Your First Takedown
THE MMA FIELD GUIDEStriking · Wrestling · Ground fighting

Wrestling

Track the feet through a change of direction

A stationary stance photo shows where the feet start. This longer USA Wrestling film lets you follow what holds together when a wrestler circles, takes a lateral step or closes the gap.

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Watch the lesson

FIELD GUIDE / EDITORIAL COVER
Instruction by USA Wrestling. Loading the player connects to YouTube. Watch on YouTube · Publisher’s lesson

Verified chapter starts

  • 12:42 · Moving the stance in more than one direction
  • 21:14 · Footwork and motion drills
  • 23:11 · Closing the gap from a square stance

Use the publisher’s chapter times

Open the movement chapter first. Track the distance between the wrestler’s feet as they circle or move sideways. Then look at the drill section and the short example of closing distance from a square stance. These time markers come from USA Wrestling’s companion study guide.

Bring one question to practice

When a wrestler changes direction, which foot creates room for the other? Compare a sideways step with a forward step. Watch it once facing the athlete and once with your eyes fixed on the trail foot.

Separate observation from sparring

Practise a change of direction in open space without a partner first. Crossing or bringing the feet together can interrupt the next step. A wrestling demonstration uses different guard and contact rules from an MMA round. Have a coach check the change when kicks or shots enter the drill.

Sources & further reading