How to Wrestle an Opponent on One Knee

When an opponent drops to one knee in neutral, they are often defending or setting up a low shot. Stay in a good stance, keep your hips back, and use snap-downs, front headlocks and go-behinds rather than reaching down into their attack range.

Options against a kneeling opponent

SituationResponse
They drop to shootSprawl and go behind
They stay on a knee to defendSnap down to a front headlock
They reach for your legHip back, clear the hands
They are stalling on a kneeCircle, pressure and ask the referee for stalling

Tips

  • Do not bend at the waist over them.
  • Keep your feet moving.
  • Use head and hand pressure to load them forward.
  • Attack as they try to stand.
  • Stay alert for low singles.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Check with a doctor or qualified professional before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have an injury or health condition.

Frequently asked questions

Is it legal to stay on one knee?

Yes, but excessive avoiding of wrestling can be called stalling.

What is the best attack on a kneeling opponent?

Snap-downs to front headlock and go-behinds are common.

How do I avoid getting shot on?

Keep your hips back and hands active.

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Sam Ayed
Sam Ayed

Sam Ayed is a soccer player, coach and lifelong sports enthusiast. As the editor of Sportmentary, he writes and reviews the site's guides, checks rules content against the official rulebooks of each sport's governing body, and keeps pages updated when those rules change.

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