The leg lace, or sometimes called the “ankle lace,” is one of the most commonly used techniques in freestyle wrestling. In this maneuver, the top wrestler (in the par terre position) controls both of his opponent’s legs in order to turn him to his back and score. Because this technique is so widely used, it is beneficial that you learn how to defend against it early. Read this guide carefully to begin learning about the basic defense against the leg lace.
Prevent Crossing
The first thing you must understand is that if your opponent crosses your legs or ankles, it’s likely you will be turned. However, be aware that it’s also possible for you to be turned if your legs aren’t crossed. So, try to keep your legs wide apart when on bottom in par terre. By doing this, you will make it difficult for your opponent to control both of your legs at the same time.
Base Back
The most effective way to defend against the leg lace, whether your opponent is trying to control your lower legs or has already done so, is to “base back” or get to your knees. Your opponent will be attempting to apply pressure to your hips and thighs in order to isolate your lower legs so he can take control of them. To “base back,” push your hips and butt back into his upper body in order to prevent yourself from being turned.
From here, your opponent will most likely try to apply even more pressure to your hips in an attempt to break you flat again before turning you. Before he can break you flat, you must attack his hands (that are around your lower legs). Try to control your opponent’s hands by grabbing his fingers. Be aware: You must control all four fingers at once; you can be penalized for manipulating the fingers individually.
Hot Tip: Fight the Pressure
In freestyle, your opponent will have the ability to transition from techniques that attack your upper body (the gut wrench, for example) to techniques that attack your lower body, like the leg lace. So, if you feel your opponent removing pressure from your upper body and applying it to your legs, be ready. This is a sure sign that he wants to attack your lower legs for a leg lace. If you’re aware of what your opponent is doing on top, you can quickly defend the part of your body that he is attacking.
Hand-to-Hand
No matter how good your defense is, there may come a time when you’re wrestling someone that beats you to the punch. If your opponent quickly and successfully locks up your legs and you’re about to be turned, sometimes it’s easier to go with the move than to fight it; the leg lace puts a great deal of pressure on your lower legs. From here there are a few things you can do:
- Do not roll directly across your back. Your opponent may pause mid-technique in order to force your shoulders to the mat and pin you. In an attempt to not roll, try to raise your upper body while you are being turned. Here it’s actually okay to be “seated” on your butt.
- As you are being turned, try to plant both hands on the mat behind you and slightly off to the side. This allows you to use your arms to help keep your back off of the mat. This is what is known in international wrestling as the “hand-to-hand” position. If you can get into the “hand-to-hand” position as you are being turned, your opponent will only earn one point for the technique, rather than two, because you’ll have been able to defend and keep your back away from the mat
Defend to Win
Without a solid par terre defense, you will have very little chance of succeeding at higher levels of wrestling. Take your defense seriously and use this knowledge to your advantage. Practice the proper defense to the leg lace every time you step on the mat. Doing so will ensure you’re ready to take on the toughest opponents.
