The arm spin – sometimes known as the “Japanese whizzer” – is a technique that is both loved and respected. Wrestlers who execute it correctly do so by using speed and athleticism. Those traits are essential with the arm spin, as both timing and technical know-how are required to finish and score with it.
If you take too much time to finish this move, you will be stuck with your back facing your opponent. Make sure you drill these steps carefully in practice before you try the arm spin in your next match:
Step 1: Know Your Setup Options
You can’t force the arm spin: A good set up is one of the most important factors in being able to pull off this move. The key is to get your opponent to pressure into you, while simultaneously getting him to extend himself or reach forward. Doing so will give you enough of his arm to work with, and also will create enough momentum to make throwing him easier. You can set it up in two different ways:
- By hitting this move quickly without a tie-up, while your opponent is reaching
- By securing your opponent’s arm at the elbow with a tie-up
Step 2: Get a Grip
Designate the arm with which you want to throw your opponent: You want to grip this arm with your hand that is on the same side. For the purpose of this guide, say it is your opponent’s right arm that you want; so you will first secure this arm with your left hand. Grip the outside of your opponent’s forearm with your fingers on top, keeping your thumb tucked tightly next to your hand.
Step 3: Step In, Then Back-Step
Your footwork is very important in generating the correct throwing motion. Step your right leg underneath the arm you have secured. Follow this by back-stepping your left leg behind your right. This puts you in an awkward position if you were to stand still. However, the purpose is to be able turn your hips and throw your opponent over the top of you. As you back-step, bend your knees to lower your elevation.
Step 4: Punch it Through and Rotate
With your free arm, reach underneath the same arm you have secured and punch your arm high into your opponent’s armpit. Your position should be low enough to fit your shoulder in your opponent’s arm pit. Make sure the bend of your elbow is securing your opponent’s tricep. As you punch through, rotate your hips hard and fast so you are facing the same direction as your opponent. If your grip is correct, you will isolate your opponent’s arm, making it nearly impossible for him to regain control of it.
Step 5: Stay Low and Throw
Now that you have your opponent’s arm secured and have rotated your hips into the throwing position, pull your opponent’s arm down and toward your body; do this while maintaining a low position so your opponent is thrown over the top of you. Fully rotate your body until you and your opponent are practically facing the same direction, pulling your opponent over your body with the tight grip you have on his arm.
Step 6: Sit to Your Hip for Pressure
Many individuals stop on their knees briefly while rotating through this throw. Although it’s alright to stop briefly here, tougher opponents will counter you mid-throw and stay behind you. To ensure this doesn’t happen, complete the throw by quickly getting your hip to the mat, putting all of your weight on your opponent. The hip you want to pressure down with will be the hip that is closest to your opponent.
Step 7: Secure Your Points, Secure the Pin
Don’t let go of your opponent’s arm in this position. If you do, it’s not the end of the world, but you could be missing out on valuable points or a much-needed pin. Your hip should be facing the mat and all of your weight should be firmly pressed on your downed opponent. While in this position, rotate the arm that you punched through out from under your opponent’s arm. Then, reach over the top of your opponent’s body and across his chest. Do this while keeping pressure on your opponent so he can not correct his position, belly out or get behind you. There are many other ways to finish the arm spin while your opponent is on his back. However, this takes the least amount of time and is the most effective in holding your opponent on his back.
Getting the Most Out of the Move
The arm spin is a great technique for freestyle and Greco-Roman. It can earn you back-exposure points every time it is completed successfully, and can open up the opportunity to finish the match with a pin. This move is not as common in folkstyle, because it does not earn as much in that scoring system. However, seeing it done in scholastic or collegiate competition is no less exciting. Make sure to constantly drill the arm spin for technique and speed if you expect to make your opponents fly!
