The Sit Series: the best way to stand up for yourself.

Sometimes the best way to "stand up for yourself" is to sit down. The Sit Series, a series of scoring options from the sit position, can be an effective offense. Allow us to present a "triple-option offense," three scoring maneuvers from the sit position: (1) post & cut, (2) turn-in roll, and (3) granby roll.

Tis fair to say that a good offense starts with a good defense. Position is always a key to good offense or defense and the bottom man must maintain a defensible position while working to score points. With proper technique, the sit position does this. The wrestler with an effective Sit Series won't be "stuck sitting on the bench."

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THE SIT POSITION:

From the referee's starting position (photo 1), the bottom man turns his feet out, transfers his weight to the left hand, and swings his feet and legs around (photo 2) to the sit position.

As his butt lands in the sit position, he should capture the top man's wrist, and post his left hand and elbow in tight to his own side (photo 3).

The bottom man must also keep his head up while leaning slightly forward, with knees bent and heels dug in and out wider than the hips. With wrist control, he has good defense and is ready for his "triple-option."

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POST & CUT:

From the sit position (photo 3) the bottom man grabs the top man's right hand creating a 2-on-1, then posts this hand on the mat (photo 4).

He then leans back on the top man and elevates his own hips (photo 5). By releasing the left hand from the 2-on-1, the bottom man can raise his left hand and then forcefully "cut" that hand through, between the bodies, twisting his body (photo 6) to the left so as to face his opponent.

Now facing the top man (photo 7), he has earned one point for an escape. After making the cut, it is important to immediately get the hands up off the mat to keep the top man from counter-attacking.

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TURN-IN ROLL:

From the sit position (photo 3) the bottom man turns in (left) on his shoulder (photo 8) with his chest remaining close to his left knee.

If the bottom man appears to be balled up, remember that "round things roll," a good coaching point. He completes the turn-in by kicking his own right knee around, bringing it all the way in to the hip & elbow position shown in (photo 9).

At this point, the bottom man has his right hip and right elbow on the mat. He is basically in a ball under his opponent with his left elbow at the top man's armpit and his left foot at the top man's right thigh (photo 9).

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The bottom man continues rolling to his left to complete the two-point reversal (photo 10). Aiding in this follow-through are the bottom man's left elbow and left foot. He is able to push with his left elbow at the top man's armpit. By itself, this is often enough to rock the top man off-balance.

The bottom man is also able to "elevate" with his left foot at the top man's right thigh. By straightening his own left leg, the bottom man elevates (lifts) the top man's leg, throwing him out of balance and to his back.

GRANBY (SHOULDER) ROLL:

From the sit position (photo 3), the bottom man elevates his butt and brings in his left foot to use as a drive leg (photo 11). The bottom man then does three things at once: He drives off his left foot, removes his left hand from the mat, and launches up to his left shoulder. He also swings his right foot in a low circle (photo 12).

This action leads to two options: 1) When the top man fails to react quickly, the bottom man completes the shoulder roll (photo 13) and simply kicks behind for a two-point reversal. 2) When the top man attempts to spin behind as if following a basic turn-in, the bottom man captures his right leg (photo 14) and pushes him to his back for a two-point reversal and an opportunity for a nearfall or pin.

The Sit Series really is a "triple-option offense." And as in the triple-option in football, your man may gain an advantage by catching his opponent looking for the wrong option! Don't let your wrestlers be left "sitting around." Have them score with the Sit Series.

BY MILT SHERMAN

D. H. Conley H.S., Greenville, NC