Initial Setup and Hand Placement

After executing a mat return and bringing the opponent to their elbow, the instructor establishes an inside wrist control by placing the thumb between the opponent's index and thumb fingers, then gripping the fleshy part of the hand. This grip placement is more resistant to escape attempts than gripping the wrist alone, as it prevents the opponent from rolling their hand out even if they straighten their arm.

Preventing the Roll-Out Escape

When an opponent attempts to escape by rolling out, the controller applies forward force from the forearm while positioning their body to the side. The controller's knee is placed on the opponent's side to prevent wrist rollout, and if necessary, both knees can pinch inward to maintain control and prevent straightening of the arm.

Weight Distribution When Opponent Lands on Hand

If the opponent lands on their hand after the takedown, the controller uses a chopping motion at the waist to shift weight to the side while maintaining pressure. This prevents the opponent from returning to their hand, creating the proper moment to reach inside and secure the wrist control.

Thigh Pry and Rib Pressure

The thigh pry or flipper is executed by hooking the inside of the opponent's thigh with the arm, creating crushing pressure on the ribs. This pressure is applied before attempting to insert hooks, as the opponent's compressed position makes hook insertion difficult or impossible.

Timing Hook Insertion

Hooks should only be inserted after the thigh pry creates space and the opponent begins to open up. Attempting hooks while the opponent is tightly turtled wastes energy, but once the rib pressure creates an opening on the far side, the hook can be swung through to advance position.

Transition to Side Control

From the inside wrist control position, the controller elevates onto their toes and runs toward the side while applying weight to prevent rollout. The non-controlling hand can cup the opponent's shoulder to prevent them from rolling back to guard, and the controller can stack the opponent on their back if resistance occurs.

Preventing Guard Recovery

If the opponent attempts to roll over their shoulder to recover guard position, the controller maintains grip on the wrist and keeps the hand cupped on the shoulder to stack the opponent on their back. If the stacking attempt fails due to the opponent rolling, the controller releases the wrist grip and transitions to side control rather than allowing guard to be established.

Complete Sequence and Variations

The complete technique flows from mat return to inside wrist control to circular movement toward the side, followed by breakdown and control. Additional options from this position include stepping over the opponent, applying pressure to the hip with the forearm, securing double wrist control, and hugging the shoulder—all variations that create foundations for further submissions.

Critical Weight Management

Maintaining consistent downward pressure throughout the technique is essential to control; releasing weight momentarily allows the opponent to return to their hand and straighten their arm, making wrist control impossible to establish. The controller must keep body weight distributed over the opponent's hand continuously from the initial takedown through the wrist control sequence.

The BASIC Inside Wrist Control from Wrestling!

TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian

Single Wrist Control

3 min read·9 key moments·PT11M video

Key Takeaways

•Initial Setup and Hand Placement
•Preventing the Roll-Out Escape
•Weight Distribution When Opponent Lands on Hand
•Thigh Pry and Rib Pressure

This video I breakdown a great wrestling follow up after you mat return your opponent. Check out the details and you are sure to find something useful! Enjoy! If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please comment below. More videos to come! Please like, share, and subscribe!! PLEASE Click this link to SUPPORT the TeachMeGrappling Channel!!! https://www.patreon.com/TeachMeGrappling or https://www.paypal.me/CoachBrianPeterson Your contribution is much appreciated and will help me continue to bring you content! 🙏 www.NextLevelGuy.com The NextLevelGuy Podcast with Coach Brian Peterson has been released!! Check it out!

Related Techniques

Double Wrist Control

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about single wrist control?

This video covers initial setup and hand placement, preventing the roll-out escape, weight distribution when opponent lands on hand. It provides detailed instruction from TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian.

How long does it take to learn single wrist 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.