Becoming A Champion Wrestler Series: Intermediate Technique with John Smith

with John Smith,
Oklahoma State University Head Coach;
2006, '05, '04, '03 NCAA Champions

The stand-up is a high percentage escape that is very complex. The technique for the stand-up has to be good or you won't be able to get away from a good rider. Coach Smith begins with his philosophy on the move and some key points on finding a base position that is comfortable for you. From there he demonstrates the inside leg stand-up - from the base position to getting away once you reach your feet. He goes step-by-step through the move, highlighting the key points as he goes along. From there he shows how to successfully hit the stand-up versus three common breakdowns - the chop, ankle pick and spiral ride. He also includes a stand-up variation for heavyweight wrestlers. Throughout the presentation, Smith calls on his brother, Lee Roy Smith, Executive Director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, (and former Arizona State University Head Coach, World Silver medalist and NCAA Champion) to complement his teaching points. Through this DVD, Coach Smith presents the key points to help you get off the mat quicker and make the stand-up and make it your "go to escape."

45 minutes. 2006.

with John Smith,
Oklahoma State University Head Coach;
2006, '05, '04, '03 NCAA Champions

You cannot successfully pin your opponent until you are able to break him down to the mat. Coach Smith presents a number of potent breakdowns - both from the top position and from the feet - which will get you working for a fall. Smith covers three breakdowns on the mat: the chop, spiral ride and ankle pick. He covers the proper techniques for all three and then shows different scenarios in which they are most effective. He dedicates a lot of time to the chop, covering three variations of the chop to counter the stand-up. The spiral ride is most effective against a tripod and the ankle pick can lead to a turk position. The second part of the DVD is dedicated to bringing your opponent back to the mat if he happens to get to his feet. Smith demonstrates four simple, yet effective ways to safely put your opponent on the mat and take him out of his offense. These techniques are the same ones Smith teaches his wrestlers at Oklahoma State and have been a big difference in helping the Cowboys win four straight NCAA Championships.

44 minutes. 2006.

with John Smith,
Oklahoma State University Head Coach;
2006, '05, '04, '03 NCAA Champions

Coach Smith looks at a number of common "bad" situations you find yourself in once you get stopped on a takedown attempt - and how to come out of those positions and score. Smith concentrates on two main areas - the single leg and high crotch. He shows how to score when you are on your stomach in extended position with hands locked, in a front headlock position, in an underhook and more. He closes the DVD with a couple drills he uses with his wrestlers to reinforce these techniques. These are positions you don't want to be in, but if you get there you can still win the battle and score. These techniques are the same ones he used with great success - winning six consecutive world championships, and will definitely make a difference for you in a match. They will help you recover from a bad shot and put points on the board once you have been stopped. This DVD is truly a "one-of-a-kind"!

43 minutes. 2006.

See all the items in this series!

• Becoming a Champion Wrestler: Stand-ups - The Art of Coming Off the Mat
• Becoming a Champion Wrestler: Breakdowns - Stopping the First Move
• Becoming a Champion Wrestler: Scrambling - Scoring from a Bad Position