How to Spladle Wrestling Tips
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Spladle ExecutionΒ·Myosource Kinetic BandsΒ·Added by Admin
http://myosource.com/wrestling/ How to Spladle Wrestling Tips
Spladle Execution
GenusTranslation: spladle
Overview
The spladle is a wrestling pinning combination and submission where the attacker traps and splits the opponent's legs (forcing them toward a split position) while controlling from behind, creating extreme pressure on the hamstrings, groin, back, and neck. [1] Created by Wade Schalles (NCAA Division I champion, 1960s), the name is a portmanteau of 'split scissors' and 'cradle,' coined by Schalles himself. [2] It is primarily executed as a counter to a single leg takedown attempt, functioning simultaneously as a pin, a submission, and a takedown counter. The position compromises the opponent's breathing due to the folded position.
Standard SpladleSpladleSplit Scissors CradleWrestlingLeg Split Pin
History & Origin
Country of originΒ· shown in random order
- GreeceWrestling (Folkstyle), Wrestling (Freestyle), Wrestling (Greco-Roman)
- USAWrestling (Folkstyle), Wrestling (Freestyle), Wrestling (Greco-Roman), MMA
- BrazilMMA, BJJ
- JapanBJJ
Effectiveness
Highly effective counter to single leg takedowns in both wrestling and MMA. Functions as a pin in wrestling and a submission in grappling/MMA due to the extreme pressure on groin, hamstrings, and breathing. [1]
Lineage
Created by Wade Schalles (NCAA Division I champion, 1960s). Crossed into MMA through Nate Diaz, JJ Holmes, and Zabit Magomedsharipov.
Competition Record
Nate Diaz vs. Joe Stevenson (UFC, 2009) β ground strikes from spladle. JJ Holmes submitted Andre Cavanaugh via spladle (2009). Zabit Magomedsharipov used variations in UFC. Wade Schalles: NCAA Division I champion.
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action β From sprawl against a single leg: thread the far-side arm around opponent's far leg, lock gable grip
Splitting Mechanic β Fall back and roll to the side; pull far leg toward chest while extending own legs to push same-side leg away, forcing a split
Compression β The folded position compresses the torso, compromising breathing; extreme strain on hamstrings, groin (adductors), lower back, and cervical spine
Position & Entry
From sprawl against single leg β Opponent shoots a single leg; sprawl, thread arm around far leg, lock gable grip, fall back and split
From front headlock β Convert the front headlock by threading the arm around the far leg
From turtle top β When controlling the turtled opponent, thread the arm through to the far leg
Variants
Standard spladle from single leg defense β the classic counter
Spladle from front headlock β convert head control to leg split
Spladle with ground strikes β MMA application (Nate Diaz style)
Standing spladle β rare, applied from standing clinch
Catch wrestling spladle β used as a submission rather than just a pin
Videos
Wrestling - How to Spladle Standing
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Spladle ExecutionΒ·Myosource Kinetic Bands
http://www.myosource.com/buy-kinetic-bands/. http://coachttd.com/. Three ways to Spladle your wrestling opponent from tβ¦
2 videos
What Instructors Say
The spladle execution involves securing an opponent's legs in a compressed lock configuration through coordinated arm and leg positioning. Both Myosource Kinetic Bands instructors emphasize the critical importance of maintaining the opponent's knee tight against their chest to prevent escape and ensure control. The fundamental mechanics require establishing a two-on-one grip structure: one arm threads behind the knee while the second arm secures behind the Achilles tendon, creating dual leverage points. Execution positioning demands the attacker remain on their side with shoulders up, driving stomach pressure into the opponent's head while simultaneously bringing their legs together, forcing the opponent's head into hyperflexion as they attempt to kiss their own body. Both instructors stress foot placement on the mat for balance and stability, with reinforcement through the top leg positioned behind the Achilles. The technique permits multiple rolling directionsβforward, backward, or sidewaysβbefore securing the final position. Coach Greg Thomas (Myosource Kinetic Bands, Standing Spladle video) additionally demonstrates inside and outside hook variations from standing single-leg defense, whereas the first Myosource instructor (Wrestling Tips video) emphasizes positional adjustments when initial leg hooks prove unavailable, focusing on maintaining control appearance for referee recognition. Both sources agree that once properly secured with appropriate pressure application, the submission becomes extremely painful and difficult to escape.
Synthesized from 2 instructors
- Myosource Kinetic Bands β How to Spladle Wrestling Tips: Demonstrates foundational spladle execution from ground position, emphasizing knee-to-chest positioning, proper Achilles hook placement, maintaining side control with shoulder positioning, and alternative strategies when leg hooks cannot be established. Addresses pressure application and positional adjustments during execution.
- Myosource Kinetic Bands β Wrestling - How to Spladle Standing: Provides detailed standing spladle execution with inside and outside hook variations from single-leg takedown defense. Establishes two-on-one grip mechanics, rolling direction options, foot placement for stability, and reinforcement methodology. Emphasizes head hyperflexion pressure combined with leg compression and demonstrates proper side positioning with multiple athlete examples.
Learn This Technique
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
6
High6/10
Significant strain on hamstrings, groin (adductors), lower back, and cervical spine; can cause injury if applied forcefully against inflexible opponents; breathing compromised by the folded position
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
β IJF β Only elbow joint locks permitted in judo β compress...
