Ever watched a wrestling match and wondered about the significance of a particular position? One of the most visually striking and strategically important positions in wrestling is the ‘mount.’ It’s a position of dominance, control, and often, the precursor to a victory. But what exactly does it mean? How is it achieved? And why is it so crucial?
This guide will take you on a detailed journey through the world of the mount in wrestling. We’ll explore its definition, the mechanics of achieving it, the strategic advantages it offers, and the various techniques used from this position. Whether you’re a seasoned wrestler, a casual fan, or just curious about the sport, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the mount and its pivotal role in the outcome of a match. We’ll also cover the crucial aspects of escaping the mount and the counters used to prevent it.
Get ready to understand the nuances of this powerful position and how it shapes the dynamics of wrestling.
Defining the Mount: A Position of Power
In wrestling, the mount is a position where one wrestler, the offensive wrestler, is seated on their opponent’s torso, facing the same direction. The offensive wrestler has their legs on either side of the opponent’s body, typically controlling the opponent’s arms and upper body. It’s a position of significant control and offensive potential, making it a critical aspect of many wrestling styles, including freestyle, Greco-Roman, and mixed martial arts (MMA).
Key Characteristics of the Mount
- Dominant Position: The wrestler in the mount has a clear advantage, as they are typically in a position to control the opponent’s movements.
- High Offensive Potential: From the mount, the offensive wrestler can execute various techniques, including punches, strikes, and submissions, to score points or secure a pin.
- Limited Defensive Options: The opponent on the bottom has a challenging task. Their primary goal becomes escaping or minimizing damage.
- Psychological Impact: Being mounted can be demoralizing. The pressure and feeling of vulnerability can affect the opponent’s performance.
How to Achieve the Mount
Achieving the mount requires a combination of skill, strategy, and often, a bit of athleticism. There are several ways a wrestler can secure this position, depending on the wrestling style and the specific circumstances of the match. Here are some of the most common methods:
1. Transitioning From the Guard
In many wrestling styles, the guard position is a common starting point. The guard is when the bottom wrestler has their legs wrapped around the top wrestler. From this position, the top wrestler can work to pass the guard, and if successful, they might end up in the mount. This often involves controlling the opponent’s legs and hips, then using a combination of pressure, movement, and angles to bypass the guard.
- Guard Pass Techniques: The top wrestler might use techniques like the ‘knee slide,’ ‘stack pass,’ or ‘leg weave’ to bypass the guard.
- Controlling the Hips: A key factor is controlling the opponent’s hips to prevent them from maintaining their guard.
- Creating Angles: Shifting angles and using movement can help the top wrestler find openings to pass the guard.
2. After a Takedown
A successful takedown can often lead to the mount. If a wrestler takes their opponent down and establishes top control, they can transition into the mount by maneuvering their legs around the opponent’s body. This requires careful positioning and the ability to maintain balance and control.
- Securing Top Position: After a takedown, the wrestler must quickly establish top control to prevent the opponent from regaining their feet or securing a dominant position.
- Transitioning the Legs: The wrestler needs to move their legs from the side control to a position that sits on the opponent’s torso.
- Maintaining Control: Balance is crucial. The wrestler must maintain their position to prevent the opponent from escaping or reversing the position.
3. During a Scramble
Scrambles are dynamic situations where wrestlers are in a chaotic position, often fighting for control. During a scramble, a wrestler might find an opportunity to transition into the mount if they can capitalize on their opponent’s vulnerabilities or mistakes.
- Capitalizing on Mistakes: If the opponent makes a mistake, such as losing balance or exposing their back, the wrestler can quickly transition to the mount.
- Quick Transitions: Scrambles require fast reactions and the ability to adapt to changing positions.
- Aggression and Control: Maintaining an aggressive approach while securing control is essential during a scramble.
4. From Side Control
Side control is a position where the top wrestler has their chest pressing against the opponent’s chest, controlling one side of their body. From side control, the wrestler can transition to the mount by shifting their weight and moving their legs over the opponent’s body.
- Controlling the Opponent’s Arm: The top wrestler typically controls one of the opponent’s arms to prevent them from bridging or creating space.
- Shifting Weight and Angles: Moving the weight and changing the angle helps the wrestler set up the mount.
- Leg Placement: Careful leg placement is crucial to securing the mount and preventing the opponent from escaping.
Strategic Advantages of the Mount
The mount offers several strategic advantages, making it a highly sought-after position in wrestling. Understanding these advantages is crucial for both offensive and defensive strategies.
