Pinning: The Ultimate Finish!

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

Oklahoma State University head coach John Smith has won at all levels, both as a wrestler and a coach. He's widely known for his capabilities on his feet, but he also had tremendous success pinning. Pinning, to Coach Smith, is the pinnacle of an individual match and he continually states the importance of not just practicing pinning a lot, but practicing 'getting to the pin' as well.

Combinations and Breakdowns

Smith covers several different pinning combinations as well as four major breakdowns that can get wrestlers to that point. This video begins with four breakdowns before covering eight different turns for the pin. All of Smith's turns can be performed from each of the various breakdowns, which is what makes this series so effective! Without the breakdowns, wrestlers cannot expect to score near-fall points or get occasional pins.

Pinning Situations

Coach Smith breaks down pinning from the feet as well as pinning off of an opponent's attack. These are particularly important areas since opponents are vulnerable as they attack and you can make things end in a hurry if you take advantage of the opportunity. Smith shows three different pins from each spot, and, how to ensure you finish the match quickly to prevent the opponent from ever having a chance.

Every wrestler loves the excitement of the pin, and this video, from one of the all-time great pinning artists, will help you get more pins. Coach Smith shows solid technique that progresses from the beginning of the breakdown through a basic, but effective pin. Perfect for athletes and coaches at any level.

59 minutes. 2019.