a riposte should be
practiced and improved. Only after that passive defense should be
practiced and improved, because in the opposite case the wrestler gets
used to defensive actions, particulary to the easier ones, which, become predominant in his style of wrestling and jeopardize the development of his sports career.
The relationship between various ripostes is a very complex one.
For that reason it should have a place it deserves in all training programmes because this is the only way to more easily reveal the secrets in the offensive system of the opponent.

Tactical Approach to the Match

Tactical aspects or forms of a match imply all external manifestations of wrestling actions. These actions are not fortuitous. They are
determined by specific strategic tasks to be performed and aims achieved in a given situation. That is why they depend on the level of
development of the wrestlers tactical mind. External manifestations in
wrestling consist in offensive and counter-offensive actions. On the
ground of their quantitative relationship we distinguish the following
tactical aspects or forms: offensive, offensive-defensive, defensive-offensive and defensive.
The Offensive Approach or Form is characterized by a constant
offensive, constant movement, frequent attacks and bold tactical decisions. This tactical forms is particulary suitable for matches with inferior partners in order to gain points and win by fall. This approach
cannot be applied arbitrarily, as is the case, for example, with the
defensive tactical approach, because the wrestler can practice it only if
he is really the superior of the two, if his functional and technical
abilities are perfect and if his moral stability is outstanding.
The Offensive-Defensive Approach or Form is much more frequently practiced. By taking into account the qualities of his opponent and concrete situation the wrestlr endeavours to impose on his
64

partner an offensive and organized match in which all offensive actions are followed by a solid and efficient defense. This tactical approach, is usually adopted by wrestlers of equal standing.
The Defensive-Offensive Approach of Form favours the premeditated counter-attack. This approach is usually applied by some older
wrestlers with glower motor reactions, imperfect technique or insufficient . moral stability. Sometimes the match itself imposes this approach.
The Defensive Approach of Form can be applied against an outstanding opponent. Usually the inferior wrestler endeavours to hold
out against his opponent in order to lose the match on points only.
This is also ta favourite approach of some wrestlers with undermined
moral stability.
' (
A wrestler of the mqdern times should have the mastery of all the
tactical forms and implement them according to the situation and
characteristics of the opponent.

65

TECHNIQUE OF FREE-STYLE WRESTLING

IN STANDING POSITION

The most characteristic actions are: overturning forward, overturning

backward and leg lock of the opponent.
By controlling, in various ways, the legs, arms, body and neck of
his opponent the attacking wrestler can overturn him forward or
backward and throw him on the ground. An overturn backward and
a throw on the ground by leg lock can be achieved practically from
the same initial position characteristic of an overturn forward. These
grips are very efficient, but, owing to the fact that they are risky and
performed under constant tension the majority of wrestlers avoid
them.
Leg lock is the basic grip for overturning the opponent backward
and forward, or throw him on the ground. Very often the wrestler
who wants to throw his opponent on the ground. Very often the
wrestler who wants to throw his opponent on the ground only mnages to carry out the overturning forward, and the other way round.
Tactical and technical actions to be applied depend on the reactions
of the opponent. Various combinations are possible within which the
overturning forward can lead to a throw on the ground, etc.
In spite of the fact that there is a wide range of possibilities all
leg-lock actions develop in the following manner:
initial position and break into the legs of the opponent,
performance of the control,
performance of the grip, and
final action.
1. Initial Position and Break Into the Legs
This initial position is. above all, determined by the standing
wrestling stance of the opponent and the grip to be performed.
67

In wrestling matches at greater, middle of short distance this grip

is preceded by feint movements and controls of the neck, body or
arms.
Break into the legs is the primary stage in the performance of
the grip itself. This stage is responsible for the precision of the control and suecess of the attack. In order to lock his legs it is necessary
to break through the wrestling stance of the opponent bu obliging
him to straighten up or lift his arms. Since this does not always occur the attacking wrestler should endeavour to deceive his opponent
in order to break his defense by opening his arms.

2. Performance of the Control

Introductory actions are followed by the control of legs. There is

no other group of grips offering such a wide range of control combinations of feet, ankles and thighs of both legs. Besides, the attacking
wrestler can perform the control by making various combinations with
his fingers, palms, forearms and arms, by straightening up, falling on
his knees, etc.
3. Performance of the Grip
After having acquired the control of legs the attacking wrestler
can overturn his opponent, forward, backward or throw him on the
ground. The overturn forward is responsible previously been lifted
from the ground. In case of overturn forward the opponent is suddenly pushed backwards and throw on the ground. When performing
this grip the wrestler first lifts his opponent. In spite of the fact that
various grips result from a number of common situations they considerably differ in their structure, orientation of the action, controls,
etc.

4. Final Actions
We have already mentioned that there is a wide range of initial
positions. The same can be said of final actions. Their variety mostly
68

depends on the resistance of the opponent and the precision with

which a given grip is performed. Equally important is the ability of
the wrestler to keep his opponent on the ground, in bridge position
or on his back, particularly after the rule on controled fall has been
introduced.

Double Front Leg-Lock

When performing this grip the wrestler lifts his opponent from the
ground and throws him on the mat with the aim to keep him on his
back or in bridge position. This grip is also called airplane because
the wrestler lifts his opponent from the ground and holds him in the
air for a while. This grip is performed from a high or middle wrestling stance (on guard). Break into the legs should be carried out
abruptly and energetically. It should be preceded by various approach
maneuvres and feints with the legs, arms and body.

The airplane by single leg lock and body embracement (from

single leg-lock with final control in the fork). This grip is performed
from a high or middle standing wrestling stance (fig. 5). The attacking wrestler makes a step forward with his right leg, his body bowed
and arms ready to perform a control. His left hand grips from the
outside and very far behind the opposite tigh of his opponent, above
the knee, whereas his right hand embraces the body of the latter up
his waist. The weight of the body is on the leg extended forward.

The opponent is lifted at the moment when he places his left in line
with the right one. Very strong muscles of the legs help him perform
the lift and maintain the balance. With his arms he drags closer opponent, which means that their respective centers of gravity also get
closer. The dorsal muscles straighten up the bust of the attacking
wrestler and facilitate the ligting (fig. 6).
When the wrestler attacks the legs of his opponent with tlje aim
of lifting him he creates a specific biomechanical system, the so called
wrestler to wrestler system. On the other hand it is evident that
70

before lifting his opponent the attacking wrestler has to place the center of his gravity lower than the center of gravity of his opponent is,
and as close as possible to his vertical projection. After having lited
his opponent from the ground the stability of the attacking wrestler
diminishes because the wrestler to wrestler system now has a different joint center of gravity which is much higher, and has a reduced
angle of stability and a smaller general support surface. Besides, the
lifted opponent does his best to gesticulate in order to tip the balance. He can be held in the air only thanks to a graet effort performed
by the muscles of the legs and body of the attacking wrestler, a great
stimulation on the part of the attacking wrestler, a great stimulation
en the part of the vestibulary apparatus and increased distance between the legs. Lifting from the ground begins in the following manner: the attacking wrestler sinks under the body of his opponent.
After that, by performing a diving movement he continues upwards
and to the right. From the very beginning his chin is slightly lifted
and he moves his head upwards and backwards. His spinal cord alternatively straightens up and slightly down. By taking advantage of the
inercia gained by performing the break between the legs the attacking wrestler lifts his opponent by pivoting about 45 on the leg place forward. After the total weight of the opponent has been placed
on the right shoulder the left arm releases the control and grips the
thigh from inside (fig. 7). After that follows the drag of the controled thigh to the left and a step forward of the right leg. The attacking wrestler turns over his opponent almost parallely to the mat by
holding his weight mainly with his right hand. The throw on the
ground is performed thanks to the potential energy accumulated at
the moment of lifting. The attacking wrestler bends his right knee
towards the ground, embraces the neck of the opponent with his right
hand and falls on his right knee. The left leg remains bent almost
forming the right angle. It is on that leg that fall the thighs of the
attacked wrestler. His back is the first to touch the mat because his
legs are lifted with regard to the body. After that the attacking wrestler draws towards him the controlled thigh of his opponent, grips the
back of his head and keeps him (fallen) on the ground (fig. 8).
Double Front Leg-Lock (airplane)
The attacking wrestler makes a very quick break between the legs
of his opponent, with open arms. By controling grom outside the two
opposite thighs he brings his right leg in line with his left leg. After
71

having lifted the opponent on his shoulder the attacking wrestler tightens his thighs (fig. 9). Afthen hastily bends forward dragging the legs
of his opponent to his left and drops his right knee on the mat
(fig. 10).

The attacking wrestler continues to hold his opponent's thighs with

his left hand, whereas with his right hand he performs a complementary control until his opponent is down on his back.

Lateral Throw from Kneeling Position by Front Lock of Thighs

(One variant of double front leg-lock).
If, after having locked the thighs of his opponent the attacking
wrestler decides to kneel down on the mat on both knees he must lift
his (his opponent) by straightening up the upper part of his own body. His head is next to the right side of the body of his opponent,
his arms holding tight his thighs and dragging them to the left. The
attacking wrestler performs a throw backwards, in the direction of his
shoulder where the weight of the opponent is placed (fig. 11 and 12).
72

From this initial position (on the knees) it is possible to perform a

lateral throw by front single leg lock. After having lifted his opponent the attacking wrestler controls with his left hand the former's
thigh both from inside and outside, without changing the control with
his right hand (fig. 13). The drag of the controlled thigh to the left
and upwards assures the success of the lateral forward throw. After
that the attacking wrestler releases the control with his right arm by
embracing with it the neck of his opponent in order to affect the
back of his head.
73

Throw over the Chest From the Kneeling

Position after Front Leg-Lock
After having locked the thighs of his opponent the attacking
wrestler draws them tighter and gets closer to him. By straightening
himself up and lifting the thighs of his opponent as high as possible
he tears him from the ground (fig. 14). At the same time he performs
a quick throw backwards by giving momentum, with his chest, to the
body of the opponent. The attacking wrestler leans backwards and
without releasing the control of his opponent's thighs turns to the
right and threws him flat on the back. The position of the attacked
wrestler who finds himself in the air and without support, makes easier for the attacking wrestler to perform this throw (fig. 15 and 16).

