Tips on Reversals in Wrestling

In boxing, once you’re down, you’re down. There is an official way for you to reverse your positions and be on top once more. Thankfully, however, it’s not the same for wrestling. Whatever type of wrestling you’re engaged in, a reversal will always score you needed points when you’re temporarily tackled by your opponent.

What are Wrestling Reversals?

There are four types of wrestling moves that will allow you to obtain points in a match: takedowns, tackling or forcing your opponent’s back to the mat, escapes, and lastly, reversals. Reversals are moves that wrestlers use to get back into a controlling position from a previously submissive position.

How to Get in the Proper Physical and Mental Positioning for a Reversal

Before attempting any fancy reversal move, make sure first that you’re in optimal physical and mental condition.

Bide your time before attempting a reversal. Although your opponent certainly expects you to attempt reversing positions, you still have the element of surprise at your side because he has no way of knowing when you’ll make a move. If your body doesn’t give it away.

If your opponent is intuitive and with considerable experience in the sport, he’s sure to be keeping track of any telltale signs coming from your body to give him an idea of when you plan to reverse your positions. As such, if you need to be tense or relaxed before attempting a reversal, be certain that the change in your stance is made gradually.

You’re usually given one chance and one chance alone to attempt a reversal, especially if you’re fighting a veteran wrestler. If you make your move and it fails, your opponent will be alert and he most probably won’t let his guard down anymore after that.

Sometimes, reversals in wrestling are simply successful because the wrestler subjected to an inferior position is able to wage a psychological war against his opponent and win that round. Try deceiving your opponent into thinking that you’re slowly giving up hope. When you do that, your opponent might unconsciously weaken his hold on you, and that’s the time you should make a move!

When you do make a move, make sure that you do so with complete confidence and utmost determination. One moment of hesitation can easily be your downfall. And don’t at all costs blink! A blink may be more than enough for your opponent to regain control of you!

How to Execute a Common Wrestling Reversal

Now that you’re aware of the necessary physical and mental stance to take when attempting a reversal, here’s how to make the reversal itself. What you’re about to learn is a move called the Granby roll. The term is borrowed from Granby Street High School which is located in Norfolk Virginia and where famous wrestling mentor Billy Martin once taught.

Obviously, the starting position of the Granby roll will find you in a submissive stance. Your opponent is either holding you at the waist or attempting to push you on your back. To properly reverse positions, you need to raise your body slightly on the floor. You need to raise it at least a few inches above ground, enough to allow you to cross step.

Next, use your other leg and make a high kick while performing a shoulder roll. Make sure that you target the inner or nearer shoulder to you and not the one facing outside. Finish with an arm lock to reverse your positions. Once you’ve gotten a secure hold on your opponent, do your best to pin him to the mat.

Keep in mind however that the Granby roll can also be used as a wrestling escape move. Instead of finishing with an arm lock, you can just opt to directly escape from your opponent’s hold.

Wrestling reversals are one of the hardest moves to accomplish in the sport because not only do you have to escape from your opponent’s hold but you’re expected to reverse your positions and gain a controlling hold as well. You’ll need to get to the top of the world from the very bottom, and that’s a very tall order to make. It is possible to make and all you need is practice!