How to Bridge in Wrestling
In wrestling, holding an opponent's shoulder blades flat to the mat results in a pin, ending the match. As important as it is to know the methods to pin an opponent, one must also be aware of how to fight out of a pin. The primary method to fight off your back in wrestling is the bridge. Follow these steps to perfect your technique.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Lay on your back, and have your partner put you in a half nelson. For the sake of practice, a half nelson is one of the most common moves to find yourself in when you are on your back.
-
2
Plant your heels solidly in the mat to prepare for your bridge. You should always bridge off your heels rather than your whole foot, or your toes.
-
-
3
Push back with your legs in an explosive motion and arch your back, bridging off your head and shoulder to one side or the other. You always want to bridge toward a side rather than straight back, because your goal is to flip back over to your stomach. Additionally, bridging straight back just flattens out your shoulder blades, and can make it easier for your opponent to pin you.
-
4
Switch the direction of your bridge powerfully if you do not manage to escape initially. As you bridge hard toward rolling over one shoulder, your opponent will shift his weight to check your bridge. By quickly shifting your strength toward bridging over your other shoulder, you can destabilize his position. Sometimes switching back and forth several times is necessary to escape the hold of a strong wrestler.
-
1