Throw by Arm-Lock from Above

(Double Arm-Lock)
The attempt of the opponent to defend himself by performing a
cross body-hold of the attacking wrestler enables the latter to close
his arms from the elbow upwards. In order to be able to perform
this grip the attacking wrestler must keep his head off the body of
his opponent (fig. 17). Leaning on the mat with his legs the attacking
wrestler straightens up backwards by turning to his right, whereas his
opponent, devoid of support, remains on the ground on his back or
in bridge position (fig. 18.)

Throw Backwards with Single Leg and Opposite Arm Lock

When the attacking wrestler wants to lifts his opponent from the
ground, who is in kneeling position, the most frequent defense of the
attacked is to grip the leg of his opponent, and make him give up
the throw over the chest or lock (screw). Yet, the attacking wrestler
can prform a lateral or backwards throw by locking the opposite arm
of his opponent above the elbow. The controls should not be released
for the performance of this throw. The attacking wrestler exercises a
maximal pressure with his body (fig. 19 and 20).
75

Overturning Backwards
This is one of the grips by means of wchich the attacked wrestler
can be thrown on the ground and find himself in a critical position
on his back as a result of a sudden push, whithout having previously
been lifted from the mat. This grip is of particular importance and
provides a wide range of possibilities for combinations. For that reason we are giving here a great number of these grips under a new
classification, because, so far, many of them have been considered as
overturns forward or throws by leg pick-up.

Overturning Backwards by Leg-Lock

This grip is the most typical example of overturning backwards in
free-style wrestling. The attacking wrestler thrusts himself forward and
by doing so acquires a considerable initial speed (velocity). He very

Fi

19

Fig. 20

quickly locks the thighs of his opponent who is in frontal wrestling

stance (in frontal on guard position) and with his chest and right
shoulder he energetically pushes him backwards by lifting himself on
the tip of his toes and stretching his legs, which increases the strength
of his push (fig. 21). The attacked wrestler is not in a position to
move one leg backwards and thus maintain the balance (fig. 22). In
76

order to throw the opponent on the ground it is necessary to create

the rotation moment which results from the \ action of two parallel
forces in the same direction and opposite sense. Besides, the total
amount of forces breaking the balance should exceed that of the forces of resistance. In this case the forces breaking the balance are: the
push with the shoulder and chest and drag of the legs with the arms,
which represent two parallel forces in the opposite sense. The greater
the distance between the two points where the force is exercised, the
greater the effect of its impact. If the attacking wrestler locks the legs

of his opponent under the knee effect cannot be increased because of

the compensatory role of the knees. The effort of the muscles and
the flexibility of the human body are subject to numerous laws of
nature and mechanics.
After having forced his opponent into a sitting position the attacking wrestler has full control of his thighs and uses his best endeavours to transfer forward the weight of his body (fig. 23).
77

Overturning Backwards with Single Leg-Lock

The Bulgarian wrestlers are famous in the world for the perfor
mance of ver turnings backwards with single leg-lock. Here we are
going to describe its three variants:

Fig. 24

Fig. 25

First Variant.The attacking wrestler locks the leg of his oppo

nent placed forward and drags it towards him. With his left han he
78

locks it slightly above the knee, whereas with his right and he holds
his ankle on the level of the Achillean heel (fig. 24). The attacking
wrestler exercises a great pressure on the leg with his left sholder and
lifts it (the leg) with his right hand. In order to have support the

Fig. 28

Fig. 29

attacking wrestler moves his right leg backwards. By performing that

move he also pushes his opponent backwards by preventing him from
gaining any support whatsoever. The overturning backwards is the re-

Fig. 30

Fi

s-

31

suit of the pressure excercised on one leg of the attacked wrestler

with one shoulder and the push performed by attacking wrestler with
his right leg (fig. 25 and 26).
79

I
I

Second Variant. After having locked and lifted frorq the mat the
leg of the opponent, placed forward, the attaching Wrestler also grips
his popliteal pit with his right hand. His left hand very rapidly releases the control of the leg and leans from inside on the popliteal pit
of the right leg. The push forward combined with the act of leaning
on the popliteal pit breaks the balance of the opponent and he falls
on the ground, most often on his back (fig: 27 and 28).
Third Variant.The attacking wrestler locks the right leg of his
opponent, with the left hand he controls his thigh and with the right
hand his Achillian heel (fig. 29). Without trying to drag aside the leg
of his opponent the attacking wrestler lifts his own leg, pushes forward with all his weight and pivots to th left. His push with the
shoulder and drag with the right hand are carried out in the opposite sense. The attacking wrestler falls on his shoulder whereas his opponent falls on his back oh the side (fig. 30 and 31).
*

Overturning Foward by Leg-Lock

When overturning his opponent forward by leg-lock the attacking

wrestler can throw him on the ground without lifting him from the
mat. Very often the attacking wrestler does not succeed to throw or
overturn backwards his opponent because of his defensive actions, but
mnages to overturn him forward. Sometimes the attacked wrestler
voluntarily lets his opponent take him down on the mat, face to the
ground, in order to avoid more serious consequences of a throw or
overturn backwards.
*

Overturning Forward by Single Leg-Lock from the Outside

The attacking wrestler makes one step with his right foot and simultaneous y grips and lifts the right ankle and thig of his opponent.
By leaning on his leg placed foerward he locks the controlled leg of
his opponent and puts it under his right arm pit. By doing so the
attacking wrestler breaks the balance of his opponent who falls on
the ground, his chest facing the mat. On the other hand, if the opponent resists the attacking wrestler can throw him on the ground either
80

Fig. 33

Fig. 32

by throwing him or locking one of his legs. For that reason, most
often, the attacked wrestler decides to fall down with his chest facing
the mat (figs. 32 and 33). Without releasing the control with his chest
of his opponent's thigh the attacking wrestler energetically pushes him
aside, and by controlling his thigh and shoulder keeps him on the
ground.

Fig. 34

Overturning Forward by Single Leg-Lock and Outside Leg-Grip

The attacking wrestler is in the position of right side wrestling
stance (on guard). With his right arm he makes feints in the direc81

tion of the lower part of his opponent's right leg. After that he
thrusts himself forward with his right foot, squats and with his left
hand grips from outside the right leg of his opponent, in the area
round the knee (fig. 34). After that the attacking wrestler performs a
quick movement and makes an 180 rotation clockwise by leaning on
his right hand. When passing behind his opponent he grips with his
right hand the right ankle of the attacked wrestler and by pushing his
thighs from behind he throws him on the mat with his shoulder.

Parade against breaking Between the Legs

The number of parades performed by the attacked wrestler to
counteract the breaking between the legs equals that of possible
grips. Yet, there is a number of fundamental rules which provide for
stable defense and efficient counter attacks. It is not possible to describe here all existing defensive nuances to counteract each individual
grip, but, since general rules exist, they provide a framework for logical actions of this nature. The attacked wrestler should bear in
mind the following rules:
1. In case of close or middle distance wrestling the wrestling
stance (on guard) should be middle or low, one or both
arms lowered and ready to undertake a surprise attack.
2. The attacked wrestler should very closely follow the feints of
his opponent, both with the arms and legs, and react to them
with precision and moderation.
3. The attacked wrestler should assume a standing wrestling
stance (on guard) unconfortable for his opponent, by keeping behind the leg which he wants to control.
4. In middle distance wrestling the attacked wrestler should closely follow the attempts of his opponent who wants to break
his balance by pushing him, dragging, etc. Also, the attacked
wrestler should use his best endeavours to prevent, at the
most appropriate moment, the maneuvres of his opponent
aimed at breaking his wrestling stance (on guard) by dragging his body, opening or dragging down his arms, dragging
his head, etc.
5. Inclose wrestling the attacked wrestler should hold his opponent closely and firmly. Special attention is required for the
case when the wrestlers switch from close to middle distance
wrestling, and the other way round.
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6. When the attacking wrestler tries to drag forward the head

of his opponent the attacked wrestler should react by simply
bowing his neck and not by straightening up backwards his
head and body.
7. If the attacked wrestler falls en his knees after a feint or unsuccessful attack of his opponent he should be very careful
When tryng to stand up because he has to espect a new leg
grip.
8. It depends on the nature of the attack whether one or both
legs should be moved backwards.
9. In order to be able to repel the attack of his opponent with
both hands the attacked wrestler should thrust himself bacwards using as points of support the ground and the back of
the attacking wrestler.
10. In order to be able to control the head of his opponent from
under the armpit (the halter) the attacked wrestler should
move his legs backwards.
11. In order to be able to control from under the arm-pit one or
both hands of his opponent the attacked wrestler should
move his legs backwards.
After the opponent has menaged to lock one leg several parades
are possible, some of which can even serve as an introduction to a riposte. For example:
1. The attacked wrestlr can put his locked leg between the legs
of his opponent and perform an additional control of his arms,
body and neck.
2. The attacked wrestler can press hard with his forearm the chin
of his opponent in order to make him rease the control of his
leg.
3. The attacked wrestler can perform feints with the aim of threatening his opponent, e. g. by feinting a throw by leg lock or
crotch.
4. The attacked wrestler can succed to control from above pit of
his opponent. He can break his opponent's control by exercising preasure with his body on the head of the latter and extending backwards hi locked leg.
5. After the attacking wrestler has performed the grip overturning forward by single leg-lock and outside leg-grip the attacked wrestler shluld endeavour to press downwards the head
of his opponent who is in a kneeling position.
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Ripostes after a Break Between the Legs

In contemporary free-style wrestling it is impossible to achieve performance without skillfull and efficient ripostes. A great number of
outstanding wrestlers have won the matches thanks to their well organized counter-offensive.

