How to Make a Proper Escape at Wrestling

Escape is one of the ways for you to score a point, although it’s essentially better if you avoid having the need to do so in the first place. Judges award points to a wrestler when he’s able to escape - thus the name of the move - the hold of his opponent and back on his feet immediately.

Escapes are easier to do than reversals since your only aim is to win back your freedom; escapes however are slightly more difficult to accomplish than takedowns because an escape is basically a defensive move - which means you’re put in a position where you’re not in control - while a takedown is an offensive move.

Although you may find different rules detailing how to make an effective escape in wrestling, experience in the sport will later on make you realize that there are truly no rules in making escapes. The most important thing you have to remember when you need to make an escape is to keep your head at all times.

Tips Related to Wrestling Escapes

Although we’ve advised you to avoid allowing your opponent to get a controlling hold on you in the first place, that doesn’t mean you should stay far from your opponent all the time. If you don’t get close, you’ll never be able to make a score.

And even if you do get caught, you shouldn’t be afraid because that’s what escapes are for. After all, just because you’re temporarily caught by your opponent doesn’t automatically mean you’re the loser in the match.

Protect your head at all costs. This is the primary target zone in most offensive strategies. Move your head constantly, and make sure that it’s not within reach by your opponent. Keeping your head out of reach will prevent you from having the need to escape your opponent. After all, if your opponent doesn’t get a hold of your head, there’s nothing for you to escape from!

Always remember to force your opponent to wrestle in your style rather than the other way around. If both of you are wrestling against each other in your style, this will provide you with more openings to go to the offensive instead of having to perpetually rely on defensive stances like escapes.

Technique is always more important than strength alone. Don’t be worried about not making an escape if your opponent is heavier than you. When there’s a will, there’s a way. At the same time, for every offensive strategy, there’s always a counter or defensive strategy you can use.

When fighting and attempting to escape the hold of a heavier man, you need to find a way that will enable you to use his strength against him. And of course, remember to be light-footed!

When you do manage to free yourself from the hold of your opponent, don’t forget to get up immediately or else no points will be awarded to you.

Examples of Wrestling Escapes

The Matrix

This is best used when your opponent has a hold on you using offensive maneuvers such as the clothesline. To execute the matrix, you need to bridge your whole body in a reverse position. Secondly, you need to keep your hands down on the mat. This will help you prevent an attack or make an escape. It will also allow you to get back on your feet immediately.

The name is borrowed from a scene of a popular movie which showed actors bending back in extremely flexible motions. This move is also used in gymnastics and acrobatics, although it’s referred to in another term.

Bell Clap

This is an escape that’s easier to accomplish than the Matrix and is commonly scene in exhibition matches in leagues like those of World Wrestling Entertainment. To execute a bell clap, all you have to do is put a simultaneous slap on both ears of your enemy. Your movement will cause your opponent to lose their balance. When they do, that’s the time you should make an escape!

The bell clap is often used to escape from offensive moves such as the bear hug hold.

Although these tips seem easy to do on paper, participating in a real wrestling match will soon show you the error of your thoughts. Keep in mind however that practice makes perfect. Good luck on escaping to victory!