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Section 3: Tie-Up Positions

Updated: Aug 26, 2023




The tie-up is important because it can dictate how effective a wrestler will be at attacking the

opposition or defending himself from being taken down.

Whenever a wrestler assumes a tie-up position he should have one thought on his mind

controlling the tie-up position.





If a wrestler can control the tie-up position it will allow him to do

three things:

(1) get closer to the opposition;

(2) keep the opposition on the defense; and

(3) work takedown maneuvers and set-ups from a control position.


It should be kept in mind that the tie-up is used to control your opponent and maneuver him into a position that will make him easy to attack. When tying your opponent up, your

should be kept in a position that will enable you arms and body to attack as well as defend yourself. The tie-up should be performed in such a way that it will not make you vulnerable.

Wrestlers need to keep in mind that there are two sides to each tie-up position. For example, if one wrestler controls an Under Hook position, the opposing wrestler would be in the Over Hook position. Generally, most wrestlers would consider the Under Hook position to be the safer of the two. However there are many counters that can be performed from the Over Hook position. Although a wrestler may be in the best control tie position, he must always be ready to react to counter maneuvers.


Wrestlers who spend considerable time working on various tie-up positions and scoring techniques will usually have an advantage over their opponents when engaged in a tie-up situation. It would be beneficial for any wrestler to spend time learning how to work from the various control tie-up positions.


There are six tie-up positions that wrestlers need to become familiar with. It would be difficult for anyone to become an expert on all six tie-up positions, although wrestlers need to be aware of the scoring opportunities that might be available to them or to their opponents. There are numerous scoring techniques that can be performed from all of these tie positions.


The six control tie-up positions are:

(1) Inside Control;

(2) Under Hook;

(3) Inside Control and Collar Tie;

(4) Elbow Control;

(5) Russian Two-on-One; and

(6) Over Hook.


It is extremely

important for wrestlers to learn how- to work from Control Tie-up positions. Control Tie positions are used to control the tie-up situation, and work for takedowns. Many different set-ups and attacks can be performed from tie-up positions. For instance, the Head Snap, Shoulder Pop, ArmDrag, and posting set-ups can be performed from various tie-up positions. Wrestlers must keep in mind that there are two sides to every tie-up position. Generally, there are many effective maneuvers that can be initiated from either side of the tie-up However, there are certain tie-up positions that should give one wrestler the advantage. This section will be covering four very important tie-up positions. If a wrestler knows how to control and work various maneuvers from these tie positions, he should have an edge over the opposition.



A) The Inside Control Tie Position


The Inside Control Tie position is one of the most basic of all tie positions. This position allows a wrestler to protect himself and perform many different offensive maneuvers. From the Inside position, a wrestler should concentrate on defending himself and looking for ways

to clear the opposing wrestler's arms. Wrestlers fight to control the Inside Tie more than

any other Control Tie position. Below is a list of basic takedowns that can be performed

from the Inside Control Tie position. These takedowns will be detailed in various sections

throughout the book.


1) Single Leg From the Inside Control Position

2) Double Leg Tackle from the Inside Control Position

3) Fireman's Carry from the Inside Control Position

4) Arm Drag from the Inside Control Position

5) Inside Step Single Leg from the Inside Control Position

6) Head Lock from the Inside Tie Position




B) The Under Hook Tie Position


The Under Hook is also an effective tie-up for controlling the inside position. Many

different set-ups and offensive maneuvers can be performed from the Under Hook

position. Wrestlers must keep in mind that if one wrestler is controlling the Under Hook,

the other wrestler can control the Over Hook position. There are also many different

maneuvers that can be performed from the I Over Hook position. The wrestler who scores

first will often be determined by who is most adept at working from his particular tie

position.


The Under Hook is secured by hooking under the arm pit and over the shoulder. The Under

The hook can be used most effectively when the head is kept to the same side as the Under

Hook. Below are some of the techniques that can be performed from Under Hook.


1) Under Hook to a Low or High Single Leg Tackle

2) Under Hook to A Double Leg Tackle

3) Under Hook to an Ankle Pick

4) Under Hook To a High Crotch

5) Under Hook to a Duck Under

6) Under Hook to a Body Lock

7 Under Hook to a Throw By

8) Under Hook to a Front Head Lock



C) Elbow Control Tie


Securing an Elbow Control Tie allows you to control the opposing wrestler and work offensive maneuvers. The Elbow Control Tie can be secured very easily when the opposing wrestler controls a Head Tie. Important things to keep in mind when controlling the elbow are:

(1) the thumb should be to the outside of the arm and slightly above the elbow;

(2) the free hand should be kept in the lap position, which prevents telegraphing and allows a wrestler to get his shot off quicker;

(3) the knees should be kept flexed, and the elbows kept close to the sides of the body.


Below are a few of the basic techniques that can be performed from the Elbow Tie position.


1) High or Low Single Leg Tackles

2) Double Leg Tackle

3) Duck Unders

4) High Crotch

5) Elbow Throw By and Shucks


D) The Inside Control and Collar Tie


The Inside Control and Collar Tie allows a wrestler to control the inside position on one side,

and control the opposing wrestler's head at the same time. If a wrestler can control the

inside position and the opposing wrestler's head, it will be difficult for the opposing wrestler to take an effective offensive shot. This tie position will also allow a wrestler to work effective Head Snap Set-Ups. Below are some of the basic setups and techniques that may be performed from the Inside Control and Collar Tie position.


1) Head Snap to Single Leg Tackles

2) Head Snap to a Fireman's Carry

3) Head Snap to an Inside Step Single Leg

4) Head Snap to a Front Head Lock

5) Head Snap to an Outside Reach Single Leg

6) Head Snap to an Opposite Leg Fireman's Carry











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