There is a great nember of possible grips leading to a nreak between the legs. Since there is also a great number of possible controls
the ripostes very often call for a creative approach to the grip and
possible modifications of its structure. The choice of a given riposte
depends, above all, on the technical qualities of the wrestler and the
concrete situation. There are four groups of possible ripostes to his
grip:
riposte when the legs have not been locked by the opponent;
riposte after the legs have been locked by the opponent;
riposte after the legs have been locked by the opponent, with
the head outside, and
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 ripost after the legs have been locked by the opponent, with
the head inside.
This new classification of the se ripostes is mainly based on general characteristics of the position of the attacking wrestler and opens
up a wide range of possibilities for preliminary planning and improvement of the counter-offensive technico-tactical block, both functionally and structurally.
Halter (control of head from above and control of the opposite
arm)
Immediately after the attacking wrestler has broken between the
legs of his opponent the attacked wrestler, with his right hand, the
head of his opponent placed (the head) under his armpit and thrusts

backwards his own legs. His left arm is under the right arm of his
opponent and their hands locked under the chin (fig. 35 and 36). The
aim of the pressure under the chin is to slightly turn left the head of
the opponent. After a tight and firm contol the attacked wrestler suddenly drags towards him the opponent and, at the same time, moves
his legs backwards. The opponent loses the balance and falls on his
knees. This fall is caused by the drag of the attacked wrestler and the
weight of his body. The right leg of the attacked wrestler is stretched
backwards so that his stiff body can exercise pressure with his whole
weight on the upper part of the back and neck of his opponent.
Without reducing the strength of his control. The attacked wrestler,
with his left hand, locks the left hand of his opponent and, holding
or dragging it, swiftly passes back, on the left (fig. 37).
85

Overturn Backwards by Locking the Opposite Arm and with

the Other Pressing the Opposite Knee from Outside
After the wrestler has performed with his left hand the halter
control, with his right hand he grips from outside the left arm-pit of
his opponent. After that he skilfully passes his right hand under the
chest of his opponent, whereas, from the outside he exercises pressure
on the lower part of his left thigh (fig. 38). When passing his arm
under the chest of his opponent the attacking wrestler takes a position slightly aside and with his left shoulder keeps exercising pressure
on the neck of his opponent until the latter turns on his back.
Riposte.By firmly grippins the right hand of his opponent the
attacked wrestler suddenly drags it to the left. After having thrown
his opponent belly flop the riposting wrestler passes behind him.

Fig. 38

Parade.The attacked wrestler holds the left hand of his oppo

nent and resumes the wrestling stance (on guard) position.

Fig. 39

86

Covering by Rear Waist Embrace

After the attacking wrestler has locked the legs of his opponent,
the attacked wrestler squats backwards and locks from behind the
body of his opponent. After that, by sitting down completely, he

Fig. 40

Fig. 41

Fig. 42

drags his opponent towards him by holding him round the waist. After that he embraces his hips and releases the control of his body
(fig. 39). The attacked wrestler completes his grip by lifting and with
87

his right leg strongly swinging the body of his opponent until he is
completely overturned and covered.
Passage Behind (Rear Passage)
With his arms the attacked wrestler exercises pressure on the shoulders of his opponent, thus compelling his to remain in a kneeling
position, unable to control his legs (fig. 40). By exercising a downward pressure on the shoulders of his opponent the attacking wrestler limits his attack and stretches his legs backwards (fig. 41). After
that the attacked wrestler moves behind his opponent by pivoting
round his right shoulder. The initial thrust for his pivoting derives
from his left leg and arm. After that, with his right hand, he embraces the body of his opponent and throws him on the ground (fig. 42).
Wrapping
The attacking wrestler locks the right leg of his opponent. With
his right hand the attacked wrestler controls his head from above.
Then, by slightly turning to the left, with his other hand he locks
from outside, rear the right thigh of his opponent. After that he continues to move to the left and, with both hands, embraces the body
of the attacking wrestler by the neck and popliteal pit of his left knee
until their hands gat hooked. His next movement is a backward roll
performed by a turn on his right shoulder, without releasing control
with his hands. This position is very suitable for the performance of
the inside hook (crochet( from above by hooking with his left leg the
left leg of the opponent.
Now that his opponent is on his back the wrestler in top position
sometimes remains in a half-bridge (semi-bridge( position. In spite of
thot he has full advantage because this positions assures him the victory by fall.
Reverse Lock After of One Leg
After the attacking wrestler has locked the right leg of his opponent the attacked wrestler slightly turns to the right the controlled
leg and makes a step forward with his other (free( leg. At the same
time he squats on the controlled leg and with both hands graips the
right thigh of his opponent. He will use best the initial inertia of the
attacking wrestler by overtuning him over the head, which means by
performing a modified grip of the thigh from behind (fig. 80). The
actual grip is characterized by a deeper break through of the right
hand and an overturn of the opponent over the head. At the very
88

last moment the wrestler who ripostes turns so that his chest faces the
mat and with his legs exercises pressure on the opponent thrown on
the ground.
Backward Roll
This grip almost always follows the attack of the opponent. The
attacking wrestler locks the leg placed forward. The attacked wrestler
controls the head of the attacking wrestler with his right hand, and
with his left hand locks from above the right hand of his opponent.
The locked leg of the attacked wrestler is deeply between the legs of
the attacking wrestler. By taking advantage of the initial inertia of the

Fig. 43

opponent attacking his legs or trying to break his balance (overturn

him) from behind by exercising pressure on the leg extended forward,
the attacked wrestler very rapidly sits down without releasing control
of the head and arms of his opponent. This movement backwards
drags along the opponent. Thus the common center of gravity is affected and the opponent can no loneer maintain his balance.
The attacked wrestler topples over his right shoulder. Just before
touching the mat with his pelvis he energetically waves in the air his
locked leg, thus increasing the inertia of his opponent's body. Owing
to the fact that he holds the head of his opponent and that his pelvis
is lifted up it is easy for him to perform a rotation movement. The
roll that follows represents a very important prerequisite for preserving the acquired inertia. The wrestler who ripostes turns on his right
shoulder and without modifying his controls he exercises pressure on
the opponent with the total weight of his body (fig. 43( this grip is
not performed with precision the riposting wrestler can very easily
find himself in a fallen position.
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Throw after Single Arm Pick-up and Lift with one Leg
After the attempt of the attacking wrestler to lock one leg of his
opponent, the attacked wrestler control his arms under the arm-pit
and takes a lateral position (hip-to-hip). He bends forward by lifting,

with his right leg, the left leg of his opponent. Also, with his hands
he drags his opponent to the right. During the second stage of this
throw the attacked wrestler lifts his opponent from the mat and
throws him on his back. At the very last moment the wrestler performing this throw should use his best endeavours to diminish the enormous inertia resulting from these, actions by throwning himself on
the opponent (figs. 44 and 45).

Throw after Combined Control of Legs, Body and Neck

To this group belong all the grips recquiring a control of legs, and
one other part of the body as an auxiliary control.

90

Throw after Control of the Neck and one Leg

With his right hand the attacking wrestler controls from above the
neck of his opponent and pushes him downwards. The attacked wrestler lifts up his head by leaning on the leg placed forward. Without

Fig. 46

diminishing the pressure downwards on the neck of his opponent the

attacking wrestler thrusts his head under the arm-pit of his opponent
with his left hand locks from inside the left ankle of his opponent by
dragging him closer, then with his right shoulder pushes him forward
and finally throws him on the mat (fig. 46).
In order to keep the opponent on his back the attacking
exercises pressure on the thigh of the controlled leg until he
victory by fall.
Riposte.After having achieved the control of neck the
can perform divings (various forms of rear passage).
Parade.The attacked wrestler withdraws his leg placed
or kneels down.

wrestler
achieves
wrestler
forward
91

Throw after Control of the Neck and Opposite Leg

The attacking wrestler controls from above the neck of his opponent by pressing it downwards. If the opposite leg of the attacked
wrestler is places forward the attacking wrestler rapidly locks from
outside its ankle or foot. After that by strongly pulling this leg and
strongly pushing his opponent with his forearm he throws him on his
back (fig. 47).

Fig. 47

Diving
The attacking wrestler is in the position of a low left wrestling
stance (on guard). The upper part of his body is leaned forward
and almost parallel to the mat. His head is under the right arm-pit of
his opponent, whereas with his left arm he strongly embraces his
body. With the left hand he controls the right hand of his opponent.
The attacking wrestler falls on the knee of his leg placed behind.
After that he energetically straightens up backwards by strongly pushing the opponent under his arm-pit. In this way the attacked wrestler
losses his balance forward, also as a result of the flexion backwards
of his spine and a blow in the same direction on the back of his
head. The attacking wrestler releases the control of his head with his
right hand and by means of a lateral pendulum movement performed
together with his opponent, he increases the flexion of his spine and
the intensity of the push backwards. With his right arm he embraces
the body of his opponent which helps him draw him closer and also
serves as a dynamic support for his moving behind (rear passage) by
pivoting. During the attack the attacking wrestler remains in a kneeling position all the time. By giving his opponent a forward thrust
(impulse) the attacking wrestler easily moves behind (fig. 48).
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Riposte.At the very beginning of the initial control the riposting

wrestler can perform a halter or a throw by controlling his opponent's neck from above and one leg. During the performance of this
grip the attacked wrestler can perform a forward Barrage (jump
off) with the leg placed forward, by controlling the corresponding
arm.

Fig. 48

Parade.The attacked wrestler must not allow the attacking wrestler to perform a control. In order to prevent him the attacked wrestler should take a high or very low wrestling stance (on guard) and
release himself from all control, including the halter.
Mill
Mill on External Knee (simple crotch-lift)
The attacking wrestler controls one arm of his opponent and takes
advantage of his offensive movements forward. By rapidly thrusting
his head under the controlled arm he kneels on the leg placed behind.
At the same time he locks from inside the thigh of his opponent's
opposite leg he is kneeling on and with the other arm performs a
lateral throw (projection) in the direction of his opponent's movement
forward by taking advantage of the inertia of his body. The perfor93

mance of this grip requires a perfect coordination of movements. The

drag of the controlled leg and push with the leg should take place in
the same direction (fig. 49).

Fig. 49

Mill on Both Knees

With his left arm the attacking wrestler control from outside the
left arm-pit of his opponent. By drawing his opponent closer the attacking wrestler falls on his knees next to him and with his right arm
locks from inside the right thigh of the attacked wrestler. After that
the attacking wrestler lifts his opponent on his shoulders and thrusts
him (projects him) forward, towards his left knee. The attacking
wrestler pivots on that knee, and, without releasing control, lies down
over his opponent.
This throw can also be performed straight forward. The attacking
wrestler leans forward and releases the front control of his opponent's
eg and waist.