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFRestricted
β IBJJF β Brown and black belt only
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDFLegal
β ADCC β Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDFβ Unified MMA β Legal
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFβ FIAS Sport Sambo β Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFβ FIAS Combat Sambo β Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
βCreated by Wade Schalles, NCAA Division I champion in the 1960s. The name is a portmanteau of 'split scissors' and 'cradle,' coined by Schalles himself. The spladle has crossed over from wrestling into MMA β Nate Diaz used it against Joe Stevenson (UFC, 2009) for ground strikes, JJ Holmes submitted Andre Cavanaugh via spladle (2009), and Zabit Magomedsharipov used variations in the UFC. The technique is primarily a counter to single leg takedown attempts. From a sprawl: the attacker threads the far-side arm around the opponent's far leg, locks a gable grip, then steps behind the same-side leg and falls back while rolling to the side. The pull-push action forces the opponent's legs into a split while the attacker maintains back control. The position puts extreme pressure on the hamstrings, groin, back, and neck simultaneously, and compromises breathing due to the extreme folding of the torso.
Common Mistakes
!Not securing the gable grip before falling back β the grip must be locked
!Falling straight back instead of to the side β must roll to control the finish
!Not splitting the legs actively β must push one leg while pulling the other
!Applying too forcefully against inflexible opponents β risk of groin and hamstring tears
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Opponent shoots single leg β Sprawl and control the hips β Thread far-side arm around opponent's far leg β Lock gable grip β Step behind same-side leg β Fall back and roll to the side β Pull far leg toward chest, push near leg away β Force the split for pin or submission
Sources & References
Primary Source
Evolve MMA β What Is The Spladle Move in MMA
1OtherJapanese Martial Arts Community Terminology
Evolve MMA β What Is The Spladle Move In MMA (evolve-mma.com) || BJJ World β Wrestling Spladle: The Ultimate Single Leg Counter (bjj-world.com) || Fanatic Wrestling β Spladle Wrestling Move (fanaticwrestling.com)
2OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (ε€ζ₯θͺ) β used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
[1] Wade Schalles β inventor and name creator (NCAA Division I champion, 1960s)
4CitationBJJ World β Wrestling Spladle: The Ultimate Single Leg Counter (bjj-world.com)
[2] Evolve MMA and BJJ World β MMA crossover documentation and technique breakdown
5CitationFanatic Wrestling β Spladle Wrestling Move (fanaticwrestling.com)
Community
Athletics
Requires
precise timing on the entry (usually off a sprawl), controlled execution
Key muscles
hip flexors, shoulders, core, grip strength
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the proper foot placement when executing a spladle?
Both of your feet should be on the mat for balance and stability, with your body positioned on your side. Your knee should be positioned behind the opponent's Achilles tendon, and you secure it by placing that foot on the mat as well.
How do I control my opponent once I have the spladle locked in?
Once you have the leg security and both feet planted, you drive your hips into your opponent while bringing their legs toward you, and simultaneously apply stomach pressure to drive their head in the opposite direction, creating a two-on-one control situation.
What's the difference between an inside and outside spladle?
In an outside spladle, you hook your hands on the outside rather than on the inside. From either position, you can execute the technique by rolling your opponent forward or backwards.
How does the Spladle Execution work?
The spladle is a wrestling pinning combination and submission where the attacker traps and splits the opponent's legs (forcing them toward a split position) while controlling from behind, creating extreme pressure on the hamstrings, groin, back, and neck. Created by Wade Schalles (NCAA Division I champion, 1960s), the name is a portmanteau of 'split scissors' and 'cradle,' coined by Schalles himself.
Where does the Spladle Execution come from?
Created by Wade Schalles, NCAA Division I champion in the 1960s. The name is a portmanteau of 'split scissors' and 'cradle,' coined by Schalles himself.
Is the Spladle Execution legal in competition?
IBJJF: restricted β Brown and black belt only; IJF: banned β Only elbow joint locks permitted in judo β compression locks prohibited; ADCC: legal β Legal; Unified MMA: legal β Legal; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal β Legal; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal β Legal
How dangerous is the Spladle Execution?
Danger rating 6/10. High β significant strain on hamstrings, groin (adductors), lower back, and cervical spine; can cause injury if applied forcefully against inflexible opponents; breathing compromised by the folded position
How do I set up the Spladle Execution?
The standard setup chain: Opponent shoots single leg β Sprawl and control the hips β Thread far-side arm around opponent's far leg β Lock gable grip β Step behind same-side leg β Fall back and roll to the side β Pull far leg toward chest, push near leg away β Force the split for pin or submission.
How do I defend against the Spladle Execution?
Standard counters include: Don't shoot deep single legs β keep the hips back / Hand-fight to prevent the gable grip / Tuck the far leg tight β don't let it be reached / Roll with the spladle β go with the rotation rather than resisting.
What are the variants of the Spladle Execution?
Common variants: Standard spladle from single leg defense (the classic counter); Spladle from front headlock (convert head control to leg split); Spladle with ground strikes (MMA application (Nate Diaz style)); Standing spladle (rare, applied from standing clinch); Catch wrestling spladle (used as a submission rather than just a pin).
How effective is the Spladle Execution in competition?
Nate Diaz vs. Joe Stevenson (UFC, 2009) β ground strikes from spladle.
What are common mistakes when doing the Spladle Execution?
Top errors to watch for: Not securing the gable grip before falling back β the grip must be locked / Falling straight back instead of to the side β must roll to control the finish / Not splitting the legs actively β must push one leg while pulling the other / Applying too forcefully against inflexible opponents β risk of groin and hamstring tears.
What are other names for the Spladle Execution?
The Spladle Execution is also known as Supuradoru, Standard Spladle, Spladle, Split Scissors Cradle, Leg Split Pin.