Wrestling Referee's Position: Escapes and Rides

Partner work from the referee's position used in folkstyle wrestling: one wrestler down on hands and knees and one on top with an arm around the waist and a hand on the elbow. The bottom wrestler learns stand-ups and switches; the top learns to ride without crushing. Strength, technique, and reading the opponent.

How to play

1. Pairs of similar weight in 10 x 10 ft mat spaces. Demonstrate the position: bottom on hands and knees; top with a knee beside, one hand on the elbow, and the other arm around the waist (3 min).
2. Bottom escape, stand-up (5 min): on your call, the bottom wrestler sits the hips, posts one hand, controls the top wrestler's hand at the waist, and stands up facing the opponent. Top just follows. 6 per role.
3. Switch out (4 min): the bottom wrestler swings the hips out and turns to face the opponent. 6 per role.
4. Top ride (4 min): the top wrestler practices following the bottom wrestler's hips and keeping them on all fours with chest on the back, without dumping full weight. Bottom moves at half speed.
5. 30-second game (6 min): from referee's position, bottom scores by standing up or switching to face; top scores by riding for 30 seconds. Switch roles every round and partners every 4 rounds.
6. Wrap-up (2 min): discuss which movement from the bottom wrestler signals an escape.

Rules

• No grabbing the neck, head, or fingers and no twisting joints.
• Nobody lifts the opponent off the mat to slam them.
• The top wrestler does not lie flat with full weight on the bottom wrestler's back.
• Two taps or "Stop!" ends the action right away.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: work only the top role from the knees or serve as timer and judge.
• Shyness or touch sensitivity: start in the top role with light hands and a trusted partner.
• Lower fitness: 15-second rounds, sitting out one in three as timer.

Learning goals

• Perform basic escapes from referee's position.
• Ride an opponent without relying on body weight.
• Anticipate the opponent's move from hip position.

Equipment for a class of 25

• tatami mats: 30
• stopwatch: 1

Teacher tip

This position is easy to structure and familiar from school wrestling, but it requires pairing by weight. Correct bottom wrestlers who drop the head toward the mat: eyes forward.

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