Mill by Sitting Down

This variant requires an excellet coordination and flexibility of articulated movements. After having withdrawn his right arm the attacking wrestler slips under his opponent without kneeling down. His
legs are wide apart and his knees bent (fig. 50). The throw (projection) takes place to the left. With his left hand the attacking wrestler
drags the opposite arm of his opponent to the left, whereas with his
right arm he lifts his right thigh, which is high up and controlled
from inside. This action results in a rotation movement. The attacking wrestler sits down on his left thigh. It is with his left foot that
94

he completes the movement of both bodies to the left and the overturning of the attacked wrestler to the right, face-to-face with him
(the attacking wrestler).

Moving (Passage) Behind the Opponent

This movement does not, by itself, bring good marks to the wrestler, but it can serve as a very favourable introduction to various
grips. In order to pass behind his opponent the wrestler, most often,
performs various dives, drags of one arm or leg combined with trips
Chasses, etc. After having embraced his opponent from behind the
wrestler can perform various throws (projections) which bring his opponent on the ground.

Throw Forward by Rear Embrace and Single Leg Trip

The wrestler behind makes a trip forward with his right leg and a
trip to the left on the left leg of his opponent. Also, with his left
arm he very energetically drags his body left and forward (fig. 51 and
52). As a result of these actions both wrestlers fall on their hips. Yet,
the attacking wrestler holds his opponent underneath thanks to the
control with his left hand. Then he can continue his actions by performing a grapevine or a lateral embrace in bridge.
95

Fig. 51

Fig. 52

Throw by Rear Embrace and Single Leg Barrage

The
formed
one leg
one leg

actions undertaken by the wreetler are analogous to those perfor overturning forward by rear embrace and chass with
Only, instead of a trip the wrestler performs a barrage of
parallely to the same leg of his opponent (fig. 53).
Throw Forward by Rear Embrace and Single
Leg Hook From Inside
With the heel of his foot placed forward
the attacking wrestler performs a hook and
with his chest suddenly pushes his opponent
who falls on the ground belly-flop.
Throw Backwards by Rear Embrace and
Single Led Hook from Outside

Fig. 53

96

The attacking wrestler is placed behind his

opponent on the right. With his right foot
he hooks from outside the right foot ankle
of his opponent and with his left hand drags
his body backwards, to the right. At the

same time the attacking wrestler pushes his opponent whit his chest
and makes him fall on the ground belly-flop. After that he can perform a grapevine or a lateral embrace in bridge.
Throw Forward by Single Leg Lock
The attacking wrestler has embraced with his right arm the body
of the attacked wrestler. With his left hand he very rapidly locks
from outside the left ankle of his opponent and energetically drags it
backwards. At the same time with his chest he pushes his opponent
forward and makes him fall on the mat.
Throw Forward by Lock of Both Legs
The attacking wrestler releases the embrace of his opponent's body
and bends his knees in order to locks from inside his both ankles. As
sudden push forward with his chest finally throws his opponent on
the ground. After that the wrestler can perform an overturn after the
lock of crossed legs.
Throw (Projection) by Rear Embrace and Single Leg Trip
After having performed a solid rear embrace of his opponent's
body the attacking wrestler lifts him backwards and with his right leg

very unexpectedly makes a trip upwards and to the left on the detached left leg (fig. 54). After that the attacking wrestler leans left.
Kneels down on one knee and keeps his opponent in bridge or belly-

flop position. The legs of the opponent should be placed on the right
of the attacking wrestler.
The wrestler in rear embrace can also undertake an attack or
counter-attack against his opponent behind.

Throw (Projection) by Single Leg-Lock of the Opponent Between

the Legs of the Attacking Wrestler
The wrestler embraced from the rear with his both hands grip the
heel of his opponent's leg placed forward and drags that leg towards
his chest by suddenly straigltening up (fig. 55). The opponent falls
backwards because the embraced wrestler pushes downwards his controlled leg and drags his arm in the opposite direction. In order to
make his opponent fall the embraced wrestler should very strongly
drag his opponent's leg under his control and finally sit on the belly
of the attacking wrestler should spread his legs wide apart or lean on
the mat with one hand (fig. 56).
Riposte.It consists of a throw (projection) by locking from behind, between the legs, the arms of the opponent. The attacking wrestler releases the rear embrace and grabs the hands of his opponent at
the moment when the latter is about to grip the heel of the former's
leg placed between the latter's legs. An abrupt arm drag makes the
opponent fall down (fig. 57 and 58). Before having fallen down the
riposting wrestler falls on his knees and after that lies down belly-flop
and easily hold his opponent in bridge position or on his back.
98

Parade.It consists in moving one leg backwards. The wrestler in

rear embrace can also perform a barrage of one leg of his opponent, the crotches (hook), the standing body lock and lift, etc.

Fig. 57

Fig. 58

Barrage of the Opponent's Legs

When performing these grips the attacking wrestler encircles with
his leg one leg of his opponent, either from inside or outside and
breaks his balance by pushing his body.

Barrage Opposite Leg-Lock

The attacking wrestler picks up the
right leg of his opponent and puts it
against his hip. With his left hand the
attacking wrestler performs the control
under the knee of his opponent. After
that he straightens up and with his right
arm laterally embraces his opponent's
body from the side (fig. 59). Then the attacking wrestler slips from inside his right
leg behind the leg of his opponent, and,
by turning it aside, with his right arm
suddenly pushes the body of the latter to
the left and throws him over his back.

Fig. 59

Riposte.After the attempt of the attacking wrestler to lock one

leg of his opponent the latter slips the lower part of his leg between
the thighs of the former and performs an internal crotch (hook) by
which he controls his arms, or an internal crotch by which he controls his neck and one shoulder.
Parade.The attacked wrestler should use his best endeavours to
prevent the control of his leg.

Throw over the Shoulder with External Barrage

By changing his position the attacking wrestler takes a (identical)
wrestling stance (on guard) on the right by holding with his left
hand the right foream of his opponent, then pivots 180, places his

right shoulder under the controlled arm of his opponent, with his
right hand grips the forearm of the latter above the elbow and finally, from outside, places his right leg on his opponent's right ankle.
Afther that, by suddenly pulling his arm and performing a coordinated movement upwards of his pelvis he carries out a lateral or forward throw (projection). The right leg of the attacking wrestler impedes the movement of the opponent's leg and prevents him from gaining lateral or front or support. As one of the possible variants (fig.
60) the attacking wrestler can perform a throw (projection) over the
back with external barrage.
Riposte.After having made a step aside and to ,the right with his
left leg the attacked wrestler performs a trip from behind on the popliteal pit of one or two legs of his opponent.
100

Parade.It consists in a low wrestling stance (on guard) or support with one arm against the back of the opponent, with the right
leg placed in the direction of the lateral throw (projection).
Hooks (Crotches)
The grips, throws (projections), and overturns forward or backward can be performed by hooking one opponent's leg with the foot,
the lower part of the leg, with both of them and by means of various
controls with the arms. All these actions are called hooks (crotches).
Thanks to these grips, borrowed from the Georgian style in wrestling
tchidaoba, the Soviet wrestlers have won and are still winning important victories. The Bulgarian wrestlers also successfully implement
at international matches some of the variants of this style.
Sit-back with Arm-lock and Grapevine (Kliket)
With his left hand the attacking wrestler locks the right arm of his
opponent from above the arm-pit. After that, by leaning on his right
leg with his left leg and foot he performs an internal hook of the

Fig. 61

Fig. 62

right leg of his opponent. With his right arm he controls his opponent's body and the other arm. After that the attacking wrestler stretches the leg which serves him as a support, drags towards him, upwards, his opponent's right arm, bends backwards and begins to fall
down while energetically lifting the hooked leg. Before touching
(which is not obligatory) the mat with his shoulder he pivots in the
sense of the hooked leg with the aim of surpassing (overtopping) his
opponent (fig. 61 and 62).
101

Riposte.At the moment when the attacking wrestler slips his leg
between the legs of his opponent the latter locks it from behind in a
twist (fork). After that he ligts the locked leg and performs a throw
backwards (head under arm and crotch-lift).
After the hook has been performed the attacked wrestler makes a
small step with his free leg in order to takes a face-toface position
and embrace the body of his opponent. After that he suddenly lifts
his hooked leg and performs a throw (projection).
Parade.The control of the arms should not be allowed. In case
it has been performed the endangered leg should be moved backwards.

Fig. 63

Backward Throw by Inside Hook

The attacking wrestler takes a (identical) wrestling stance (on
guard) on the right and performs a feint drag of his opponent's
right arm, or a feint control as if he intended to perform a throw
over the shoulder. At the same with his right leg he energetically
hooks from inside the right leg of his opponent and by unexpectedly
102

pushing the latter with his chest he throws him on the ground
(fig. 63).
Backward throw by inside hook can also be achieved by feint drag
of the opponent's head. The reaction consists in dragging the body
backwards and shifting the center of gravity beyond the area of sup
port. The attacking wrestler should push his opponent with his chest,
shoulder or arm in order to throw him on the ground.
Riposte.The attacked wrestler sits on his right thigh, drags the
right arm of his opponent and, by turning to the right, locks his
right thight and brngs it down on the ground. From that position he
can easily perform the reversed thight grip.
If the attacking wrestler hooks one leg of his opponent without
being able to throw him on the ground the latter can hood one the
legs of the former and perform a throw (projection) by hook.
Parade.A low wrestling stance (on guard), loosening of con
trols and ability to carefully discriminate the feint from the real ac
tions of the opponent.
As a variant of this grip a backward throw with rear body embra
ce can be oerformed.
Backward throws by hook yield excellent results. By carrying out
one variant of this grip Enio Valtchev has triumphed over his most
dangerous opponents and bacarne the world champion in 1962.
External Hook and Single Arm and Body
After having embraced the body and controlled the right arms of
his opponent the attacking wrestler drags him closer and hooks from

Fig. 64

outside his right leg. The push of the attacking wrestler, with his
chest, foreward and to the left and the- drag of the hooked leg force
the opponent to fall on his back (fig. 64).

