3 Tips to defend the Collar Tie

Posted on December 27, 2015 in Hand Fighting, Wrestling Tips

So you’re getting collar tied.  The common reaction of beginner wrestlers is to push the hand and back out of this position, DONT DO THIS, that is exactly what your opponent is looking for!  This opens you up for a leg attacks by causing your head to pull up out of head position and forces you to lose the posture of your good stance (Basic Wrestling Stance Video)!

1) Meet his pressure:  The most basic technique to focus on to defend the collar tie position is to pressure into his attack.  Meet your opponents collar tie by stepping into his pressure in your stance, closing the distance with your head, your forehead head should meet his chest- chin level with the mat.

2) Control his tie hand: The second key is to control his attack arm.  There are several ways to do this; Control the Elbow (link for pro members) , work to Inside Tie Position (link for pro members), or the Oklahoma State Over-tie (link for pro members).

3) Create head position: Place your forehead on the crease of his trap, keeping your chin level, turn his head away just below the ear. Why? This brings your head back into the line of defense between your legs and his body, making down blocks and counters more likely to work. (this is the next step for the wrestler in grey below)