The merkle is a top-position turn in folkstyle wrestling that builds off a leg ride. With your leg hooked in, you trap the bottom wrestler’s far arm and roll them over their shoulder so their back is exposed to the mat. It is a favourite of wrestlers who ride legs because it punishes opponents who post their far hand to fight the ride, and it can score near-fall points or lead to a pin. The keys are a secure leg ride, tight control of the far arm, driving your weight across their upper back, and keeping the move under control so the shoulder is never forced beyond its normal range.
This guide explains when the merkle works, the setup from a leg ride, a step-by-step breakdown, finishes, counters, the legal limits, drills and common mistakes.
When the merkle works
The merkle is most effective when you are riding with a leg in and the bottom wrestler tries to build up or fight your ride by posting their far hand. That far arm becomes the lever for the turn. It also works when the opponent is flattened out and trying to push up. Wrestlers who are comfortable riding legs often chain the merkle with other leg turns such as the cross-face cradle, power half or tilts.
Key elements
| Element | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Leg ride | Hook your leg in around the opponent’s near leg | Controls their hips and stops them escaping |
| Far arm control | Trap their far arm at the wrist or elbow | Removes their support and creates the lever |
| Upper-body pressure | Chest on their back and shoulders | Breaks their base and drives the turn |
| Hips | Stay tight and heavy with your hips on theirs | Keeps control through the roll |
| Direction | Roll them over the shoulder on the trapped side | Exposes their back for near-fall points |
Step-by-step technique
- Establish the leg ride: hook your leg in on the near side and put pressure on their hips.
- Break them down: use your weight and the leg to flatten or partially flatten them.
- Wait for the far arm: as they post the far hand to build up, reach over and trap it.
- Control the arm: pull it in tight so they cannot post or pull it free.
- Drive across: move your chest across their upper back toward the trapped side.
- Roll them over: use the leg ride and your weight to turn them over the trapped shoulder.
- Secure back exposure: keep the leg in and chest pressure on, holding them at an angle to the mat for near-fall counts.
Finishing options
Once the opponent is on their back, maintain the leg ride and chest pressure to hold them for near-fall points. Many wrestlers transition to a half nelson or a cradle to secure a pin. If the opponent bridges, keep your weight heavy and move your hips to stay on top. If they roll through, be ready to follow and re-establish control.
How opponents counter the merkle
- Keeping the far arm in: not posting the hand gives nothing to trap.
- Clearing the leg: kicking or hipping out of the leg ride.
- Turning away: facing away from the roll to avoid exposure.
- Bridging and rolling: trying to reverse the top wrestler during the turn.
- Hand fighting: breaking the grip on the far arm.
Legal limits
Leg rides and arm control are legal in folkstyle, but the merkle must not force the shoulder, elbow or wrist beyond its normal range of motion. Twisting the arm behind the back, bending it more than about 90 degrees, or forcing the arm upward toward the head can make it an illegal or potentially dangerous hold. Leg rides can also become illegal if they involve twisting the knee or ankle. Referees stop potentially dangerous holds and may award penalty points.
Check the NFHS or NCAA rulebook, or your national federation’s rules, for exact definitions of illegal and potentially dangerous holds.
Drills to practise
- Leg ride control: ride legs for 30 seconds against a partner trying to escape.
- Far arm reps: partner posts the far hand while you practise trapping it.
- Merkle turns: practise the roll with light resistance.
- Chain drills: combine the merkle with other leg turns.
Common mistakes
- Loose leg ride: the opponent escapes before you can turn them.
- Reaching too early: grabbing the far arm before they post it.
- Weight too far back: no pressure for the roll.
- Cranking the arm: illegal and dangerous.
- Losing the leg during the roll: gives up control and back exposure.
Leg rides and arm turns stress the knees, shoulders and elbows. Learn them under a qualified coach and use controlled pressure in practice.
Leg riding fundamentals
The merkle depends on a solid leg ride. To put legs in, the top wrestler hooks their leg around the bottom wrestler’s near leg, usually inside the thigh and over the ankle. The top wrestler keeps their hips low and close, uses a cross-face or arm control to keep the opponent flat, and adjusts weight to stop the bottom wrestler from standing or sitting out. Without a strong leg ride, the merkle becomes difficult to finish because the bottom wrestler can escape the hips.
Merkle vs other leg turns
| Turn | Key control | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Merkle | Far arm trap from a leg ride | Opponent posts the far hand |
| Power half | Half nelson combined with legs | Opponent is flat with head down |
| Cross-face cradle from legs | Cross-face and near leg | Opponent’s head turns toward the far side |
| Guillotine | Leg control and arm trap to a pin | Advanced riders with strong control |
Leg riders often chain these turns so the bottom wrestler has no safe way to defend.
How to drill the merkle
- Start in a leg ride with a cooperative partner on the bottom.
- Break the partner down to the mat, then work to trap the far arm as they post it.
- Drill the arm trap slowly for several repetitions on each side.
- Add the turn, driving the partner toward their back while keeping the leg hooked.
- Finish with back points or a pinning hold, then reset.
- Progress to live situations where the bottom wrestler resists.
Common mistakes
- Letting the hips drift away from the opponent, which weakens the leg ride.
- Reaching for the arm before the opponent is broken down.
- Turning too early, which lets the bottom wrestler roll through or escape.
- Forcing the arm into positions that could injure a partner. Control the position rather than cranking the joint.
Is the merkle legal?
Legal holds and potentially dangerous positions are defined by each governing body, and high school, college and freestyle rules differ. Always check the current rulebook for your level, and follow your coach’s guidance on safe technique. Referees can stop a hold that endangers a joint even if the move itself is legal.
Frequently asked questions
What is a merkle in wrestling?
A folkstyle turn from a leg ride where the top wrestler traps the far arm and rolls the opponent over their shoulder.
Is the merkle legal in high school wrestling?
Yes, as long as the arm and legs are not forced beyond their normal range of motion.
How do I stop a merkle?
Keep your far arm tight, clear the leg ride and turn away from the roll.
