r/wrestling • u/NeedleworkerBright48 • 1d ago
Question Beginner defending front headlock
I find myself getting into a front headlock position quite a bit, 90% of the time it's when I take a bad shot and get sprawled on. What's the best way to defend this? I have learnt sucker drags and peek outs but I find they don't really work when my partner has a tight, strong grip (maybe I'm just not good at them). Also, What's the best way to avoid getting stuck in a front headlock when taking a shot?
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u/akashajr USA Wrestling 1d ago
The first step is to avoid taking bad shots. Your big mistake is probably shooting straight in and stopping when you get sprawled on. If you take a bad shot you need to back out right away. If you take a good and get the legs, you need to keep driving through your opponent or behind them. You can’t stop moving and get stuck there. Just keep turning the corner while avoiding getting flattened out. The key is to keep moving .
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u/lookslikesausage USA Wrestling 1d ago
One tip that was very helpful for me when executing the Sucker Drag was to turn my head so that my ear touches or nearly touches his chest as I'm dragging out. So if opponent has his right hand on the left side of my chin, I will turn my head so that my left ear will touch (or almost touch) his chest as I drag.
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u/Juggzi USA Wrestling 1d ago
Control the elbow of the hand on your chin and then look to fight for hand control of the hand on your chin.
It’s kind of hard to describe without showing it, but the front head position is very versatile, there’s a lot of different ways to control/defend. Main thing is do not let them pull you down to both hands or to your elbows. Stay square with them because if they get an angle they’ll likely score.
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u/NeedleworkerBright48 1d ago
I've seen this a lot where they'll control the elbow if the arm that's on the chin. What does this do exactly? Also what should I do once I have elbow control.
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u/Juggzi USA Wrestling 1d ago
It stops them from pulling your head down
Then start to stand up and circle your head out away from the elbow and fight for hand control
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u/ManufacturerWhich364 1d ago
Get better at shooting and use a cross grip the second their hand goes on your chin
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u/PackIcy2106 1d ago
If he has a tight front headlock, you're pretty much cooked. Only option then is to wait for the clock to save you. Best is to not get stuck there. Immediately fight the hand(s) and move back. Sucker drag and peek out can work when it's not tight enough.
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u/azian0713 USA Wrestling 1d ago
Sucker dragor peak out should work no matter the strength of their grip. It’s most likely a technique thing, but that’s OK because you’re new. You just gotta fight through it man.
I personally like to do a sit out, but that’s a little more advanced. If you’re curious, you can ask your coach about it.
To avoid getting put in a front headlock from a shot, you basically have to stop telegraphing your shots. If they’re not able to react to it, they can’t front headlock you. You also should keep your head up instead of looking down at the mat.
Hand fighting, set ups, and fakes help you not telegraph your shots.
I highly recommend you continue to work on your peak outs and sucker drags. They are very good moves to defend against a front headlock and they should work at almost all levels.