The cross-wrist rolling tilt was originally used as a turn in freestyle competition, but very recently has been adapted to fit scholastic and collegiate competition. This technique can be performed quickly, and seemingly “out of nowhere,” which makes it extremely difficult to defend against. Because of its effectiveness, this technique has become a go-to move for many wrestlers in the top position. To start racking up points on top, practice the following steps:
Step 1: Arm Chop
To start the tilt, it is critical that you control one of your opponent’s wrists. The easiest way to trap and control a wrist is to do an arm chop on the arm that’s on the same side of the body where you’re positioned. Catch the wrist with your opposite hand.
Step 2: Pull it Tight
Once you have control of your opponent’s wrist, pull it across his body and hold it tightly to his hip. For a tighter hold, pinch the elbow of the controlling arm in towards your own hip. While keeping the wrist, change positions to the same side of your opponent’s body where you have the wrist trapped.
Step 3: Tuck and Roll
As you roll, tuck the elbow of your free arm deep inside your opponent’s thigh, and duck your head in the space underneath your opponent’s body. Use your elbow to keep your opponent tight while rolling. Keep the wrist on the opposite side of your opponent’s body secured like a seat belt, pulling it tight to your opponent’s hip as your roll.
Step 4: Load Him Up
As you are about to expose your opponent’s shoulders to the mat, it is critical to “load” your opponent up on your bottom leg. In simpler terms, as you complete the roll, position your opponent’s hips on top of your bottom leg. By loading your opponent up onto your leg, you are using leverage to help keep him under control while you score.
Step 5: Pinch and Score
Pinch your opponent’s hips with your knees to keep him from escaping. As you do this, keep your opponent’s wrist tight to his body, and try to touch the elbow of your other arm to your knee. This will allow very little space for your opponent to move. If your opponent tries to move away from you and/or get to his stomach, keep scooting your hips towards him and pull him tight to your body.
Score Anytime
The cross-wrist rolling tilt is the type of move in which your opponent won’t know what hit him until the ref is counting out back points. Adding it to your arsenal on top will not only give you the ability to score more points in every match, it will also allow you to earn wins in a dominating fashion. Drill this move many times before you use it in a match, with emphasis on hitting the roll quickly and keeping your opponent tight as you go. Now get out there and start practicing!
