▶ Open demonstration
How to practice go behind
Start with a cooperative partner on a wrestling mat. Have a coach check the starting position and contact before adding resistance. These notes describe one introductory approach; the linked demonstration may show a variation.
Partner role
The partner begins on a stable base and allows a slow circle while keeping the head comfortable. Later, turn gradually to face the attacker so they can practice maintaining the near-arm connection.
- 1
Start with your partner on hands and knees and yourself in a light front head-and-arm position. Stay on your feet or toes so you can circle freely.
- 2
Control the near arm while moving your feet toward the outside. Keep your chest pressure connected enough that the partner cannot simply follow you around.
- 3
Move past the near hip before reaching deeply around the waist. Your feet should win the angle before your arms try to secure the finish.
- 4
Settle behind the hips with a stable base. If your partner turns to face you, retain the safe connection, reset the angle, and circle again rather than lunging.
Common mistakes and corrections
A wide circle creates space for the partner to face you. Stay close enough to maintain meaningful contact.
Jumping across the back can lose balance. Walk the corner before increasing speed.
Take it to the mat
A focused practice drill
Drill five repetitions each direction from a cooperative front position. Then allow the partner to square up slowly, and practice rebuilding the angle.
Before adding resistance
Can you get your feet past the near hip without losing the near-arm connection?
WOTM teaching notes and sequence diagram. Lesson artwork is AI-generated with OpenAI’s built-in image generation tool; it is an illustrative cover rather than a technical diagram. Demonstration links lead to their original publishers. WOTM is not affiliated with or endorsed by USA Wrestling.