Today we go over another technique you absolutely need in your arsenal to defend yourself against a shoot and takedown attack. And the defense move is called a “Sprawl”. A Sprawl is not only used in mixed martial arts but it is also used in wrestling. It is a major defense move that you can use against your opponent to remain in control of the fight. Reading this post will not only teach you how to sprawl but also what to do after a sprawl as an attack move to further subdue the attacker or opponent, depending on what environment you’re in.
What Is A Sprawl In MMA & Wrestling?
A sprawl is a defense move used in martial arts and wrestling. It is a defense move because it is done in response to certain takedown attempts, typically double or single leg takedown attempts. The sprawl is performed by scooting the legs backward, so as to land on the upper back of the opponent attempting the takedown. The resultant position is also known as a sprawl or sprawling position.
How To Sprawl In MMA & Wrestling
When your opponent or attacker is shooting for a takedown, single leg or double leg, as he gets close push your hands out and pull down on his shoulder and neck; leaning on him while going in a downward position. You want to put all your body weight on your opponent and keep your knees off the floor unless you are transitioning to his back to execute an offensive attack. Your options from the sprawl include attempting to gain leverage on the lower back by hooking underneath the elbows, throwing in a headlock, and grabbing his opponent’s ankles and trying to get behind his opponent.
In mixed martial arts, sprawling is an important aspect of the sprawl-and-brawl strategy, while it is also used by numerous other wrestlers and mixed martial arts stylists.
How To Do A Proper Sprawl
Good Stance – In order to execute a good sprawl in wrestling or MMA you have to have a good stance. In order to effectively defend against a takedown you have to keep in mind, your stance and body positioning. This is the position of your hips, head, hands, and legs. These bodily parts are the most important aspects. You can use the both the square stance or the staggered stance, but keep in mind that whichever stance you use needs to be correct. Without good positioning, your sprawl will be useless and ineffective.
Legs Back
This technique is used in the majority of sprawl defenses by individuals protecting against a shoot-attack. It is called the “Legs Back” defense. How you execute it is that once you are in the proper position, shoot your legs directly backward to get your legs as far away from your opponent as possible. As you shoot your legs, place both hands on the mat to brace your upper body when your hips land on it. This is the sprawl. There are two ways you can do this:
- You can sprawl to both hips (square sprawl).
- You can sprawl just to one hip (single hip sprawl).
Square Sprawl
Next on our Sprawl defense list is a Square Sprawl. This is When your opponent shoots a double leg takedown , that’s when you get your legs back and use the full weight of both hips to apply pressure on him. You do this in two ways:
1) Shoot your legs directly backward and at the same time, place both hands on the mat near where your feet were.
2) As you kick your legs back, touch both hips and upper thighs to the mat as you hold your upper body up with your arms. This allows you to put all of your bodyweight on to your hips, making it difficult for your opponent to control you.
Single Leg Sprawl
This method of defense id fairly easy to do. When your opponent shoots a single leg takedown on you, place all of your weight on the same-side hip as the leg he is attempting to control. This type of sprawl is very similar to the square sprawl.
1) Shoot your legs directly backwards. As you do so, place both of your hands on the mat near where your feet were.
2) Instead of going down to both hips, choose one hip to sprawl to (the same-side hip as the leg he is attempting to control).
3) Turn your hips slightly so the hip you are sprawling to is down and the opposite hip is up (this hip won’t touch the mat at all). As you turn, you should be landing on the side of your hip (near the hip bone). If your buttocks touch the mat, you have turned too much!
Wrestling Technique – The Sprawl
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