Establishing the Dogfight Position
The dogfight position is a fundamental grappling stance where two competitors face each other laterally. One wrestler controls with the seat belt grip while the other secures the wizard (underhook). The positioning requires the seat belt control wrestler to step into the hole—positioning themselves behind their opponent's leg—to establish dominance.
The Wizard Grip and Leg Hook Defense
When the wizard grip holder attempts to turn into their opponent, the seat belt wrestler counters by hooking the far leg. This leg hook neutralizes the wizard's power and prevents the opponent from squaring up to escape. Once the leg is hooked, the wizard grip becomes ineffective and the opponent enters a defensive posture.
Achieving the True Dogfight Stance
The true dogfight occurs when both wrestlers adopt identical positioning: hands down, outside leg elevated, and driving force directed into each other. This creates a stalemate where superior leg drive and hip pressure determine who maintains position. The wrestler who can generate more force will drive their opponent to collapse.
Executing Elevation and Throws
The wrestler with inside leg control elevates by bringing their outside foot closer, standing up, and driving their hips forward with intensity. While controlling the far arm can enhance the throw, it is not always necessary—sufficient weight and pressure alone force the opponent to release and collapse. The key is generating crushing force through hip elevation rather than relying solely on arm control.
Position Advantage: Inside Leg Control
The wrestler positioned in the hole—with their inside leg wrapped over the opponent's leg—maintains superior control. This positioning allows maximum wizard pressure and underhook effectiveness. The out-of-position wrestler cannot generate adequate wizard pressure and faces immediate vulnerability to elevation and throws.
Defensive Leg Positioning and Entry
To escape the inferior position, the wrestler must extract their leg and wrap over the opponent's leg to reverse control. After securing the inside leg position, the wrestler brings their outside foot close to their body—a critical step that enables leg elevation. Without bringing the foot close, attempting to lift the opponent is futile due to insufficient leverage against their body weight.
Practical Execution and Pressure Application
Both wrestlers begin on their knees in the dogfight position and practice fundamental transitions. The wrestler with inside leg control brings their outside foot close, elevates, and drives backward into their opponent. The drill emphasizes consistent pressure and proper hip engagement to execute clean position reversals and throws.
BASICS of the Dog Fight Position!
Key Takeaways
- •Establishing the Dogfight Position
- •The Wizard Grip and Leg Hook Defense
- •Achieving the True Dogfight Stance
- •Executing Elevation and Throws
This video I breakdown the "dog fight" position. 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 To purchase TMG or PG Merchandise go to... https://www.petersongrapplers.com/shop 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about standard dogfight?
This video covers establishing the dogfight position, the wizard grip and leg hook defense, achieving the true dogfight stance. It provides detailed instruction from TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian.
How long does it take to learn standard dogfight?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing standard dogfight?
To escape the inferior position, the wrestler must extract their leg and wrap over the opponent's leg to reverse control. After securing the inside leg position, the wrestler brings their outside foot close to their body—a critical step that enables leg elevation. Without bringing the foot close, attempting to lift the opponent is futile due to insufficient leverage against their body weight.
