Successful Bottom Wrestling Chain Moves

Bruce Gabrielson
SMWC Head Coach
October 19, 1995

In high level competition, first moves performed when the whistle is blown don't always work. After several unsuccessful attempts, frustration often prevents a wrestler from going to the next level of attack, the chain move.

The first move from a bottom position is very often used to set up the real intended primary move. This list covers a few of the more popular initial setup moves used to create situations where a second (chain) move might be successful. In some very difficult matches, the second move might even be necessary to set-up a third primary move.

1. Outside stand to knee (like you're starting a stand-up) and far side roll. Make sure to push your opponent's wrist between your legs so the hip torque will work correctly. Also, the move works best if your back is straight as you come up. This position can make your opponent raise his/her center of gravity slightly.

2. Outside stand-up to inside turn. Grab the outside of your opponent's leg and go into a twisting roll or flat scissors with your legs.

3. Sit-out and inside turn, attacking with head up and inside your opponent's armpit.

4. Knee swivel (not a sit-out) to leg switch. If the switch is missed, catch your opponent's wrist and throw over your head with a hip swivel. This brings you into a cross body ride. Most successful when your opponent is tired

5. Simple switch to a far side roll.

6. Far side roll to a switch.

7. Standing switch (outside stand-up and hold wrist, then turn inside to create torque before the outside switch).

8. Short switch to a head grab inside turn (with an arch), then drive into and under your opponent's armpit with a sit through.

9. One counter to tight waist ride, arm bar, or two on one ride is to short sit out first before attacking your opponent's hands or going to the far side roll.

10. Stand-up into a Granby role.