Setup and Hand Positioning

The instructor establishes a head-to-head position and maintains low hand placement to control the timing and direction of the engagement. From this base position, the wrestler can choose to fight to the inside or transition to elbow control as the situation dictates.

Securing the Tricep Grip

The wrestler grabs high on the opponent's forearm at the tricep and pulls the arm inward with force. This initial grip is fundamental to establishing control and dictating the opponent's arm positioning.

Head Placement and Secondary Hand Control

While pulling the tricep inward, the wrestler places their head on the opposite side of their body. The secondary hand can control the wrist, grab the opposite elbow, or employ a thumb block, depending on the opponent's positioning.

Pressure Application and Defensive Position

The wrestler drives their shoulder into the controlled arm while pulling it tight, creating a chicken-wing effect that restricts the opponent's ability to use that arm for offense. This positioning provides significant protection, as the opponent would struggle to execute takedowns with a single compromised arm.

Level Change and High Crotch Entry

From the elbow control position, the wrestler performs a level change by dropping their hips and shooting their knee forward between the opponent's legs in a high crotch entry. Simultaneously, the wrestler rips their controlled arm away from the opponent's head while maintaining an upright posture.

Finishing with Knee Drive and Sitting

Once in the high crotch position with hips driven in, the wrestler can finish by either driving the opponent up to complete the takedown or rotating to sit the opponent on their back. After sitting the opponent, the wrestler grabs the shin and lifts it above their hips while moving in to control distance.

Closing Distance and Reestablishing Control

The wrestler closes the gap and crowds the opponent while maintaining control of the lifted leg. If the opponent places hands on the wrestler, the wrestler immediately re-engages the tricep control and repeats the sequence with increased pressure.

Managing Opponent Resistance from Bottom

When the opponent attempts to defend by walking their hands around the wrestler's waist or chest, the wrestler maintains tightness and responds by driving their hips up while lifting the opponent's leg. Continuous crowding pressure ensures the opponent remains pinned without space to generate effective offense.

Sequence Repetition and Technical Refinement

The instructor demonstrates the complete sequence again at full speed: closing distance, securing the tricep grip, executing the level change with knee drive, shifting to a sitting position, and controlling the raised leg through continued crowding. This demonstrates the seamless flow and timing required for consistent execution.

Wrestling Technique: Elbow Control High Crotch

Joshua Nolan Wrestling

Outside Elbow Control

2 min read·9 key moments·PT5M47S video

Key Takeaways

•Setup and Hand Positioning
•Securing the Tricep Grip
•Head Placement and Secondary Hand Control
•Pressure Application and Defensive Position

High crotch attack with crack down finish

Related Techniques

Inside Elbow Control

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about outside elbow control?

This video covers setup and hand positioning, securing the tricep grip, head placement and secondary hand control. It provides detailed instruction from Joshua Nolan Wrestling.

How long does it take to learn outside elbow control?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.