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Riposte.The attacked wrestler can also perform a hook from inside by single arm and body control of his opponent, or perform a
barrage of the lateral leg, a throw (projection) over the chest, etc.
Parade.Low wrestling stance (on guard), loosening of the control and moving behind of the threatened leg.
Trip (Chass)
This is a group of grips characterized by the attack with legs. A
trip is performed either by placing one foot on the foot of the opponent or by placing the foot on his lower part of the leg. There is a
very wide range of possible controls of the legs and arms.
Lateral Trip (Front Trip with Single Arm and Neck Control)
The attacking wrestler controls the right arm and the neck of his
opponent. After having dragged his opponent closer the attacking
wrestler with his left leg makes a quick trip upwards and to the right.
Leg opposite on the of the attacked wrestler. At the same time he
pushes him backwards. With his left leg the attacking wrestler blocks

the body of his opponent and lufts him from the mat (fig. 65). By
bending his chest downwards the attacking wrestler holds his opponent on the back.
It is possible to perform in the same manner a front trip with
single arm and body control of the opponent.
Riposte.Moving of the threatened leg and blocking by front embrace of the opponent attempting to perform rear attack.
Parade.Low wrestling stance (on guard) and moving behind of
the threatened leg.
104

TECHNIQUE OF FREE STYLE WRESTLING ON THE GROUND

Overturning by Lock of Legs, Arms or Neck

Overturning by Lock of the Farther Arm and Near Leg
The wrestler in top position kneels down at the right side of his
opponent and with his right hand locks his farther arm of at the
arm-pit. With his left arm the attacking wrestler locks from behind
his opponent's near thigh.

Fig. 66

By thrusting himself with the legs the attacking wrestler pushes,

forward his opponent with his chest. At the same time he keeps dragging his locked arm and lifting forward his thigh until the opponent
is overtuned on his back (fig. 66).
Riposte.After the parade the attacked wrestler can grip the right
foot of his opponent and drag it to the left. As a result the wrestler
in top position falls on his back.
Parade.Lie down on the chest and use as lateral support the
farther arm and leg.
105

Overturning by Control of Crossed Legs

Placed on the right of his opponent the wrestler in top position
kneels down and with his left hand grips from outside the left leg of

Fig. 67

his opponent. After riveting the controlled foot under his left arm-pit
with the help of his free arm he crosses his legs and, together with
his arms, forms a knot. After that the attacking wrestler straightens
up and with the help of his right leg, stands up and, without loosening the control, swings his opponent right and left, from bridge to
shoulder and from shoulder to bridge. In order to keep his opponent
in this position the attacking wrestler should, as best as possible, grip
and rivet under his elbow the right hand of his opponent (fig. 67).

Fig. 68

It is possible to perform another very efficient variant of leg crossing from the same initial position. After having gripped and riveted
106

under his arm-pit the farther leg of his opponent the wrestler in top
position also grips with his right hand the low part of the latter's
right leg, from behind, and drags it upwards. His right arm slips
from outside along the right thigh of his opponent and locks from
inside his other leg (fig. 68). From this position the attacking wrestler
can perform a backward throw (projection) with half bridge or stand
up on his legs and hold the opponent by the head.
Riposte.A throw (projection) can be performed by locking the
heel of the near foot.
Parade.Take a low defense position (on fuard) by sitting on
the feet.

Overturning by quarter Nelson and Block

with One Knee on the Head
The attacking wrestler has brought his opponent in a belly-flop
position. In order to facilitate the release of his right arm the attacking wrestler exercises pressure with his shoulder on his opponent's
back and uses the forearm of that same arm as a lever whose point
of support is the arm-pit of the attacked wrestler. After having assured full control of his opponent's leg, without decreasing pressure

Fig. 69

with his shoulder the attacking wrestler places his legs on both sides
of the head of the attacked wrestler underneath and places his knee
on the back of his opponent's head. The overturning mainly takes
place through the effort of the arms exercising further bar half Nelson reverse arm bar and side arm bar of the controlled arm (fig. 69).
It is very difficult for the wrestler underneath to get up because of
his opponent's pressure on the back of his head with his knee. Also
107

this knee serves as a pivot for an overturn. After it has been performed the wrestler in top position performs his final control by streching out his body.
Riposte.The attacked wrestler should turn and face his opponent. After that he should perform a grip locking one or both legs of
the attacking wrestler.
Parade.After having been reduced to a belly-flop position the
wrestler underneath should use his best endeavours to resume a high
defense position.

Grapevine from Inside

This is one of the most efficient grips in modern free-style wrestling. Statistical data indicate that most of the falls at international
matches were caused by grapevine from inside and grapevine with

Fig. 70

head bar and single leg scissor. The attacking wrestler is placed on
the right side of the wrestler on the ground and with his hands he
simultaneously loks from above the left foot (with his left hand) and
the right thigh (with his right hand) underneath his leg near the opponent. After that he performs a snach upwards and stands up on his
legs.
108

From this initial position it is possible to, perform numerous

grips, the most efficient being the grapevine from inside.
With his left arm the attacking wrestler firmly holds the right
thigh of his opponent and places forward his right arm. By thrusting
himself forward with his right leg towards the shoulder of his opponent the attacking wrestler slips his left leg between the legs of the
wrestler underneath and with his low leg hooks the left leg of the
latter on the level of popliteal pit. This maneuvre results in a lateral
fall of the wrestler underneath. At the moment of hooking the left
hand of the attacking wrestler releases the control of his opponent's
right thigh, whereas his right hand, while dragging his opponent on
the side, also locks his right arm (fig. 70). The overturning can also
be performed without arm lock. In that case the attacking wrestler
should press, with his whole wight, the chest of the wrestler underneath and overturns him by lifting his controlled leg in the direction
of his right shoulder.
Grip by means of grapevine from inside are numerous. Beside in
the above described way a grip is often performed by simultaneous
lock of the near thigh and the farther shoulder (body lock from above). In order to perform that grip the attacking wrestler places him-

Fig. 71

self on the right side of his opponent and from behind and underneath controls the near thigh of the latter. With his right hand he
grips the left shoulder of his opponent and stands up on his legs. The
attacking wrestler does not reamin in a static position. He lifts his
opponent's left leg and high in the air performs a gravepine from
inside (fig. 71). The final actions of all the variants are almost identical.
109

Riposte.After the grip the attacked leg should be placed between

the legs of the opponent. The throw (projection) should be performed
with the left hand after the lock of the opponent's right foot.
Parade.In order to prevent the grip of the near leg the attacked
wrestler transfers on it the whole weight of his body. After the grip
he places the supporting leg in a position from which it touches his
opponent's control and avoid another control by escaping forward.
Technical and Tactical Block of Grapevine
With his right hand the attacking wrestler grips the right foot of
his opponent. After that, by lifting it and with the other arm pressing
the back or the back of the head of the attacked wrestler, the attacking wrestler slips his left leg under his opponent's pelvis and with
his foot (or tibis) hooks his left ankle (fig. 72).
This situations opens up various opportunities, each of them being
an introduction to a simple grip (fig. 73).
The overturning on one side is usually performed by a lateral or
forward push with the right supporting leg, followed by the extension
and coordinated balancing with the other leg and a trip of the oppo-

Fig. 72

nent's right arm. The auxilliary actions of the left arm may be a
push with support on the right shoulder of the opponent or a trip of
110

Fig. 73

his right arm. When the wrestler underneath is overturned on one

side the attacking wrestler can perform several grips.
Grapevine with Head Lock
After having overturned his opponent on one side with his left
foot the attacking wrestler hooks his own right leg on the level of
popliteal pit (or ankle), thus encircling inmediately underneath the hip

the left thigh of tne attacked wrestler. By leaning on the mat with his
right arm the attacking wrestler concentrates the weight of his body
in the area of pelvis. With his left arm he encircles his opponent's
head in the area of forehead or chin (fig. 74).

Ill

In order to perform a grip after that the attacking wrestler should

carry out simultaneous and coordinated actions with his legs and right
hand. Without lifting his pelvis from the mat with his legs he vigorously drags the hooked leg and with his right arm the head of the
wrestler underneath. The attacking wrestler also drags by the shoulder
the wrestler underneath, backwards and to the side.
Grapevine with Single Arm Lock (Bar)
After having overturned his opponent on the side the left hand of
the attacking wrestler loosens control of the former's forehead and
locks (bars) his arm. In order to perform a more efficient final action
the left leg of the attacking wrestler also loosens its control, hooks
the right leg of his opponent in the popliteal area and lifts it up and
forward.
Grapevine with Farther Arm on the Back of the Opponent's Head
From the grapevine position the attacking wrestler places back his
supporting leg, presses with his weight on the back of his opponent
underneath and with both hands snatches the latter's right wrist and
forearm. By dragging this arm of his opponent the attacking wrestler

Fig. 75

lies down on his lett side. Without releasing control of his opponent's
left leg by grapevine the attacking wrestler places the gripped arm...
From the grapevine position the attacking wrestler can perform
grips such as: Head lock with single leg scissors, reverse thighs, etc.
112

Riposte.At the moment when the attacking wrestler hooks the

leg of his opponent the latter, who is underneath, slips his arm under
the thigh of the former and lifts it. He also performs control of the
arm on the same side and carries out a rolled arm on the side of the
gripped arm.
At the moment in which the attacking wrestler inserts his leg the
wrestler underneath grips its foot with his opposite hand. He can pull
down his opponent by dragging vigorously and silultaneously pressing
aside with his body.
After the control of his waist or shoulder with one hand has been
achieved the attacked wrestler can carry out a lateral throw (projection) over his back (rolled arm) or a throw (projection) forward over
tis shoulder (arm volley).
Parade.Before the attacking wrestler has hooked the leg of the
attacked wrestler the latter places his arm against his thigh. If his leg
is hooked he must violently kick with his leg placed back in order to
disengage himself from the control.
In order to prevent to be overturned on the side the attacked
wrestler takes a stable on guard position on the ground. His arms
are placed slightly outside in order to increase the area of support.