1. Offensive Dominance
The primary advantage of the mount is its offensive dominance. The wrestler in the mount can execute a variety of offensive techniques, including strikes, submissions, and positional changes, to score points or secure a victory.
- Striking Opportunities: Punches and strikes are easier to land from the mount.
- Submission Attempts: The mount provides excellent angles for applying submissions.
- Positional Control: The wrestler can control the opponent’s movements and transition to other dominant positions.
2. Control and Pressure
The mount allows the wrestler to exert significant control and pressure on their opponent. This pressure can wear down the opponent physically and mentally, making them more susceptible to submissions or other attacks. (See Also: How Is Wrestling Staged )
- Weight Distribution: The wrestler’s weight is distributed across the opponent’s body, making it difficult for them to move or escape.
- Psychological Impact: The feeling of being trapped and controlled can affect the opponent’s performance.
- Preventing Escapes: The mount makes it difficult for the opponent to create space or regain their feet.
3. Scoring Opportunities
In many wrestling styles, the mount is a scoring position. The wrestler can score points for maintaining the mount and executing offensive techniques. This makes the mount a valuable position for gaining an advantage in the match.
- Point Scoring: Points are often awarded for maintaining the mount for a certain period.
- Takedown Points: The initial takedown that leads to the mount can also result in points.
- Submission Points: If the wrestler secures a submission, they can earn additional points.
4. Transitioning to Other Positions
The mount can be a stepping stone to other dominant positions, such as the back or side control. By transitioning from the mount, the wrestler can further increase their offensive potential and control over their opponent.
- Back Control: The wrestler can transition from the mount to back control by maneuvering their body and securing hooks.
- Side Control: The wrestler can transition from the mount to side control by shifting their weight and controlling the opponent’s arms.
- Increased Offensive Opportunities: Each transition allows the wrestler to open up more attack opportunities.
Offensive Techniques From the Mount
Once the mount is secured, the offensive wrestler has a variety of techniques at their disposal to attack and score points. These techniques can be categorized into strikes, submissions, and positional changes.
1. Strikes
Strikes, such as punches and elbows, are a common and effective way to inflict damage and score points from the mount. The offensive wrestler can use strikes to wear down the opponent, create openings for submissions, or force them to make mistakes.
- Punches: Punches to the head and body are a primary form of attack.
- Elbows: Elbow strikes can be particularly effective at close range.
- Ground and Pound: This involves a combination of strikes to wear down the opponent.
2. Submissions
Submissions are techniques that force the opponent to tap out due to pain or the threat of injury. The mount provides excellent angles for applying various submissions, including armbars, triangle chokes, and rear-naked chokes.
- Armbars: The offensive wrestler uses their legs to isolate the opponent’s arm and applies pressure to the elbow joint.
- Triangle Chokes: The offensive wrestler uses their legs to create a triangle shape around the opponent’s head and one arm, choking them.
- Rear-Naked Chokes: The offensive wrestler transitions to the back and applies a choke around the opponent’s neck.
3. Positional Changes
Positional changes involve transitioning to other dominant positions, such as the back or side control. These transitions can increase the offensive potential and control over the opponent.
- Back Control Transitions: The offensive wrestler can transition to the back by maneuvering their body and securing hooks.
- Side Control Transitions: The offensive wrestler can transition to side control by shifting their weight and controlling the opponent’s arms.
- Increased Offensive Opportunities: Each transition allows the wrestler to open up more attack opportunities.
Defensive Strategies and Escapes From the Mount
While the mount is a dominant position, it’s not insurmountable. The wrestler on the bottom has several defensive strategies and escape techniques to minimize damage, regain a better position, or reverse the position.
1. Blocking and Defending Strikes
The primary goal of the bottom wrestler is to defend against strikes. This involves using their arms and hands to block punches and elbows, protecting their head and body. Proper defense can prevent damage and create opportunities for escape.
- Blocking with Arms: Using arms to block punches and elbows.
- Protecting the Head: Covering the head to prevent strikes.
- Minimizing Damage: Reducing the impact of strikes.
2. Creating Space and Framing
Creating space is crucial for escaping the mount. The bottom wrestler can use their arms and elbows to create space between themselves and the offensive wrestler, allowing them to maneuver and create openings for escape. Framing involves using the arms and elbows to create a frame, preventing the offensive wrestler from settling and maintaining their position.
- Using Arms and Elbows: Pushing the offensive wrestler away to create space.
- Creating a Frame: Using the arms and elbows to prevent the offensive wrestler from settling.
- Preventing Control: Making it difficult for the offensive wrestler to maintain their position.
