Become Fighter
Breakdowns: Wrestling guide
Flatten a bottom wrestler so they cannot post or stand.
A bottom wrestler on hands and knees is strong. Flat on their stomach they are not. A breakdown removes their base so you can work.
The simple breakdown is a far-ankle pick and tricep pull. Take away one post and the opponent drops. Take away their hips and they are flat.
Think about taking away a point of base at a time. Pull an arm, kick a hip, then follow them down.
Key points
- Pull the far tricep to collapse their base, then drive their near elbow across.
- Chop their hip out with your knee to drop them to their side.
- Take away the post, then keep your chest on their back.
- Do not follow with your head down. Keep your head up and on their shoulder.
- Release the breakdown when they flatten and go to the next control.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Lifting instead of flattening. Pull and push so their base falls. Lifting wastes your energy.
- Putting your head on the mat. Keep your head up beside theirs so you can follow and stay safe.
- Holding the breakdown too long. Once they are flat, move on to the next control or turn.
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Top control module of Wrestling foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Top control
- Riding and hip pressure: Wrestling guide
- Half nelson turn: Wrestling guide
- Tilt and leg turns: Wrestling guide
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.