Ground Pins and Escapes on the Mat
An introduction to ground wrestling: in pairs, students learn two basic pins and their escapes and apply them in short 20-second bouts. Students work on controlling an opponent's body, strength, and respect for safety rules.
How to play
- Lay out the mats and make pairs of similar weight. Review falling backward and slapping the mat with the arms, five reps (3 minutes).
- Side control pin: partner lies face up while the top player lies across from the side, chest on chest, one arm around the shoulder and the other under the leg or arm. Hold 10 seconds and switch (5 minutes).
- Bridge-and-roll escape: the bottom player lifts the hips toward the opposite side and rolls out. Practice slowly with the top player giving little resistance (5 minutes).
- Head-side pin and its escape by sliding down toward the feet, with the same routine (4 minutes).
- 20-second bouts: one starts holding the pin and the other tries to escape. Holding for 20 seconds scores for the top player; escaping scores for the bottom player. Switch partners every two bouts (6 minutes).
- Two-minute wrap-up: which escape worked best and why?
Rules
- No pressure on the neck or face and no joint locks.
- Two taps on the mat or partner mean "let go" and the hold stops instantly.
- No elbows or knees on a partner's stomach or chest.
- Always start and finish with a standing bow or handshake.
Variations
Easier
Practice only the side pin and its escape, with 10-second bouts.
Standard
Two pins with their escapes and 20-second bouts.
Harder
A player who escapes may pin their partner within the same bout to score another point.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: practice the upper-body part of the pin and serve as the bout timer.
- Autism: explain every contact ahead of time and allow the same partner for the whole class.
- Less strength: the partner gives graded resistance at about 50 % while practicing escapes.
Learning goals
- Perform basic pins safely.
- Escape using the hips and a body roll.
- Respect a partner's well-being in close-contact wrestling.
Equipment for a class of 25
- tatami mats: 26
Teacher tip
Check for gaps between mats before you start. With a restless group, run bouts in shifts: half the class wrestles and the other half referees.
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