The tripod is an effective escape used by folkstyle wrestlers. Although this technique works for wrestlers of all types, it is especially effective for upper-weight and female wrestlers. This is because the move allows the bottom wrestler to use leg strength to efficiently fight against the weight of the opponent on top. Read closely to learn this simple technique.
1. Start in Referee’s Position
The best way to learn how to do this move effectively is to start from referee’s position. If you aren’t familiar with this starting position, check out our guide, “How to Start in Referee’s Position in Wrestling.”
2. Hand Position
The first thing you must do to start the technique is to place one hand in front of the other. This will put your hands in the right position to support your weight and to eventually fight against your opponent’s hands when you get to your feet. To do this, lift one hand off of the mat and place it on the mat directly in front of your other hand.
Note: The hand that you put forward will be the same-side hand of the leg you want to move to start the tripod.
3. Two O’clock Step
Next, step forward with the same-side leg as the hand you moved forward. This should be a “two o’clock” step. That is, imagine that you are on the face of a clock and step to where the number two would appear. If you step too far, you could be caught off balance, and if you step too close, you may be easily controlled by your opponent. Stepping at two o’clock will create just enough space to allow you to effectively free your hips in order to stand up and escape. Also, keep the knee of the leg you did not move on the mat at this stage.
4. Hips Back
Once you take your step, you want to quickly push off of your hands and move your hips backwards. If you did this correctly, your hips will turn roughly 90 degrees in the direction of the leg you stepped up with. In this position, you should be on both hands and your feet should be much wider than shoulder-width apart with your hips and buttocks pointed up. This is the “tripod” position.
5. Get to Your Feet
From the tripod position, push off of your hands and raise your upper body so that you are now standing. In order to escape, you must now continue to get your hips away from your opponent, who will be following behind you and trying to maintain control. To do this, you must do a few things simultaneously:
- Attack his hands: You must control one or both of your opponent’s hands to keep him from getting a body lock on you. Either hand will work, but it’s best to attack the hand that is closest to your back leg (the leg you did not step up with). For example, if you stepped up into the tripod with your right leg, attack your opponent’s left hand by grabbing all four fingers or his wrist.
- Move your back leg: As you work to control his hands, step forward with your back leg so that it’s in front of the leg you used. This will move your back leg out of a position where your opponent could take control of a single leg takedown. It will also help you create more space between your hips and your opponent’s body.
Hot Tip: Good Escape Position
With your opponent behind you trying to maintain control of your body, it is especially important to maintain good positioning so you don’t get returned to the mat. Make sure to keep your knees bent as you continue to walk your feet away from your opponent as you create space. One leg should be forward and one leg should be behind you, much like how your feet would be positioned in your wrestling stance. Also, lean back to make your opponent support your body weight.
6. Back Pocket
To escape from your opponent, put one of his hands in your “back pocket.” That is, put it where the back pocket of your pants would be. Use your hand to keep his hand behind your back. This will ensure that he can’t get a body lock and return you to the mat.
7. Cut
Once you have one of your opponent’s hands in your back pocket, turn away from this arm. For example, if you put your opponent’s left hand in your left back pocket, turn to your right. As you do this, “wedge” whichever of your arms is nearest to your opponent to create space between your bodies. From here, you should be in a position to either push him away for the escape or to score a reversal.
Go-to Move
Drill the steps in this guide until you have them perfected. This way, the tripod can be a go-to move when you really need to escape. However, you can’t always rely on only one technique. Check out How to Do an Inside Leg Standup in Wrestling for another escape option. Good luck!