3. Bridging and Hip Escapes
Bridging involves lifting the hips off the ground to throw the offensive wrestler off balance. Hip escapes involve using the hips to create space and maneuver out from under the offensive wrestler. These techniques can be used to disrupt the offensive wrestler’s balance and create opportunities for escape.
- Bridging: Lifting the hips to throw the offensive wrestler off balance.
- Hip Escapes: Using the hips to create space and maneuver out from under the offensive wrestler.
- Creating Opportunities: Disrupting the offensive wrestler’s balance and creating openings for escape.
4. Regaining Guard
Regaining the guard is a common goal for the bottom wrestler. By creating space and using their legs, they can work to re-establish their guard, which provides a more favorable position for defense and offense. (See Also: Is Carmella Coming Back To Wrestling )
- Creating Space: Using arms and elbows to push the offensive wrestler away.
- Using Legs: Working to wrap the legs around the offensive wrestler.
- Re-establishing Control: Regaining a more favorable position for defense and offense.
5. Technical Escapes
Technical escapes involve a combination of techniques, such as bridging, hip escapes, and controlling the opponent’s limbs. These escapes require precise movements and timing to successfully escape the mount.
- Arm Control: Controlling the offensive wrestler’s arms to prevent strikes and submissions.
- Hip Movement: Using the hips to create space and maneuver out from under the offensive wrestler.
- Precise Timing: Executing the escape at the right moment to maximize effectiveness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Mount
Both offensive and defensive wrestlers can make mistakes in the mount. Avoiding these mistakes is crucial for success.
1. Offensive Mistakes
- Overextending: Overextending to strike too far can leave the wrestler vulnerable to an escape or reversal.
- Poor Weight Distribution: Incorrect weight distribution can make it easier for the opponent to escape.
- Ignoring Defense: Focusing solely on offense and neglecting to defend against escapes.
2. Defensive Mistakes
- Panicking: Panicking can lead to poor decisions and make it easier for the offensive wrestler to maintain their position.
- Giving Up Arms: Giving up the arms allows the offensive wrestler to control and execute submissions.
- Not Creating Space: Failing to create space makes it difficult to escape or defend against strikes.
Variations of the Mount
The mount isn’t a static position. There are several variations that wrestlers use to maximize their offensive potential and control.
1. High Mount
The high mount is when the offensive wrestler sits high on the opponent’s chest, often with their knees near the opponent’s armpits. This position provides excellent control and allows for more aggressive strikes and submissions.
- Enhanced Control: Provides superior control over the opponent’s upper body.
- Increased Striking Opportunities: Allows for more powerful strikes and elbows.
- Submission Advantages: Offers better angles for applying various submissions.
2. Low Mount
The low mount is when the offensive wrestler sits lower on the opponent’s torso, closer to the hips. This position provides good control and can be effective for controlling the opponent’s hips and preventing escapes.
- Hip Control: Excellent for controlling the opponent’s hips and preventing escapes.
- Preventing Bridging: Makes it difficult for the opponent to bridge and create space.
- Transitioning to Other Positions: Allows for easy transitions to side control or back control.
3. Technical Mount
The technical mount emphasizes control and strategic positioning. The offensive wrestler focuses on controlling the opponent’s limbs and preventing escapes while setting up submissions and strikes.
- Precise Control: Emphasizes control over the opponent’s limbs and body.
- Strategic Positioning: Focuses on positioning to maximize offensive potential.
- Setting Up Submissions: Allows for effective setups for submissions.
4. S-Mount
The S-Mount is a variation where one leg is on the outside of the opponent’s body, and the other leg is on the inside. This position provides a different angle of attack and control, allowing for various submission attempts and strikes.
- Unique Angle: Provides a different angle for striking and submissions.
- Excellent Control: Allows for good control of the opponent’s upper body.
- Submission Opportunities: Opens up opportunities for various submissions, like the armbar.
The Mount in Different Wrestling Styles
The significance and application of the mount can vary slightly depending on the specific style of wrestling.
1. Freestyle Wrestling
In freestyle wrestling, the mount is a crucial position for scoring points and securing a pin. Wrestlers often aim to achieve the mount after a takedown, using it to control their opponent and execute offensive techniques.
- Point Scoring: The mount is a valuable position for scoring points.
- Pin Attempts: The mount is a good position for attempting to pin the opponent.
- Aggressive Offense: Wrestlers often use the mount to apply aggressive offense.
2. Greco-Roman Wrestling
Greco-Roman wrestling focuses on upper-body control, and the mount is less common than in freestyle. However, if a wrestler achieves the mount, they can use it to control their opponent and attempt to score points with upper-body techniques.
