Become Fighter
Headlock throw and its dangers: Wrestling guide
A classic throw that needs a coach, a safe angle and a trained partner.
A headlock throw traps the head and one arm and rotates the opponent over your hip. It is dramatic but carries a real risk to the neck.
Never apply pressure to the neck. Control comes from trapping the arm and shoulder, and from the rotation of your hips.
Your coach decides whether this is appropriate for your rules and level. If it is not, skip it.
Key points
- Trap the arm and shoulder with the headlock, not the neck.
- The throw comes from your hips, not from pulling the head.
- Keep the head from touching the mat on landing. Lower them by the shoulder.
- Drill it with a partner who tucks their chin and can fall.
- Stop at once if anyone feels neck pain.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Cranking the head. The throw comes from the hips. Do not twist the neck.
- Dropping them on their head. Lower them by the shoulder and arm.
- Practising unsupervised. This throw is coach-only.
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 Upper-body throws module of Wrestling foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Upper-body throws
- Breakfalls for throws: Wrestling guide
- Body lock throws: Wrestling guide
- The hip toss: 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.