Fig. 76

After the attacking wrestler has performed the overturning the attacked wrestler should keep his right arm tight against his body and
by making a brutal movement upwards disengage his head from
control.
Head Lock (bar) and Single Leg Scissors
Apparently, this is the only grip in wrestling which can be performed in so many different ways. That is why this grip represents a
113

very efficient weapon for victory by fall. It is prohibited by the rules

for juniors, but seniors should study it very carefully and thoroughly.
First Variant.By deffending himself from beign overtuned on
one side by grapevine the wrestler underneath transfers the weight of

Fig. 77

Fig. 78

his body on his attacked leg and leans on his right arm. The attacking wrestler gives up the lateral overturn of his opponent and performs a half Nelson by inserting, from outside, his right arm under
the latter's arm-pit.
After having surmounted the resistance of his opponent's neck the
attacking wrestler projects his right leg over the wrestler underneath,
firts hooks his pelvis from the right and then his right thigh without
decreasing pressure exercised with his arms. Simultanously with hooking the leg of his opponent the attacking wrestler should insert his
righ arm under the former's arm-pit. After that the attacking wrestler
pushes downwards and to the right the head of his opponent and
drags towards him the hooked thigh of the latter. In order to achieve
victory by fall the attacking wrestler should strongly push backwards
the legs of his opponents and, at the same time, exercise pressure on
his arm-pit, right hand and neck by pulling them down (fig. 77
and 78).
Second Variant.The wrestler underneath is kneeled bahind his
opponent and performs a feint side embrace in bridge, to the left.
After that he keeps dragging the body and pressing the left arm of
his opponent until the latters falls on his side. After that the attacking wrestler loosens his control as if he were to give up the attack
and by taking advantage of his opponent's return to his initial position inmediately hooks his right thigh and climbs on his back
(fig. 79). The attacking wrestler's right hand, assisted by his left
114

hand, easily succeeds to control the opponent's neck from under the
arm-pit. After that, through coordinated effort of his extremities and
body the attacking wrestler overturns his opponent on the back.
Ripostes.The attacked wrestler can perform the control of his
opponent's feet or overturn him backwards.
In case of feints on the part of the attacking wrestler the attacked
wrestler ripostes successfully because the efforts of his opponent are
neither optimal nor directed towards a specific aim.

Fig. 79

Parade.The wrestler underneath should use his best endeavours

to prevent the control of his neck from under the armpit. In order to
prevet that grip he should hold his arm tight against his body and lift
the head.
The attacked wrestler should not lie on his belly at the moment in
which one of his legs is hooked or the neck controlled from under
the arm-pit, because, by doing so, ne only helps his opponent.

Reverse Lock of the Farther Thigh in Lateral Position

The wrestler in top position is on the left side of his opponent
He drags towards him the pelvis of the latter and joins his both arms
under his right groin by performing a reverse lock of his right, farther thigh. After that the attacking wrestler lifts towards him his opponent's body inserts his left, folded leg deeply under the attacked
wrestler and transfers on it the weight of his body. Also, his two legs
are placed in the way which assures best a wide area of support
(fig. 80). He performs the lifting hold, mostly with the strength of
115

the muscles of his legs and body. The most precise throw can be
performed around the transversal axis of the opponent's body. The
attack begins by an extension of the knees, combined with the drag
upwards of the arms and pressure with the left arm-pit on the oppone n t ' s back, forward and in the direction of his pelvis. The attacked
wrestler can not riposte because all his stregth is in his arms leaning

Fig. 80

on the mat. If, on the other hand, the attacked wrestler decises to
bend one arm he overturns by hiemself. After the attacking wrestler
has stood up (on his legs) he performs a throw by bending backwards
and vigorously jerking his abdomen upward. Finally, by making a
maneuvre with his arms he makes the wrestler underneath topple so
that he falls on his shoulder.
There is a great number of variants of this grip. Depending on the
controls, beside the above described procedure, the throw can be performed by reserve lock of one thigh and both feet. Throws and overturnings can be performed from almost all positions: low, kneeling
and standing. The grip can be performed in both cases: when the
attacking wrestlers previously brings upon him the weight of his opponent, or does not do that.
The direction of the throw can be: forward, backwards or lateral
half drop-back (sit-back) (fr. demi-soupless), backwards or lateral
drop-back (soupless) or lateral with a screw.
From the controls for reverse lock of one thigh several other grips
can be performed, most often the inside grapevine, simple grapevine
throw forward by body lock from above, throw by control of crossed
legs and throw by reverse embrace.
Ripostes.During the throw the wrestler underneath inserts his
right leg between the legs of his opponent and grips his left ankle
116

(fig. 81). After that the attacked wrestler drags the controlled leg,
performs a trip to the popliteal area of his opponent's left leg and
throws the latter on his back.
Parade.The wrestler underneath does not allow the wrestler in
top position to claso his hands underneath, by sitting on his right
knee and bringing his thighs tight one against the other.

Fig. 81

If the wrestler in top position mnages to achieve control the attacked wrestler should insert his near leg between the legs of his opponent.

Turn Over With Body Hold

This grip is very important in Graeco-Roman style. Yet, there is
also a great number of wrestler performing it in free-style wrestling,
where it is carried out with, or without, the asistnace of the legs, but
always by the control of the opponent's legs.

Turn Over With Body Lock by grips of the Farther

Foot in Half Nelson
The attacking wrestler kneels down on one knee, on the tight side
of his opponent and with his left hand grips the left foot of the
latter. With his right hand he controls his opponent's neck by inser117

ting his right hand under the latter's right arm-pit. Then he drags his
foot forward by lying down on the side, thus toppling his opponent
in the direction of his right shoulder. With his abdomen in lalf-bridge
he should also make a push upward and forward. The attacking wrestler performs the turn over of his opponent by an energetic movement
of his left hand when the wrestler underneath is in critical position on
his back (fig. 82).
An analogous grip can be performed by grip of the near foot
(fig. 83).

Fig. 83
1

Riposte.When the attacking wrestler taking a lateral position the

wrestler underneath turns his face towards him and covers him with
his free leg.
Parade.Strech the legs backwards and keep the thighs tight one
against the other.
118

Turn Over With Body Lock by Hook of the opposite Leg

(Classical Lateral Embrace)
The attacking wrestler is behind his opponent, on his left arm laterally embraces his opponent's wais and his right arm leans on the

Fig. 84

elbow. Very cautiously, without being notice, he slips his left foot
under the right ankle of his opponent.
By dragging his waist in a coordinated manner and bending forward his righ arm the attacking wrestler breaks the balance of the
wrestler underneath. After that, with his foot under the opponent's
ankle the attacking wrestler hooks and abruptly drags towards him
the opponent's leg in the air. As a result of this maneuvre wrestler
lies on the side and concludes the attack with his foot (fig. 84).
Riposte.Loosen the hooked leg and perform a cover.
Parade.Loosen the hooked leg and its tension between the legs
of the opponent, opposite of the embrace.
Turn Over With Body and Single Hand Lock
After having embraced from behind the opponent's body and his
left arm the attacking wrestler places his right knee in front of the
knee of the wrestler underneath (fig. 85). After that he should make
and effort to drag his opponent against its left leg. The right leg of
the attacking wrestler is bent behind his pelvis. Without changing the
embrace the attacking wrestler puts his head on the mat and, by energetically thrusting his abdomen, takes a bridge position by making his
opponent do the same, or let the former pull him down on his back
(fig. 86 and 87).
Ripostes.a) A trowh (projection) over the back by control of the
wrist of the free hand (of the rolled arm);
119

b) When the attacking wrestler lies on the side the attacked wrestler throws his near leg over the former and covers him. The atacking wrestler remains in bridge on his back.
Parade.Low ground position and arms extended forward.

Turn Over With Body Lock

This approach is most often applied in Greaco-Roman wrestling.
By placing jimself underneath the attacking wrestler embracee the
waist of his opDonent.
By clenching tight the control the attacking wrestler moves his
right knee in front of his opponent's right knee and, by using his
best endeavours to turn the pelvis of the attacked wrestler along his
longitudinal axis, he lies on the side (fig. 88). As a result of this
120

action the attacked wrestler is pulled over the leg of the attacking
wrestler placed underneath (fig. 89). After that the attacking wrestler
puts his head on the mat and performs a lateral embrace in bridge

Fig. 88

(fig. 90). A good performance of this grip requires a good control so

that the chest of the attacking wrestler does not unstick from the
back of the attacked wrestler, an energetic stroke (blow) with the abdomen and a well thrown out bridge.
Riposte.When the attacking wrestler lies on his side the wrestler
underneath throws his near leg over his opponent and covers him.
Parade.a) Low defense position (on guard) and control of the
wrists of the attacking wrestler;
b) After the attacking wrestler has achieved the planned control
the attacked wrestler stretches out his arms laterally, lifts up his head
and by vigorously blocking the waist and pelvis of his opponent uses

Fig. 89

Fig. 90

his best endeavours to prevent being turned over along the longitudinal axe of his body.
121

Attack tecniaue of the wrestler underneath

After the compulsory period of ground wrestling had been deleted
from the rules the ability of the wrestler underneath to perform grips
from underneath and loosen the control over him on the ground by
straightening himself up and taking a standing wrestling stance (on
guard) acquired an ever increasing importance.
Throw over the Back by Single Arm Grip and Hook of the
Opposite Leg
(Rolled Arm with Inside Underneath Hook)
This throw (projection) can be performed both in attack and counterattack, in case when the wrestler underneath mnages to insert his
leg extended backwards between the legs of the wrestler in top posi-

Fig. 91

tion. After that, in order to be able to perform a throw (porjection)

he grips the wrist of his opponent's hand controlling his waist and,
by hocking with his foot the ankle of latter's opposite leg, and without loosening control, throws him on his back and to the left
(fig. 91).
Parade.Use one's best endeavours to prevent the grip.
Dislay (Etalage)
(Overtop the Opponent in order to Throw him Belly-flop on the Mat)
In order to perform this grip the wrestler underneath places his
legs on the left side of his opponent. By loosening the control of the
122

latter of his right elbow he suddenly pivots to the left round his own
axis by slipping his left arm over his opponent's arm in order th grip
his left thigh (fig. 92). Then, by thrusting himself with his right hand

Fig. 92

the wrestler underneath turns on his pelvis, assisted in performing this

action by the control with his left arm. In fact the pivot is performed
rount the point of contact of the left hands of the two wrestlers.

Fig. 93

The wrestler underneath can also perform: athrow (projection)

over his back by wrist control (rolled arm, fig. 93), a barrage of one
leg with the lock of the same arm, a throw (projection) by inside
hook of the same leg, etc.
123

SIMPLE TYPE WRESTLING AND EXERCISES FOR THE BRIDGE

These exercises improve the motor qualities, develop the sensibility

of muscles, improve the balance, develop the competitive spirit and
similar to offensive and defensive movements in wrestling. They can
be practiced during all the trainings devoted to physical preparation.
Also, as a part of special exercises, they represent an introduction to
basic training by enriching its content and emotional aspect.

