How to Do a Cradle in Wrestling
Folk-style wrestling is all about technique and if you are an amateur, you should definitely learn a few tricks otherwise your opponent will pin your down pretty quickly. There is no doubt that you will require a lot of strength in order to bring someone to the floor, but if you are unaware of the method, muscle will not do any good to you.
One of the most common methods of pinning down an opponent and winning easy points is the cradle. It is not complex at all and can be learnt pretty quickly. However, you will need a lot of practice to perform it perfectly.
Instructions
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1
Exercise hard
First of all, you will need to exercise hard in order to gain strength in your body. In order to perform the cradle, you need to have power in your arms and your lower back. Therefore, hit the gym regularly and eat healthy food. This is quite essential for any wrestler, especially if he/she considers it as a profession. -
2
Position your body
You will have to position your body accurately in order to win points through the cradle. Lock your hips behind the hips of your opponent, but you can only do that once you have grabbed him/her firmly from the waist. This way, you will be able to bring the opponent down in one jerk. However, it will not be easy to get into the right position and you will need a lot of practice. -
3
Apply pressure with your forearm
While you look to lock hips with your opponent, you will have to exert enough pressure on him/her with your forearm that he/she fails to resist the move. His/her head should be pushed towards the knee, so that the cradle can be locked properly. -
4
Lock the cradle
In order to lock the cradle, you will have to push your opponent’s head as low as possible, so that you can slip one of his/her arms under the legs. Other than that, you should lock the other arm of your opponent around his/her neck, so that he cannot make any move. Make sure your grip is perfect otherwise you will be unable to pin your rival down. -
5
Pin your opponent down
Once you are in the correct position, bring your opponent down to the floor and tighten your grip. Once his/her shoulders and back hit the ground, you will be awarded the points.
