Scoring from the Top Position

with Troy Steiner,
Fresno State University Head Coach;
Co-winner of the 2019 Mike Chapman Impact Award;
former Oregon State and University of Iowa Head Assistant Coach;
4x All-American at the University of Iowa; won the 1992 NCAA individual title (142 lbs)
member of three NCAA National Championship (Iowa);
inducted into the Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa (2013);
9x U.S. National Team member (1992 World Cup Champion, 1996 Pan-American Freestyle Champion.); U.S. Olympic Trials (3rd in '92 & '96, 5th in '00)

For any wrestler to be successful, they need to be able to dominate opponents from the top position. All wrestlers need to know how to be effective without being predictable. The ability to turn your opponent is key to a wrestler's success. Using a progression of hand and hip control, Troy Steiner demonstrates three ways a wrestler can be dominant on top.

Adding Pressure

Coach Steiner provides in-depth technique on how to use hand control, chest pressure and hip placement to be able to control and turn your opponent with ease. He explains his preferences on how to approach the top position, including aggressive positioning and how it alone can limit the bottom athlete's options. Steiner then shows how to use this positioning to take advantage of those limitations.

Move Progression

You'll get a great drill in which wrestlers can practice riding opponents and work on changing directions to keep their opponent off balance.

The first series of moves shown are to set up your opponent to be turned using arm bars. Coach Steiner provides a multitude of scenarios where wrestlers can use effective hip, leg and hand placement to control their opponents.

The second series is attacking the opponent with leg rides. Steiner shows various ways you can use legs to turn your opponent.

In the last series, Steiner demonstrates half nelson technique. He shows how to place your hands and body to effectively turn your opponent with a half nelson maneuver.

This video from Coach Steiner takes you step-by-step for everything you'll need to be effective in the top position. His attention to using different grips and body weight will make your wrestlers potent when attacking opponents from the top position. Steiner shows stellar offensive arm bars, half-nelson and leg riding to help any wrestler be their best in the top position.

49 minutes. 2021.