- Upper-Body Focus: Emphasizes upper-body control and techniques.
- Less Common: The mount is less frequently seen compared to freestyle.
- Control and Scoring: When achieved, the mount allows for control and scoring opportunities.
3. Mixed Martial Arts (mma)
In MMA, the mount is a very dominant position. It allows the top fighter to unleash strikes, establish ground and pound, and attempt submissions. The mount is often a crucial part of a fighter’s strategy, especially for ground fighting. (See Also: Are Wrestling Briefs Like Speedos )
- Ground and Pound: The mount is ideal for ground and pound strikes.
- Submission Attempts: Enables the fighter to attempt submissions like armbars and triangle chokes.
- Control and Damage: Allows the fighter to control their opponent and inflict significant damage.
Training and Drills to Improve Mount Skills
Improving mount skills requires dedicated training and specific drills. Here are some examples:
1. Mount Entry Drills
These drills focus on the techniques used to achieve the mount from various positions. Practicing these drills will improve the wrestler’s ability to transition into the mount effectively.
- Guard Pass to Mount: Practicing transitioning from guard to the mount.
- Takedown to Mount: Drilling the transition from a takedown to the mount.
- Scramble to Mount: Practicing transitions from scrambles.
2. Offensive Drills From the Mount
These drills focus on developing the offensive techniques used from the mount. Practicing these drills will improve the wrestler’s ability to attack and score points from the mount.
- Striking Drills: Practicing punches and elbows from the mount.
- Submission Drills: Practicing armbars, triangle chokes, and rear-naked chokes from the mount.
- Positional Change Drills: Drilling transitions to the back or side control.
3. Defensive Drills
These drills focus on developing the defensive techniques used to escape the mount. Practicing these drills will improve the wrestler’s ability to defend against the mount and regain a more favorable position.
- Blocking and Framing Drills: Practicing blocking strikes and creating space.
- Bridging and Hip Escape Drills: Practicing bridging and hip escapes.
- Regaining Guard Drills: Drilling techniques for regaining the guard.
4. Live Sparring
Live sparring is crucial for applying the techniques learned in drills. Sparring allows wrestlers to test their skills against a resisting opponent and develop their ability to adapt and react in real-time.
- Applying Techniques: Using the techniques learned in drills against a resisting opponent.
- Developing Adaptability: Learning to adapt to different opponents and situations.
- Improving Timing and Reactions: Refining timing and reaction speed.
The Mental Aspect of the Mount
The mount is not just about physical technique; the mental aspect plays a significant role in success. The psychological pressure of being in the mount can be intense, and mental fortitude is crucial for both the offensive and defensive wrestler.
1. Maintaining Focus
Maintaining focus is essential for both the offensive and defensive wrestler. The offensive wrestler must focus on executing their techniques and controlling their opponent. The defensive wrestler must focus on defending against attacks and finding opportunities to escape.
- Concentration: Maintaining focus on the task at hand.
- Avoiding Distractions: Ignoring external factors and distractions.
- Staying Present: Remaining in the moment and focusing on the current situation.
2. Managing Pressure
The mount can create significant pressure. The offensive wrestler must manage the pressure of maintaining control and executing their techniques. The defensive wrestler must manage the pressure of being in a vulnerable position and defending against attacks.
- Staying Calm: Remaining calm and composed under pressure.
- Making Smart Decisions: Making rational decisions.
- Avoiding Panic: Avoiding panic.
3. Building Confidence
Building confidence is crucial for success in the mount. The offensive wrestler must be confident in their ability to control and attack their opponent. The defensive wrestler must be confident in their ability to defend against attacks and escape the mount.
- Believing in Abilities: Having faith in your skills and techniques.
- Positive Self-Talk: Using positive self-talk to build confidence.
- Visualization: Visualizing success in the mount.
Conclusion
The mount in wrestling is a position of undeniable power and strategic importance. From controlling the opponent to creating opportunities for scoring and submissions, the mount is a pivotal element of various wrestling styles and MMA. Understanding how to achieve the mount, the offensive techniques to employ, and the defensive strategies needed to escape is crucial for any wrestler. The ability to master the mount, both offensively and defensively, significantly enhances a wrestler’s chances of success. By practicing specific drills, developing mental fortitude, and adapting to different opponents, wrestlers can harness the full potential of this dominant position.
Ultimately, the mount is more than just a position; it is a testament to the blend of physical skill, strategic thinking, and mental resilience that defines the world of wrestling. Whether you’re a competitor or an enthusiast, appreciating the nuances of the mount will undoubtedly deepen your understanding and enjoyment of this captivating sport.
