The inside tie is an extremely versatile type of tie up in wrestling. This type of tie allows you to control one or both of your opponent’s arms so you are able to move him and control his body positioning. You can hit a wide variety of moves with the inside tie, but namely leg attacks. This guide will teach you how to get into the inside tie, and it will also help you understand some of the fundamentals of how to use this technique to score.
Getting into the Tie
Getting into the inside tie is actually very basic. First, you will need some kind of a setup. One possible set up is to use a . Controlling a collar tie on your opponent will take his attention away from your other arm, which you will use for the inside tie.
For example, if you want to control an inside tie on your opponent’s left arm, grip the back of your opponent’s head and control a collar tie using your left arm. You can then initiate the inside tie using your right arm.
To do the inside tie:
- With your elbow facing down towards the mat, reach for your opponent’s arm.
- Reach over his arm and grip him high on his triceps, near his armpit.
- Use your forearm to block his arm out, keeping your arm inside of his arm.
Hot Tip: Fight for Control
The reason the inside tie is so effective is because you have “inside control” over your opponent. When performing almost any kind of tie-up, it will benefit you to keep your arms on the inside of his, towards the midline of his body. This will allow you to have better control of him so you can initiate your offense. Because of this, you and your opponent will likely be fighting for inside control. So don’t worry if you can’t keep the inside tie right away, just be ready to fight for control.
Head Position
In order to generate an offense from the inside tie, it is very important that you keep good head position. This will make it easier to control your opponent and attack him when you need to. While maintaining the inside tie, there are two things you want to remember:
- Use your forehead: Try to stay forehead-to-forehead. This will give you space to move your opponent and generate power in order to attack.
- Block out his head: Another option is to press your forehead against the side of his temple or neck. Do this on the same side of his body you are controlling the inside tie on.
Free Arm Options
While controlling the inside tie, you have many options on what you can do with your free arm. What you decide to use will depend on what type of technique you are trying to set up. Below are a few things you can do with your free arm.
Wrist Control
Controlling the wrist of your opponent’s other arm is a good option when you have the inside tie. It will take away your opponent’s ability to defend himself with that arm. Controlling the wrist will also allow you to initiate moves like arm drag, duck unders, etc.
Double Inside Ties
Another option is controlling double inside ties. That is, securing inside ties on both of your opponent’s arms. If you stay forehead-to-forehead while controlling two inside ties, you will have a wide variety of offensive options, especially leg attacks.
Post
If you want to create pressure to get your opponent to push into you, the post is another good option. Simply place your free hand on the shoulder that you aren’t controlling. From there, you can push into him with your hand and (with proper head position) your head, as well.
For example, if you are controlling the inside tie on your opponent’s left arm, place your left hand on his right shoulder.
Moving your Opponent
There are a few basic things you can do to move your opponent and take him out of position:
- Get him to step: Use the inside tie to pull your opponent towards you. This is especially beneficial if you want to initiate a single-leg takedown because pulling the inside tie will bring the same-side foot (as the tie) towards you.
- Circle towards the tie: If you circle towards the side of your opponent’s body you’re controlling the tie on, it will typically force him to bring the foot on the opposite side of his body forward. This is helpful if you are attempting takedowns like the sweep single.
- Snap down: Using the inside tie is also a good way to get into the front headlock. Simply use your free hand to snap your opponent’s head down, then control his head with that same arm.
Learn & Win
All wrestlers should know how to use the inside tie to their advantage. So, use the information in this guide to help you drill the inside tie in practice. With a solid understanding of how this technique works, you will allow yourself more opportunities to score in the long run. Good luck!
