Becoming a Champion Wrestler: Stand-ups - The Art of Coming Off the Mat

with John Smith,
Oklahoma State University Head Coach from 1991 to 2024;
5x NCAA Championship coach;
2x NWCA Coach of the Year;
20x Big 12 Conference Champions;
9x Big 12 Coach of the Year;
Member, NCAA 75th Anniversary Team (2005);
2004 U.S. Olympic Committee Titan Award;
2003 FILA Hall of Fame;
1997 National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee;
1997 Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame;
Named one of the 100 Greatest Olympians of All-Time (1996);
2x Olympic Gold Medalist;
6x World Champion;
2x NCAA Champion;
Amateur Athletic Foundation World Trophy (1992);
1991 FILA Outstanding Wrestler of the Year;
1990 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) James E, Sullivan Award (1st wrestler to win this award);
First-ever American to Earn FILA's Master of Technique Award (Best technical wrestler in the world, 1990);
1990 U.S. Olympic Committee Sportsman of the Year;
1989 USA Wrestling Athlete of the Year;
1988 Amateur Wrestling News Man of the Year;
1987 NWCA College Wrestler of the Year

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. John Smith begins with his philosophy on the move and some key points on finding a base position that is comfortable for you. From there Coach Smith 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. Coach Smith presents the key points to help you get off the mat quicker and make the stand-up your "go to escape."

40 minutes. 2006.