Analyze the American style of wrestling
6 mins read

Analyze the American style of wrestling


Many nations have their own unique approach to wrestling. While some use a blend of refined wrestling styles, the differences in training regimen, techniques, nutrition and overall approach are what shape and separate a nation from its rivals. In this article we will analyze the American wrestling style, known as one of the powerhouses of wrestling.

Wrestling as a sport

Wrestling is widely known as one of the toughest, if not the toughest, sports in the world. Every wrestling drill and movement is performed with a purpose, and every gruesome practice trains a wrestler to develop an analytical mind, a robust body, and a warrior spirit. Each match testifies to a fighter’s will and determination to win, as he is constantly trained not to give up a position and give his opponent an uncontested point.

While being tough physically and mentally is the typical introduction of a wrestler, it is interesting to note that the origin of every wrestler has his own blueprint to follow as he dominates on the global stage. Countries like the United States, Russia, Iran, Japan, and Cuba (just to name a few) have their own unique styles of engaging in wrestling matches.

The American style of wrestling

While each country is unique, the physicality and conditioning of American wrestlers sets them apart from others. The key points below explore the American style, specifically freestyle wrestling, in depth.

1) Manual combat

Folkstyle is usually the style of wrestling taught in youth, high schools and colleges in America. In general, folkstyle allows fighters to lock their hands in any position and emphasizes more control than freestyle, which focuses more on takedowns and turning the opponent over. When fighters transition from folkstyle to freestyle, they also bring with them the aggressive hand fighting from their folkstyle background.

In turn, this has allowed American fighters to develop hand fighting skills that allow them to set up their takedowns and constantly distract opponents by spamming and hitting collar straps heavily, leading to head control, face thrusts and on the shoulders to keep opponents away. and wrist controls to manage shooting distance. Doing these things constantly distracts your opponents, keeping them out of the game.

2) High pace

American wrestlers are widely known for their physicality. They use high tempo to exert relentless pressure on their opponents, which wears them down and ultimately overloads their central nervous system, opening them up to attacks.

American wrestlers set it up by forcing the opponent to keep up with the pace by fighting with their hands to gauge the distance. Constantly in hand combat, they mix their movements by moving sideways when the opponent may appear stronger and forward and backward movements followed by an explosive takedown when the opponent is out of position.

Being in the center of the mat reduces the space your opponent will need to set up their corners. This is why, most of the time, they attack and set their movements from the outside when they don’t force the opponent off the pitch.

3) High level conditioning

To support their high-tempo wrestling style, American wrestlers strive for high-level conditioning. This gives them the strength, stamina, agility, and power to last the entire match, allowing them to outlast their opponents. Wrestling practices consist primarily of technical exercises and intense conditioning with the addition of weight training.

A typical American wrestling conditioning program consists of cardio workouts, which improve the wrestler’s cardiovascular endurance to last for the entire match. Core workouts strengthen the core muscles for stability and when exerting power and keep the muscles around the rib cage tight when defending in par terre positions. Compound exercises and movements specific to explosive wrestling refine the ability to explode in the execution of techniques.

All in all, high-level conditioning prepares fighters to be at their best during well-contested matches and to completely dominate their opponents with superior physicality supported by skill, becoming a bridge that connects all elements.

4) Incessant takedown attempt

Putting all the ingredients together – hand fighting skills, high pace and top-level conditioning – allows American fighters to relentlessly hunt and attempt takedowns. Most American wrestlers attack with a single low leg or a double leg. Using hand combat at a high pace allows them to distract their opponents while they set up the angle before shooting for a takedown that spears their opponents.

One of the greatest freestyle fighters, Jordan Burroughs, who represented the United States, is famous for his explosive double leg takedown. He does this by measuring the distance and feinting before grabbing an ankle, exerting a grip on the top leg while pushing with his head into the opponent’s chest, or quickly lowering his level to a manageable distance before delivering a takedown through the opponent.

5) Low fighting position

Compared to wrestlers from the Caucasus region, who are more upright and prepared in a defensive position, American wrestlers like to maintain a low wrestling position. This position allows them to consolidate power on the back leg as they shoot or advance for a takedown. It also allows them to quickly move backwards, towards the opponent or around the mat sideways.

Having a lower position than your opponent or the ability to quickly change levels is always good for a takedown, which fits the element of American wrestling perfectly.

6) Speed

American fighters love to fight in scrambles due to their folk style background, with a heavy emphasis on controls. Ben Askren is famous for this with his “funky” wrestling style. It is crucial in wrestling to know how to climb into awkward positions when you are tied to your opponent. This prevents your opponent from scoring while you try to score against them.

Conclusion

The American style is a more athletic approach and has produced some of the most successful athletes in wrestling. Training this way will help you build a limitless gas tank and an unbeatable spirit that can be applied in every aspect of life. If you’re new to wrestling, look for a wrestler you want to follow and see how you can adapt to their training style.

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