Wrestling Hand Fighting
Hand fighting is a crucial element of wrestling, and it can be the difference between winning and losing. It requires both finesse and strength to outsmart an opponent in hand fighting, but with enough practice, it can become second nature.
The goal of hand fighting is to gain an advantage over your opponent while avoiding being put at a disadvantage yourself.
In this article, we’ll cover the basics of hand fighting and how to use it effectively in a wrestling match. We’ll discuss the different types of grips, various techniques and strategies, and how to practice hand fighting.
Table of Contents
What is Hand Fighting in Wrestling?
Hand fighting is the process of using your hands to dictate the course of a wrestling match. Hand fighting can involve grasping an opponent’s arms or clothing, pushing and pulling opponents around the mat, and using your hands to set up offensive and defensive moves. This is one of the most important aspects of wrestling, as it can be used to gain an advantage over your opponent or to prevent them from gaining one.
What is the Goal of Hand Fighting in Wrestling?
The goal of hand fighting in wrestling is to gain an advantage over your opponent and put them at a disadvantage. Hand fighting can help you control your opponent’s posture, position, and movements, allowing you to set up takedowns and other offensive moves.
How Important is Hand Fighting in Wrestling?
Hand fighting is an essential part of wrestling and can be the difference between winning and losing a match. It requires both strength and finesse, but with practice, it can become second nature. Hand fighting allows you to control your opponent’s posture and movements, setting up offensive moves and putting your opponent at a disadvantage.
According to Tom Dierdorff, wrestling coach at the University of Iowa, “Hand fighting is one of the most important aspects of wrestling. It can help you control the match, set up offensive moves, and ultimately win.”
What Are the Different Types of Grips in Hand Fighting?
There are several types of grips that can be used in hand fighting. The most common include:
1. The Over/Under Grip
This is the most common grip used in wrestling and involves one wrestler’s hands gripping their opponent’s arms, one over the other.
2. The Collar and Elbow Tie
3. The Double Overhook
This grip involves each wrestler gripping both of their opponent’s arms, one over and one under.
4. The Crossface
This grip involves each wrestler gripping their opponent’s head with one hand and their face with the other.
5. The Sleeve and Wrist Tie
This grip involves each wrestler gripping their opponent’s arm, one with a sleeve and one with a wrist.
Different Techniques and Strategies in Hand Fighting
There are several techniques and strategies that can be used in hand fighting. Some of the most common include:
1. Pulling and Pushing
This technique involves using your hands to pull or push your opponent in order to gain an advantage.
This technique involves using your hands and arms to create frames or walls around your opponent, making it harder for them to move or escape.
This technique involves using your hands and arms to expand your base and keep your opponent away from you.
This technique involves using your hands and arms to block your opponent’s offensive moves.
5. Greco-Roman Tie Ups
This technique involves using your hands and arms to secure a hold on your opponent. Its name comes from the Greco-Roman wrestling style that is commonly seen in the Olympics.
How Do You Practice Hand Fighting?
Sparring With a Partner
The best way to practice hand fighting is through drilling and sparring with a partner. When drilling, focus on specific techniques such as grips and hand placement. Pay attention to the angle of your hands and make sure you are in the correct position for each technique.
When sparring, use the techniques you have learned and focus on applying them to your opponent. Hand-fighting drills and sparring can help you develop the necessary wrestling skills to effectively use hand-fighting in a match.
Practice on a Wrestling Dummy or Shadow Wrestling
If you don’t have a partner to practice with, you can also practice on a wrestling dummy or shadow wrestling. Shadow wrestling can help build muscle memory and teach you how to move your hands quickly and efficiently while hand fighting.
Join a Local Wrestling Club or Attend a Camp
Another way to practice is by joining a local wrestling club or attending a camp. These activities can give you the opportunity to learn from experienced wrestlers and coaches, as well as practice with other wrestlers.
Watch Videos of Wrestling Matches
Finally, watch videos of wrestling matches and take note of how the best wrestlers use hand fighting. By observing how others use hand fighting, you can pick up on new techniques and strategies that you can use in your own matches.
Practice is essential for mastering hand fighting, and the more you practice, the better you will become. With enough time and patience, hand fighting can be a valuable tool in any wrestler’s arsenal.
How Do You Play Hand Fighting?
Hand fighting can be played in a variety of ways. The most common way to play hand fighting is during live wrestling matches, where you use your hands to control your opponent’s posture and movements.
You can also play hand fighting as a drill, where you practice specific techniques and strategies with a partner. Finally, you can play hand fighting as a game, where two or more wrestlers compete to see who can control their opponent’s posture for the longest amount of time.
Wrestling Hand-fighting Drills
1. Grip Drills
Practice different types of grips to gain an advantage over your opponent. Work on hand placement and how to use your grip effectively. For example, practice grip switching, grabbing sleeves, and using your arms to control an opponent’s posture.
2. Hand Drills
Practice how to move your hands quickly and efficiently while maintaining a strong grip on your opponent’s arms or clothing. For example, practice how to use a frame position and move your hands rapidly.
3. Push and Pull Drills
Practice pushing and pulling your opponent to gain an advantage in the match. For example, practice using your hands to move your opponent’s weight around the mat and to set up offensive moves.
4. Sparring Drills
Practice hand fighting with your partner to develop the skills necessary to use it effectively in a match. For example, practice grip switching, hand placement, and push-pull drills while sparring.
5. Positioning Drills
Practice positioning your hands in the correct positions to maximize your control of your opponent’s body. For example, practice moving your hands in different angles and positions to control an opponent’s posture.
Wrestling Hand-fighting Tips
1. Keep Your Hands Active
Make sure to keep your hands active when you are hand-fighting with your opponent. This will help give you an advantage and make it harder for your opponent to break free.
2. Maintain a Strong Grip
Practice gripping your opponent’s clothing or arms with a strong, secure grip. This will help you control your opponent’s posture and movements.
3. Use Leverage
When hand fighting, use leverage to gain an advantage over your opponent. For example, use your body weight to push or pull your opponent off balance.
4. Keep Your Head Up
Make sure to keep your head up and maintain eye contact with your opponent when you are hand-fighting. This will help you stay aware of their movements and stay one step ahead of them.
5. Practice Often
The more you practice, the better you will become at hand fighting. Take time to drill and spar with a partner to develop the skills necessary to use it effectively in a match.
6. Strengthen Your Palms and Grip in the Gym
Make sure to strengthen your palms and grip in the gym so that you can maintain a strong grip when hand fighting. You can use exercises such as gripping heavy objects and pull-ups to help strengthen your grip. These exercises can be executed as a part of your wrestling home workouts as well.
7. Be Patient
Be patient when hand-fighting. It takes time to master the techniques, and it is important to take your time and practice until you have perfected them.
Hand fighting is an essential part of the arsenal of any wrestler. It involves using your hands to control your opponent’s posture and movements to gain an advantage in a match. Practice different types of drills and exercises to become proficient at them, and use the tips outlined above to help improve your hand-fighting skills. With enough practice, you can become a master at hand-fighting and use it to your advantage in any match. Good luck!