Become Fighter
Breakfalls for throws: Wrestling guide
Learn to land safely before you throw or get thrown.
If you throw, you will be thrown. Learn to land before you learn to throw. A good breakfall spreads the impact and protects your head, spine and wrists.
You already know the basic breakfall from your foundations. Here you take it from higher positions and rotating falls.
Start from low positions and build up. Stop at any sign of pain in the neck or back.
Key points
- Tuck your chin to your chest so your head never touches the mat.
- Slap the mat with your whole arm at about 45 degrees. Never post on a hand.
- Land on your back and the full arm, not your elbow.
- Keep your legs together and slightly lifted.
- Exhale when you land.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Posting a hand on landing. Slap with a straight arm. Posting breaks wrists.
- Looking at the ceiling. Keep your chin tucked so your head stays off the mat.
- Holding your breath. Exhale on the landing.
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
- Body lock throws: Wrestling guide
- The hip toss: Wrestling guide
- Headlock throw and its dangers: 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.