How to Win an Arm Wrestling Match

Winning an arm wrestling match doesn't just depend on the size of your bicep. In competition, speed and technique almost always win out over brute force. While there are some techniques that rely on strength, basic arm wrestling is more technique-based. With the right knowledge, winning an arm wrestling match against your stronger but less knowledgeable friends is hardly a superhuman feat.

Instructions

1. Position your feet correctly. Stagger your feet, placing the same foot forward as the arm you are wrestling with.

2. Wrap your thumb over your opponent's thumb so that your fingers cover the thumb.

3. Use back pressure. Pulling your opponent's arm towards you gives you more leverage and decreases his leverage by pulling his arm away from his body.

4. Utilize not just your arm, but your entire body as well. This is easier if you keep your hand and arm inside your shoulder width at all times. Lock your wrist in position and your upper arm against your body to limit its ability to move alone.

5. Remain humble if you win against someone larger and stronger than you. It's one thing to be able to beat a stronger person at arm wrestling, and another to be able to dodge his punches.

Tips & Warnings

• After becoming familiar with the basics of arm wrestling, learn some specific techniques. Relying on different techniques keeps your opponent guessing, and most techniques can be done with the thumb wrapped. Keeping the thumb wrapped every time you arm wrestle disguises these techniques--and can be key to your win.