Underhook System Overview

The underhook system of Younes Emami, a 2019 world medalist from Iran, comprises five primary offensive options once the underhook position is established. This system demonstrates how a single control point can generate multiple distinct attacking pathways in freestyle wrestling.

Push Out Threat and Boundary Control

One primary option from the underhook is using positional strength to push the opponent out of bounds, scoring one point. The mere threat of a push out often compels opponents to drive forward, which can be leveraged to set up secondary offensive techniques.

Throw By with Go Behind Finish

The throw by is executed by pivoting the head, torso, and hips sharply to the right while taking a large forward step with the left leg. When the opponent posts both hands to the mat from this forceful rotation, the go behind finish becomes available as an efficient completion.

Throw By with Single Leg Finish

An alternative throw by finish involves shelving the opponent's near foot on the right hip while maintaining the underhook. This shelving method allows the wrestler to keep elevation of the opponent's leg without hand commitment, freeing one hand to post and maintain balance.

Throw By with Far Side Leg Scoop

A third throw by option utilizes a far side leg scoop, where the free hand hooks underneath the opponent's far thigh for bilateral body control. Practitioners often transition from a near side single leg attempt into this far side scoop as the opponent reacts.

Front Headlock Position and Whip Over

From the underhook, the wrestler can transition to a front headlock by trapping the opponent's head beneath the chest while maintaining the underhook. The whip over (rakabhi) is executed by pivoting hard to the right with upper body torque, using the underhook and far tricep control to force the opponent toward their far hip or back.

Body Lock Transition and Go Behind

The body lock position represents a fourth primary option from the underhook, with a preferred finish being a forced go behind. This is achieved by shifting the body lock down toward the opponent's waist and driving the hips directly behind theirs, creating stress on the opponent's overhooking shoulder.

Body Lock Hip Lift Throw

Another finishing option from the body lock position is a high-impact hip lift and throw. This technique uses the wrestler's hips as the primary lifting mechanism against the opponent's center of gravity.

Standing Whip Over Finish

A fifth primary option is the whip over performed from a traditional standing underhook position. The technique involves cutting an angle and pivoting hard to the right while pulling inward on the opponent's far arm to generate upper body torque and force rotation.

System Building Principles

Effective wrestling systems demonstrate how a single position feeds multiple finishing options at the macro level. Practitioners are encouraged to develop their own systems tailored to their technical preferences, physical attributes, and fighting style rather than adopting techniques in isolation.

Younes Emami Underhook System | Overview

DPS Breakdowns

Single Underhook

3 min read·10 key moments·PT5M23S video

Key Takeaways

•Underhook System Overview
•Push Out Threat and Boundary Control
•Throw By with Go Behind Finish
•Throw By with Single Leg Finish

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Related Techniques

Double Underhook

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about single underhook?

This video covers underhook system overview, push out threat and boundary control, throw by with go behind finish. It provides detailed instruction from DPS Breakdowns.

How long does it take to learn single underhook?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 10-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.