Become Fighter
Half nelson turn: Wrestling guide
Turn a flat opponent to their back with the half nelson.
The half nelson is one of wrestling's classic turns. You use a hand through their armpit to the back of their head and a wedge to roll them to their back.
It is a control, not a neck crank. The hand sits on the back of the head or neck, with no force. The turn comes from your chest and your hips driving them over their own shoulder.
Always drill this with a coach present, at slow speed and with a partner who can tap or call stop.
Key points
- Wedge your near arm under their armpit and over the shoulder to the back of the head.
- The hand rests flat on the back of the head. Do not crank or pull the neck.
- Step your hips out wide for a base, as the turn is driven by your chest and legs.
- Walk your feet in a circle toward their head as you drive.
- Once on their back, release the half nelson and control with your chest.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Cranking the neck. The hand is flat on the back of the head. If you pull, you are risking injury.
- Staying behind them. Move your hips around. A turn needs a wide base.
- Forgetting the far leg. Block it so they cannot post and turn through the 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
- Breakdowns: 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.