An arm drag pulls the opponent’s arm across your body so you can step to their back. Used defensively, it turns their reach, collar tie or failed shot into your takedown. It’s one of the best counters in wrestling because it uses their forward pressure against them.
When to use it
- The opponent reaches for a collar or wrist tie.
- They post a hand on you while pushing forward.
- They over-extend on a sloppy shot and leave an arm hanging.
Step-by-step
- Grab the wrist: control the reaching arm with the hand directly across from it (their right wrist with your left hand).
- Reach across: your other hand reaches across and grabs the triceps, just above the elbow.
- Drag: pull the arm across your body while dropping your level.
- Step: step your near foot to the side and forward, getting your hips past theirs.
- Get behind: circle behind, lock around the waist or grab a leg.
- Finish: bring them to the mat under control for the takedown.
Variations
| Variation | How it differs |
|---|---|
| Seated arm drag | Sit to the hip and drag as you drop |
| Two-on-one drag | Start from a two-on-one tie, then drag |
| Russian to arm drag | Move from the Russian tie into the drag |
| Arm drag to single | If they turn in, switch to a single leg |
Common mistakes
- Pulling with only the arms and not moving the feet.
- Grabbing too low on the forearm, where they can pull free.
- Staying too tall so they can square back up.
Frequently asked questions
Is the arm drag an offensive or defensive move?
Both. It’s a setup when you initiate it and a counter when you use their reach.
Where should I grab for an arm drag?
The wrist with one hand and the triceps above the elbow with the other.
What’s the best finish after an arm drag?
Circle behind for a takedown, or go straight to a single or double leg.
