About this video

• Video Title: How To Dominate The Top Position As A Leg Rider
• Channel: Earn Your Gold Medal
• Speakers: None explicitly named, but the content discusses techniques used by wrestlers such as Greg Buehl, Josh Humphries, Ryan Price, Denton Spencer, Victor Voi, Jesse Vasquez, Steven Buchanan, Tanner Sloan, Max Dean, and Jared Frank.
• Duration: 00:16:08

Overview

This video focuses on mastering the "power half" wrestling technique, particularly from the top position. It provides actionable tips and demonstrates how elite wrestlers consistently score back points and pins using this move. The core principle emphasized is catching the power half underneath the opponent's elbow rather than the armpit for greater control and effectiveness.

Key takeaways

• Catch the Power Half Under the Elbow: The primary technique to ensure consistent back points from a power half is to trap the opponent's arm underneath their elbow, not their armpit. This position makes the opponent weaker and prevents them from posturing effectively.
• Utilize the Free Hand: The free hand should be used to push the opponent's arm in, preventing them from using it as a post. This can involve pushing the head sideways towards the armpit, pinning the wrist down with a shoulder, or grabbing the wrist directly.
• High-Level Application: The techniques shown are effective even against top-tier competition, as demonstrated by examples from NCAA Division 1 wrestlers and high-level matches.
• Adaptability and Control: While the fundamental principle remains the same, wrestlers employ variations in execution. The video highlights the importance of control once the position is secured, advising against rushing the move to avoid penalties like "potentially dangerous."
• Importance of Riding Style: Using a double-boot ride provides the necessary control and hip pressure to effectively execute the power half and other top-position techniques.

In wrestling, "riding" refers to maintaining control of your opponent from the top position after a takedown or in neutral. It's about preventing them from escaping or scoring points themselves. The video specifically discusses "riding double boots," which is a riding style where the top wrestler has both of their boots securely placed inside the opponent's legs. This position gives the rider significant control over the opponent's hips and base, making it easier to execute offensive techniques like the power half.

Regarding the power half and the free hand:

• Power Half: The video emphasizes that the crucial element of a power half is securing the hold underneath the opponent's elbow, not their armpit. This provides superior leverage. When you catch the opponent's arm under the elbow, they lose their ability to effectively post with that arm or use it to defend. This allows the top wrestler to turn the opponent onto their back and score points.
• Free Hand's Role: The "free hand" (the hand not directly involved in the half nelson grip) is critical for establishing and maintaining control. Its functions include:
  • Pushing the Arm In: The free hand is used to drive the opponent's trapped arm further inward, reinforcing the control under the elbow and preventing the opponent from creating space.
  • Controlling the Wrist/Arm: Some wrestlers use the free hand to grab the opponent's wrist or forearm, further limiting their movement and torqueing the arm to keep the elbow high.
  • Pushing the Head: The free hand can also be used to push down on the opponent's head, often towards their armpit, which helps to break their base and turn them.
  • Securing the Position: In some variations, the free hand might grab the wrestler's own wrist to create a stronger, more locked-in position.

Difference between a Power Half and a Half Nelson:

The core difference lies in the placement and leverage.

• Half Nelson: A standard half nelson typically involves reaching an arm under the opponent's armpit and around their neck, creating pressure and leverage to turn them. It's often used to control an opponent who is trying to stand up or turn away.
• Power Half: As described in the video, the power half specifically targets the opponent's arm under the elbow. The grip is placed much lower than a traditional half nelson. This position is designed to neutralize the opponent's arm entirely, making it very difficult for them to defend or escape, and setting up a more dominant turning motion. The "power" aspect comes from the leverage gained by controlling the elbow joint and the ability to keep the opponent's posting arm completely neutralized.

In simple terms, a "double boot" in wrestling means the top wrestler has both of their feet/boots securely placed inside the opponent's legs.

Imagine your opponent is on their hands and knees. If you're riding them, a "double boot" means you've managed to get both of your feet inside their thighs, so your boots are close to their inner knees or even touching them.

This gives you a lot of control because:

• You can prevent them from easily turning or escaping.
• You can drive into them and put pressure on their hips.
• It creates a stable base for you to attack with moves like the power half.