Introduction and Core Benefit
Coach Pickett introduces the fireman's carry as a high-percentage takedown that immediately creates opportunities for back points. The technique is particularly valuable because it allows wrestlers to score points both from the initial takedown and from the follow-up back control.
Grip Setup from Inside Tie
The fireman's carry begins from an inside tie position, where the wrestler places one hand on the opponent's bicep to establish control. This grip serves as the foundation for all subsequent pulling and pushing setups used to execute the technique.
Basic Execution and Body Position
From inside tie, the wrestler pulls the opponent close while ducking their head underneath and rotating 180 degrees to drop to both knees. The wrestler then secures the opponent's calf with a snaking grip and performs a windshield wiper motion with the feet before rolling to the hip and shoulder to complete the throw.
Pinning Transition from Back Control
After throwing the opponent over, the wrestler maintains a pinched hip position and transitions the calf grip to the opponent's hip. The wrestler achieves an over-under position and adjusts their chin placement to maintain control as the opponent rolls, ready to secure a pin.
Primary Setup: Forcing a Step
The most effective setup involves initiating from a push-pull battle in inside tie. The wrestler forces the opponent to step forward by maintaining forehead-to-forehead contact, then drops their level and immediately penetrates into the fireman's carry.
Secondary Setup: Fake Single Leg
An alternative approach uses a feint single-leg takedown on the opposite side to position the opponent's weight incorrectly. When the opponent retracts their leg, the wrestler drops directly into the fireman's carry on the original side.
Advanced Setup: Russian Tie Transition
From a Russian tie, the wrestler controls the opponent's wrist and positions their elbow against their sternum while capturing the head. By baiting the opponent to step backward and creating space, the wrestler transitions into the same leg-caught position required for the fireman's carry.
Counter to Sprawl: Short Carry
When the opponent sprawls to defend against the initial penetration, the wrestler immediately tucks their side tight and uses their hip and shoulder together to roll to the side. This explosive hip movement completes the takedown even when the opponent is in a sprawled position, followed by the same hip control for back points.
Fireman's Carry!
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction and Core Benefit
- •Grip Setup from Inside Tie
- •Basic Execution and Body Position
- •Pinning Transition from Back Control
This video covers the basics of the fireman's carry. We believe this is important to learn because it gives wrestlers a takedown that can immediately score back points. Fireman's carry can be used at any time in the match, but is a good move to keep in your back pocket for when you need to score 4 or 5 points with very little time left. This channel is designed specifically for North Salem wrestlers, but would be beneficial to anyone interested in wrestling skills, mixed martial arts techniques or improving overall physical fitness. I have been the head wrestling coach at North Salem High School for over a decade and have developed a successful system for training championship wrestlers. This YouTube channel is a virtual playbook for all the moves I expect North Salem wrestlers to know. I was also an MMA cage fighter for the first part of my coaching career, winning five different amateur MMA belts. I will keep the focus of this channel on wrestling, but plan to also upload some mixed martial arts drills to promote skills and good habits. wrestling https://northsalemhighschoolwrestling.weebly.com/ manager https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFm42OU4RhI-fcQ59r_DmEQ Fireman's Carry! #firemenscarry #andrewpickett
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about modified fireman carry?
This video covers introduction and core benefit, grip setup from inside tie, basic execution and body position. It provides detailed instruction from Andrew Pickett (North Salem Grappler).
How long does it take to learn modified fireman carry?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing modified fireman carry?
From a Russian tie, the wrestler controls the opponent's wrist and positions their elbow against their sternum while capturing the head. By baiting the opponent to step backward and creating space, the wrestler transitions into the same leg-caught position required for the fireman's carry.
