Snaking the Ankle
The instructor begins with hands inside the opponent's legs, targeting a single leg. By rotating the thumb downward in a "snaking" motion, the practitioner secures the ankle while lifting the opponent's toes slightly off the mat. This subtle grip tension prevents the opponent from sprawling effectively, as placing weight on the lifted leg becomes mechanically difficult.
Transitioning to the Knees
Once the ankle grip is established, the practitioner fights toward their knees while maintaining tension on the leg. By walking on the toes and dropping the knee behind the opponent's leg, the practitioner sets up a tackle on the far leg. In wrestling terminology, this leg is then pulled up to the hip in a "shelf" position before attacking the second leg to complete the takedown.
Managing Side Control Positioning
After achieving side control, the instructor demonstrates posture maintenance with the leg elevated to prevent guard recovery. When the opponent attempts to frame and establish their guard, proper elbow positioning—keeping the controlling arm inside—limits the opponent's ability to escape or transition to an underhook.
The Whizzer Defense
If the opponent secures an underhook, the practitioner counters with a whizzer grip on the opponent's knee. This grip prevents the opponent from climbing to the back and forces them to commit to leg-attack entries. The whizzer combined with proper elbow control creates a dominant position for continued pressure.
Shelving to Prevent Splits
When an experienced wrestler performs a defensive split to avoid the single-leg takedown, shelving the leg to the outside hip brings the far leg closer and more accessible. By lifting and rotating the leg outward, the practitioner can reach the second leg with the opposite hand and complete the takedown into side control.
Front Headlock Alternative
If the snake grip fails and the opponent sprawls, the practitioner ends in a front headlock position. While not ideal, this position still allows access to alternative techniques such as sweeps and reversals that can generate momentum for escape or counter-attack.
The Wrestle-Up Concept
The wrestle-up is executed from side control by driving through the opponent's leg while turning belly-down and maintaining the single-leg grip. The practitioner runs behind the opponent's leg, shelves it to the hip, and tackles the far leg to complete the takedown sequence.
Guard Replacement and Leg Capture
When the opponent attempts guard replacement by bringing the knee inward, the practitioner captures this movement by securing the knee. This action creates a reactive sprawl from the opponent, which generates the opening for guard replacement or a single-leg takedown—giving the practitioner a control option regardless of the opponent's choice.
Countering Upper-Body Attacks
Against opponents attempting waist-level attacks or upper-body throws like uchi mata, the low position with shelved leg placement eliminates the throwing angle. By pulling the leg to the hip and shelving it, the practitioner prevents the opponent's foot from entering the critical space needed for effective uchi mata execution.
Guard Recovery and Bridging Mechanics
From bottom side control, the practitioner can recover guard by framing the opponent's arm and bridging with the legs. Alternatively, turning belly-down while maintaining leg control provides flexibility in escape timing. The instructor notes that guard placement will force the opponent to address leg-passing concerns, creating cyclical control opportunities.
WRESTLE Up with this DETAIL!!
Key Takeaways
- •Snaking the Ankle
- •Transitioning to the Knees
- •Managing Side Control Positioning
- •The Whizzer Defense
This video I breakdown how to "snake" the leg when you come up for a single from bottom side control. 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about wrestle-up?
This video covers snaking the ankle, transitioning to the knees, managing side control positioning. It provides detailed instruction from TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian.
How long does it take to learn wrestle-up?
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.
What are the key details for finishing wrestle-up?
Against opponents attempting waist-level attacks or upper-body throws like uchi mata, the low position with shelved leg placement eliminates the throwing angle. By pulling the leg to the hip and shelving it, the practitioner prevents the opponent's foot from entering the critical space needed for effective uchi mata execution.
