The Best Wrestling Moves Every Wrestler Should Learn

Wrestling is a sport built on technique, strength, endurance, and strategy. While there are countless moves and variations, certain techniques consistently prove to be the most effective and high percentage in competition. These moves are used at all levels, from youth wrestling to the Olympic stage, because they provide a reliable way to score points, control opponents, and secure victories.

For wrestlers looking to improve their game, focusing on these high-percentage moves can provide a solid foundation for success. These techniques work because they capitalize on position, leverage, and proper mechanics, allowing wrestlers to execute them against opponents of all skill levels.

The Best Takedowns in Wrestling

1. Single-Leg Takedown

The single-leg takedown is one of the most fundamental and effective takedowns in wrestling. It works at all levels because it allows the wrestler to attack one side of their opponent’s body, making it harder for the opponent to defend.

To execute a single-leg takedown, the wrestler lowers their level, shoots in on their opponent’s leg, secures control just above the knee, and then finishes by lifting, cutting the corner, or driving through. The single-leg takedown has multiple finishes, making it a move that can be adapted based on an opponent’s defense.

Why It Works:

It is highly effective at all levels, from beginners to Olympians.
It can be finished in multiple ways, providing versatility.
It sets up transitions into other scoring opportunities.

2. Double-Leg Takedown

The double-leg takedown is one of the most explosive moves in wrestling. It involves lowering the level, penetrating deep into the opponent’s legs, securing both legs, and driving through to bring them to the mat.

A properly executed double-leg takedown is difficult to defend, especially when combined with a good setup, strong penetration step, and finishing drive. This move is often compared to a football tackle because it uses similar power and explosiveness.

Why It Works:

It provides a high success rate when performed correctly.
It works well when set up with hand fighting, fakes, or level changes.
It is a fast and powerful way to take an opponent to the mat and score.

3. High-Crotch Takedown

The high-crotch takedown is similar to a single-leg, except the attacking wrestler penetrates deeper and secures control near the opponent’s hip instead of below the knee. It is often used as an alternative to a single-leg, especially against opponents who defend well by sprawling.

This move can be finished by lifting the opponent off the ground, cutting the corner, or transitioning into a double-leg finish. It is a powerful option that gives wrestlers multiple scoring opportunities.

Why It Works:

It is a versatile takedown that can lead to multiple finishes.
It works well against opponents with strong single-leg defense.
It creates scrambling situations where quick wrestlers can capitalize.

The Best Defensive Moves and Reversals

4. Stand-Up Escape

The stand-up escape is one of the most important bottom techniques in wrestling. The goal is to quickly create space, break free from the opponent’s control, and return to a neutral position.

To execute a stand-up, the bottom wrestler explodes to their feet, controls their opponent’s hands, and turns away to face them. A fast and well-timed stand-up can lead to an easy escape point and reset the match in neutral position.

Why It Works:

It is the fastest way to escape from bottom position.
It minimizes time spent underneath, where an opponent can wear you down.
It is a fundamental move that all wrestlers must master.

5. Granby Roll

The Granby roll is an advanced reversal technique that allows a bottom wrestler to escape or reverse position by rolling forward explosively. It works well against aggressive top wrestlers who try to break their opponent down.

This move requires good flexibility and timing. The wrestler rolls their shoulders forward while keeping their body tight, creating momentum to escape their opponent’s grip.

Why It Works:

It catches opponents off guard and creates scoring opportunities.
It works well against riders who try to stay heavy on top.
It can lead directly to reversals and back points.

The Best Pinning Moves

6. Half Nelson

The half nelson is one of the most effective pinning combinations in wrestling. It involves placing one arm under an opponent’s armpit and driving their head toward the mat while controlling their arm.

This move works at all levels because it allows the wrestler to maintain control, turn their opponent onto their back, and secure a pin. It is one of the first pinning moves taught to young wrestlers because of its simplicity and high success rate.

Why It Works:

It is easy to learn but difficult to stop when applied correctly.
It allows the wrestler to control the opponent’s upper body and force them to their back.
It is a dominant pinning move that has been used for decades at all levels of wrestling.

7. Arm Bar Series

The arm bar is a strong pinning move where the top wrestler traps their opponent’s arm and uses it to control their upper body. By applying pressure and driving forward, the wrestler can turn their opponent onto their back and secure the fall.

The arm bar is commonly used in combination with half nelsons, wrist rides, and tilts. It is an aggressive and effective way to rack up points and dominate opponents.

Why It Works:

It provides great control over an opponent.
It has multiple variations, making it useful in different situations.
It is an excellent move for scoring back points and securing pins.

Why Learning High-Percentage Moves is Important

While wrestling has hundreds of different techniques, focusing on high-percentage moves gives wrestlers the best chance of success. These moves work consistently at all levels, from youth wrestling to the NCAA and Olympics, because they capitalize on strong mechanics, leverage, and positioning.

Mastering these techniques provides wrestlers with a strong foundation, allowing them to develop their own style and adapt their strategies over time. Whether it’s securing a single-leg takedown, escaping with a stand-up, or locking in a half nelson for a pin, wrestlers who focus on these moves will always have a reliable way to score points and win matches.

For wrestlers looking to improve, drilling these techniques daily, refining their setups, and executing them under pressure will make all the difference on the mat. Success in wrestling isn’t about knowing every move—it’s about perfecting the moves that work best.