Greco Wrestling Moves

A lot of Greco wrestling moves and techniques (also called Greco-Roman wrestling) are also found in professional wrestling; however, unlike professional wrestling, Greco wrestling usually steers clear of the sparkly spandex and the ridiculous alter-egos and focuses on pure physicality and strength. Here is a list of impressive Greco wrestling moves. Remember, unless you're being supervised by a professional or if you are an athlete yourself, please do not try these at home.

1. Single Leg Takedown: This is a Greco wrestling move that involves taking an opponent down by attacking a leg. First, snap your opponent down to set up a single leg shot. Drop and extend your arms, and reach for his leg. Spin behind your opponent, circling from either left or right, then circle behind his hips. Elevate one of his legs then reach for his hips while securing the leg tightly in your grasp. Adjust your grip toward the hips and away from the single leg. Now you are ready to bring your opponent down to the mat for the takedown.
2. The Throw: This is a very familiar move. Since professional wrestling borrows a lot of moves from Greco wrestling, you tend to see this move a lot. With your hands locked around your opponent's waist, step around him and change levels. Then, square up and lift your opponents on the hips by squeezing your lock. Be sure there is no space between you and him, and make sure you have a tight lock. Making both bodies move as one, lift from the hips, throwing hips upward into the opponent. Go into the back arch, putting your weight on your heels. Then, at approximately 90 degrees, pull the opponent up toward the chest. Putting all the weight of your opponent on his back and keeping your lock around his waist very tight, take him down and let his weight pull you over. High-leg over behind your opponent, then prepare for another lift or gut.
3. Leg Lace: After lacing your legs, elevate your opponent's hips. This will allow you to shift your opponent's weight to his head. Keeping your opponent's body elevated, lean to your right or left to begin the turn. Turn him on to his stomach and come back on top, pinning your opponent down.
4. The Gut Wrench: No doubt, Greco wrestling moves are gut wrenching, but this aptly named one is especially so. Get your opponent into a secure body lock, wrapping your arms around his midsection to control him through the move. Keep your knees on the outside of his thighs, with your feet positioned on the inside of his legs. Use your shins to press against the backs of his thighs to keep your opponent from using his legs to defend. Place your forehead between his shoulder blades and use your legs to drive his upper body to the mat. From here you can slide your lock towards the side of the body you want to roll him on to, then switch sides. Load him up on to the top of your hips. Pop and arch your hips and back, respectively, then roll. This is one of the most useful and basic moves in Greco wrestling.
5. The Arm Chop Breakdown: To make this move, secure your arm around your opponent's midsection into your body. Block his elbow so that it doesn't hit you, then get on your toes and start driving into your opponent. You should be positioned behind him with your chest in contact with the center of his back. As you drive your opponent over the arm you are “chopping,” his arm will come closer to the arm you are using to grip his waist. Use your opposite hand to grab his left or right wrist (depending on which one he is using) to drive him flat. Pull his arm tight across his body and bring his elbow to secure his wrist towards your body. This will give you complete control over him, allowing for you to take him down.