Types of Simple Wrestling

1. Control and Contest for Loosening Control.One of the wrestlers attempts to achieve control of his opponent's wrists, neck
and body, whereas the latter endeavours to counter-act these
attempst and loosen the control achieved.
2.

Wodd sawing.(fig. 94). Two wrestler take a face-to-face

standing position and they grip each other's hands. Each of
them tries hard to push forward and push back his opponent's
arms. The exercise is carried out first with the left hand against the opponent's right hand, and the other way round.

3.

Battle of Roosters.Two wrestler take a face-to-face standing position. Their arms are extended forward. Each wrestler
performs feints in the aim of breaking the balance of his opponent. The winner is the wrestler who makes a smaller number of steps during the exercise (fig. 95). The same contest can
take place in a squatting position.
125

 Two wrestlers take a face-to-face standing position on one

leg. With one hand each of them holds the ankle of his
lifted leg and, by hopping on one foot, pushes his opponent with his shoulder and chest. The winner is the wrest-

ler who makes opponent use his other foot as a support,

at least three times (fig. 96).
4.

Contest with one shoulder and one leg.From the standing

position each wrestler pushes his opponent with the sameshoulder. Their arms are crossed behind. The winner is the wrestler
who makes his opponent retreat (fig. 97).
contest with the back on parallel bars (fig. 98);
contest with one shoulder on parallel bars (fig. 99);
contest with one leg from a sitting position with balahce
(fig. 100);
contest with legs from a sitting position with balance on
hands leaned behind (fig. 102);

Fig. 97

Fig. 96

" " -

Fig. 98

127

Fig. 99

Fig. 100

Fig. 101

128

 contest with legs from a sitting position with the balance

on the bottom (fig. 103);

Fig. 102

5. Contest with arms by leaning the elbow against the knee.

Two wrestlers kneel down on the same knee. With the other
elbow they lean against the knee on the same side and vigorously clasp their hands in the same manner. The wrestling
begins after a signal. The winner is the wrestler who succeeds
to stretch out and twist his opponents's arm (fig. 104). A similar contest can take place on a table or in a belly-flop
position.
6. Pull or Reject the Opponent from a Given Zone:
Two wrestlers are in standing position, back-to-back, each
of them hooking with his arms the corresponding arm of
his opponent. After a signal each of the wrestlers endeavours to pull his opponent with him (fig. 105).
129

 Two wrestlers are inside a circle or another previously marked out geometrical surface. The task of each of them is

Fig. 104

Fig. 105
Fig. 106

to pull his opponent out of the circle or defined surface of

a different shape, by controls he deems most appropriate
(fig. 106). A variant of this exercice is to push the opponent out of the circle.

 The wrestlers are divided into two groups. Within each

group they are lined up one behind the other, each holding
the wrestler in front of him round his waist. The first

7.

Fig. 108
wrestler 01 each group clasp their hands. After a given signal each group pulls backwards. The team (group) which
transgresses the fixed limit is considered as defeated (fig. 107).
This game can be played on the mat, in water, on sport
grounds and courts, etc.
Contest for Getting Hold of One Object:
Two wrestlers are in standing position, tneir backs turned.
With their backs turned they clasp each other's (right or
left) same hand and try hard to pull the partner and win
the object placed 1 or 2 m. away (fig. 108^
131

Two wrestlers get hold of a medicine ball or a basketball

ball and use their best endeavours to win in for oneself.
The winner is the wrestler who succeeds to win the ball for
himself (fig. 109).

Fig. no

8. Contest of Cavaliers. (Horsemen).Two wrestlers sit on the

shoulders of their two friends. Each of the cavaliers (horseman) tries hard to unseat his opponent (fig. 110). This game
is less dangerous in water.

Examples of micro-folklore and folklore wrestling

*

Chinese Wrestling (fig. 111).The wrestler stand face-to-face and

control each other's arms. Without changing or releasing control, by
means of various movements and jumps, each of them tries hard to

Fig. i l l

step on his opponent's foot. The winner is the wrestler who, within a
determined time limit (1 to 3 minutes) succeeds to step more times on
his opponent's foot.
Tyrollienne Wrestling.Consists in hooking each other's middle
fingers and pulling consecutively. The loser is the wrestler who unhooks first his middle finger.
Norvgien Wrestling.Requires special caps. The wrestlers stand
back-to-back. The back of their caps are tied with a piece of rope.
After a signal both wrestlers pull hard until one of them is on the
back of the other.
133

Blind Wrestling.The wrestlers wear scarves or swimming caps

over their eyes. They wrest either in standing or ground position.
Sumo.This is a national Japanase way of wrestling only in standing position. The wrestlers form a circle within a fence or an enclosure up to the knees. The task of each wrestler is to pull his opponent down, belly flop or on the back, or throw him over the fence or
the limit of the circle.
Bokh.This is a national Mongolian way of wrestling in standing
position. All the various grips are performed in the aim to throw the
opponent on the ground or pull him down on his back, on one side,
belly-flop or knees. The loser is the wrestler who touches first the
ground with any part of his body, except his palm, or from the kneeling position attacks the legs of his opponent.
Wrestling by Body Hold (embrace).The wrestlers are in their
usual costumes and wrestling takes place on the ground. They hold
each other's body, each trying hard to pull down or throw his opponent without releasing initial control and without barring his opponent's legs. The Rumanian folk wrestling trinte-drante, the Uzbek
kourach, and the Bretonian and Kanarese folk wrestling are more
or less similar to the above described.
Wrestling with a Belt.This is an old Slavic way of wrestling. The
wrestlers control each other by means of belts round the opponent's
waist. The winner is the wrestler who mnages to lift his opponent,
throw him on the ground or throw him on the back. The wrestler
can wrestle by using, or without using, their legs. The Georgian wrestling tchidaoba, the Armenian kokh, the Kazakstn kourech,
widespread in the Soviet Union with up-to-date rules and the Leonese
(regional Spanish) folk wrestling are more or less similar to the above
described.

Exercises for the bridge

The bridge is a position in which the wrestler's back faces the
mat, whereas he leans on his head and feet. This is a very frequent
position in wrestling and constitutes a standing means for both the
attack and defense. Exercises practiced for the bridge stregthen the
muscles of the neck, body and legs, make the spine more flexible
and improve the functions of the motor and vestibular apparatus.
They also help the wrestlers become more courageous, develop their
134

motor habits important in attacks aimed at various throws of the opponent over the chest (by lock souplesse) or half lock (demi-soupless)
and with turn over woth body hold. These exercises also help build
up defensive motor habits. These exercises should be practiced daily
and are part of all special trainings.

Fig. 112

1. The wrestler is in a straddling position, leaning on his head.

By making, with his feet, a controlled thrust forward, he
very strongly bends the cervical part of his spinal column, so
that he almost touches the mat with his shoulders. After that
he resumes his initial position (fig. 112).

Fig. 113

135

This exercise can also be performed by marking a lateral

flexion of the cervical part of the spinal column. In that case
the wrestler touches the mat first with his right, and then
with his left shoulder.
In a ground wrestling defense position (on guard) the
wrestler bears a pressure on his back head locked by his opponent, who performs that grip with his left forearm (fig. 113).

Fig. 114

The wrestler is down on his back, his head on a medicine

ball. Without moving his legs he gets up and slightly bends
his spinal column backwards (fig. 114).

Fig. 115

Fig.

116

The wrestler grips the ankles of his partner lying down on

his chest, his arms stretched forward, and lifts his legs until
he achieves a maximal flexion of the latter's spinal column

5.

on the level of the waist. The aim is to make the spinal co

lumn as flexible as possible by repeating this exercise several
times (fig. 115).
The wrestler lies down belly-flop, his arms stretched out. His
partner stands in front of him, gripping his wrist from un
derneath, and lifting his body until he achieves a very pro
nounced curve backwards (fig. 116).

Fig. 117

6.
7.

8.

9.

10.

Lying on his chest the wrestler grips from behind his own
feet and several times lifts his chest from the mat. The chest
can be lifted higher up if the legs are wider apart (fig. 117).
Lying on his back and with his knees bent the wrestler holds
behind his head a medicine ball or a basket-ball ball. He ma
kes a bridge from this position with the only support with
his hands on the ball. (fig. 118).
The wrestler inversely sits on the back of his partner, who
is in ground wrestling stance (on guard), and hooks his
thighs with his own feet. After that he strongly bends back
wards, his desire being to touch the mat. After that he re
turns to his initial position (fig. 119).
The wrestler sits on the back of his partner who is in ground
wrestling stance (on guard). Their bodies face the same di
rection. With his hands the partner presses the feet of the
wrestler who bends as if he were to make a back bridge.
After that he returns to his sitting position (fig. 120).
Wrestling Bridge.The wrestler lies down on his back, his
knees bent and his elbows folded. With his hands, on both
sides his head, he leans on the mat. He lifts his pelvis up
and forward by bending his spinal column in the lumbar tho
racic and cervical area. The points of support of the wrest
ler are his feet, his head and his palms (fig. 121).
137

11. Close to a wall the wrestler performs a reverse support on

the head. After that he leans his legs against the wall and
puts his hands on the chest by moving his neck backward

Fig. 120

and forward (fig. 122). The same exercise can be practiced

with a partner holding the legs.
12. Swinging in Bridge. Position.From the bridge position the
wrestler bends his knees and keeps straightening up his spinal
column until touching the mat with his back. After that he

makes an energetic thrust and returns to his initial position.

His arms assist the movements of his body. The exercise
should be repeated in the same manner. In that case it re-

Fig. 121

sembles the swinging. It is possible to make variants by turning the head right and left.
13: From bridge position the wrestler stretches out his arms leaning on the mat, lifts upper his pelvis and alternates the
bridge position in wrestling with that in gymnastics (fig. 123).

In order ot exercise the balance it is necessary to lift higher

the wrestling or gymnastics bridge and reduce the points of
support by lifting from the mat one arm or one leg.
14. Swinging in Bridge with One Partner.The partner sits on
the wrestler who is in bridge position by leaning his feet
139

against the surface behind his arms. After that it is possible

to perform a swinging of the bridge, backward and forward,
by turning the head left and right (fig. 124).

