This week we returned to generally brushing up our takedowns. We need to keep practising those 4 basic takedowns until they can be done smoothly. Only then, can these lead on to more techniques. For example, the technique for ankle pick is based on the same footwork as the head-pull to single leg that we've been training. Techniques for footsweeps to single legs are based on the same footwork as the 2-on-1 armlock that we practised today. Peek outs and duckunders are based on the high-crotch technique. The sweep single teaches the knee movement techniques required to learn the low single. Therefore learning the basic footwork and setups in these 4 moves is a good investment because they are used in almost all other leg attack techniques. But even if you did not learn any other leg attacks besides these 4 moves, you can still win matches with them because they are the highest percentage moves in wrestling. Next week, we will revise another of the top 3 high percentage move in freestyle wrestling: the snap down. Also revised ground defence techniques on Wednesday. This is the area which I thought needed the most work from the X-Cup tournament.

We had some fun with a new move this Friday. The outside leg-reaping throw. This is probably the simplest, but most useful throw to learn in freestyle wrestling. It works really well when your opponent is off balance and you have a tight overhook/whizzer on them (usually when you sprawl correctly and grab the whizzer). Stepping in and throwing from here can get you a pin! The important things are to step towards your opponent's foot while pulling hard on the whizzer, then sagging down as you cut their leg with yours. Don't try to lift or use your hips to flip them. You must transfer your weight and sag downwards for this throw. Watch Kendall Cross of the USA do this move in the 1996 Olympic Finals (it happens at the first 30 seconds of the match). If it can be done in an Olympic Gold Medal match, you can definitely use it in your matches! This move is favoured by the tall lanky people in their weight class. When used properly, it makes if very intimidating for shorter opponents to shoot in on you because you could sprawl, whizzer and throw them.