15. Turning Round the Head.Leaning on his head and with his
legs slightly apart the wrestler makes a few steps to the right,

Fig. 125

throws over his left leg and takes a bridge position without
changing the position of his head. After that he repeats his

Steps in the same direction, throws over his right leg and returns to his initial position (fig. 125).

Fig. 126

16. Surpass of a Wrestling Bridge by the Head with the Assistance of a Partner.The wrestler in bridge position grips the

Fig. 127

ankles of his partner. After a slight movement forward towards his legs he energetically thrusts himself upwards. With
141

an abrupt gesture. He simultaneously lifts his chest and legs

forward. Slightly before his body takes a vertical position
with regard to the mat the wrestler rapidly bends his waist.

Fig. 128

his legs straddling his partner. The tractions force of the arms
contribute to the performance of this maneuvre. After that
the wrestler returns to his initial position (fig. 126).

Fig. 129

17. Surpass of Wrestling Bridge by the Head (fig. 127).This

exercise is identical to the above described one with the only
exception that is is performed without a partner. The wrestler leans on his arms, which partly helps him perform this
exercise.
18. The partners hold embrace each other's body lined up one
after the other.One partner is in bridge position, the other
on his chest. By transferring their respective lateral weights
they alternatively switch from one bridge to another without
breaking control (fig. 128).
142

19. Bridge from Kneeling position.The wrestler kneels down

sits on his ankles. By bending wards he touches the mat
with his head and straightens up (fig. 129).

Fig; 130

20.

21.

Fall to Bridge Position with the Asistance of a Partner.The

wrestler takes a standing frontal position. The partner places
one supporting leg between the legs of the wrestler. The hands
of the two wrestlers are clasped. The wrestler performing the
exercise bends backwards and takes a bridge position. His
partner helps him in case of fall and in getting up. The part
ner can also help the wrestler perform this exercise by hol
ding him by one arm or maintaining him the lateral posi
tion (fig. 130).
Fall to Bridge Position Without Assistance of the Partner.
The wrestler takes a standing frontal position with legs apart,
approximately the width of his shoulders, his arms crossed on
his chest. By starting with the flexion of the cervical and
thoracic area of his spinal column the wrestler bends back
wards, his head thrust backwards as much as possible. At the
very last minute he bends his knees and tries hard to touch
the mat with his forhead, as close to his legs as possible.
This exercise can also be performed with the assistance of the
arms. At the moment of fall the wrestler leans with his arms
143

on the mat and by doing so reduces the amount of force

absorbed by his head. With a minor help of his arms the
wrestler returns to his initial position (fig. 131).

Simulation exercises
Rear Wheel.One of the partners bends backwards, the other leans
forward so that they frontally embrace each other. Their bodies are

lined up one after the other. The partner leaning forward straightens
up and lifts the other wrestler on his shoulders. After that he keeps
144

bending backwards until the legs of his partner touch the ground.
After that they exchange roles (fig. 132).
Throw (projection) of a Dummy with Assistance of a Partner.The
wrestler embraces a dummy and moves backwards. His partner supports his back in order to regulate his movements. In that aim he
puts his knee under the wrestler's waist and teaches him how to bend
his knees during the final stage of the throw (projection) and turn on
the side (fig. 133). The arms can regulate the direction of the projection force. This exercise is intended for beginners.

Fig. 134

Throw (Projection) of a Dummy by Chest.The wrestler controls

the arms and body of a dummy. By moving forward with his right
leg he strongly presses the chest of the dummy, turns left and, by
turning his head backwards, strongly bends backwards his spinal column whereas and with his abdomen he makes a violent jirk upward
and forward. At the moment of contact with the mat, or slightly
before, the wrestler turns to the side of the controlled arm. The wider
apart his legs the better the stability of the wrestler (fig. 134).
Holding a Ball in Bridge.The wrestler kneels on the left knee the
way the wrestler in top position does in ground wrestling. He holds a
medicine ball. By bending his right knee the wrestler lies down on
one shoulder, energetically thrusts himself in a bridge position and
transfers the ball to the other side (fig. 135).
145

Fig. 135

Fig. 136

Fig. 137

Fig. 138

Holding a Dummy in Bridge.The wrestler is behind the dummy

which he holds (embraces). After that he carne it in bridge in the
same manner in which he carried the medicine ball (fig. 136).
146

Throw (Projection) over the Chest with a Partner.After having

strengthened the muscles of the neck, acquired the ability to perform
the wrestling bridge and developed passive defense reflexes after a
fall-back the wrestler can undertake the performance of throws (pro-

Fig. 139

Fig. 140

jections) over the chest with a partner (throw by fall-back). The following' grips are excellent preparation for free-style wrestling:
Throw over the chest by lateral embrace (fig. 137).
Throw (projection) over the chest by rear embrace (fig. 138).
Throw (projection) over the chest by front embrace (fig. 139
and 140).
In its development today wrestling in the world follows the dynamic pace of our cosmic era. Its theoretical and practical aspects get
richer every day. New methods help a more rapid and thorough development of motor qualities and their integration in the technique and
tactics of wrestling.
In fact, the technique of wrestling, which has been developing during several millenniums, very rarely introduces completely new elements. On the contrary. In fact well known grips acquire new va147

riants and nuances which depend on the style morphological, functional and psychological feature of wrestlers, on the one hand, and modern biomechanical analyses of technical action, on the other.
It is the wrestling tactics that has progressed more remarkably.
Whenever the dreams of the wrestlers turn around in magic circles
without taking advantage of real possibilities results are mediocre. Today the way of thinking should be changed. It is on the ground of
achievements in science, and not romantic daydreaming, that the boldest tactical projects can become reality. In order to successfully organize and carry out the training the coach must trasform the mat into
a scientific laboratory. Only excellent pedagogues, devoted to wrestling and always eager to research can efficiently teach, train and educate young wrestlers.

148

BIBLIOGRAPHY

x , . . . , ,
1956.
, . . .
. .
, , 1961.
, . . .
, 1962.
, . .
. , II,
, , 1961.
, . .
.
. . . . , ,
1964.
e , ., . .
,
. , . 1, 1956.
, . 3. . , .
, , 1962.
e , . . , . , ,
1964.
, . ., . . e U.
, .
, . 10, 1962.
, . , .
, , 1961.
, . , . , , 1964.
, . , .
, , 1966.
, . , .
, . 2, , 1956.
, . - ,
.
-
. , 1962.
, . -
, . , . 5, 1966.

149

 , . , .
, . 6, 1966.
, . , .
, , 1969.
, . , .
, . 7, 1967.
, ., , ., ,
.,

e , . , .
, , 1971.

150

ABOUT THE AUTOR

Raco Ptrov, senior assistant professor at the university, was born

in 1930. He started to wrest in his very early childhood. During 16
consecutive years he was the coach of the national Bulgarian free-style
wrestling team. He has also trained the national team for Greaco-Roman wrestling for some important competitions. The establishment of
the Bulgarian school of wrestling and outstanding international achievements of Bulgarian wrestlers are connected with his name.
Rako Ptrov is the author of 17 books, 87 scientific works and
over 300 articles in popular language. Many of his works have been
translated and published abroad.
At present Rako Ptrov is Vice-Chairman of the Central Council
of the Bulgarian Union for Physical Education and Sports Deputy
151

Director of the Center for Research and Education of Cadres for

Physical Education and Sports. Head of Wrestling Department at the
High Institute for Physical Culture Georgui Dimitrov in Sofia and
President of the Bulgarian Wrestling Federation.
For his scientific, sports and social activities Rako Ptrov has been
condecorate with the highest Bulgarian orders and awarded oustanding titles.
THE EDITOR

152

BOOKS OF THE SAME AUTOR

1. Terminologie concernant la lutte grco-romaine et la lutte libre, Sofia,

1958, avec co-auteurs (en langue bulgare).
2. Manuel de lutte libre, Sofia, 1961 (en langue bulgare).
3. Manuel de lutte libre, Sofia, 1962 (en langue turque).
4. La lutte libre, Sofia, 1964 (en langue bulgare).
5. La lutte libre, Varsovie, 1965 (en langue polonaise).
6. La lutte libre en photos et kinagrammes, Sofia, 1966 (en langue bulgare).
7. La lutte sportive, Sofia, 1966, avec co-auteurs (en langue bulgare).
8. La lutte pour les enfants et les adolescents, Sofia, 1967, avec co-auteurs
(en langue bulgare).
9. La prparation physique du lutteur, Sofia, 1967,'avec co-auteurs (en langue bulgare).
10. Biomcanique de la lutte (du manuel Biomcanique du sport), Sofia
1968 (en langue bulgare).
11. Stratgie et tactique de la lutte, Sofia, 1969 (en langue bulgare).
12. Manuel de lutte pour enfants et adolescents, Sofia, 1971, avec co-auteurs
(en langue bulgare).
13. La lutte libre en photos et kinagrammes, Sofia, 1973 (en langue bulgare).
14. La lutte libre, Bucarest, 1973 (en langue roumaine).
15. Programme uni pour l'entranement et l'enseignement de lutte, Sofia,
1973 (en langue bulgare).
16. Gloire des hros, Sofia, 1973 (en langue bulgare).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pg.

Preface .......................%............................

Early training in wrestling and peculiar characteristics of children

and adolescents

Main features of the motor system

Main features of the respiratory and cardio-vascular system ....
Main features of nervous activities of superior order

10
12
13

Preparation for sports of children and adolescents ...............

15

Educational activities of the sports pedagogue

Diversity in the process of physical preparation
Development of technical and tactical qualities in wrestlers ....
How to acquire and improve the technique and tactics of
wrestling
The methodologycal approach
Rules of hygiene for young wrestler
Medical and self-control
Selection, organization and planning of theoretical work and
training for children and adolescents
Planning of sport preparation
Operational planning

15
19
25

The tactics of wrestling

27
31
37
38
*

41
43
44
49

Technical means in wrestling

Joint actions of technical and tactical means
Tactical means
The tactical plan of the match
Tactical approach to the match

49
51
51
61
64

Technique offree-stylewrestling in standing position

67

Technique offree-stylewrestling on the ground .............................. 105

Simple tipe wrestling and exercises for the bridge .......................... 125
Bibliography .............. ..................................................................... 149
About the autor .............
......................................................... 151