TEAM USA TECHNIQUE TIPS: Leg Defense / Cross-Body Roll

The cross-body ride is a common top position employed by athletes as it applies pressure to hips and back. Often, athletes on bottom become stuck in this position fighting the hands or the hips.

For the cross-body roll, the top wrestler will have a leg in and will be reaching across the body of the bottom wrestler. The top wrestler may grab the ankle, lock hands around the bottom wrestler’s leg, or hook the far arm. Bottom athletes can hit the cross-body roll regardless of the positioning of the top athlete as long as his chest is across the back and his arm is behind the shoulder of the bottom wrestler.

The explosiveness of the roll makes it difficult to prevent and low-risk when executed correctly, providing the opportunity for a reversal at best or clearing the leg at worst. Once the top wrestler has gained this position, the bottom wrestler will tuck the arm on the same side of their opponent’s hips to initiate a roll. The bottom wrestler will reach their arm through and under, rolling onto their shoulders and sitting the top wrestler to the mat. Wrestlers should roll towards the side on which the leg is in, staying compact and in a ball.

It is important that the bottom wrestler does not become extended at this stage. Athletes should remain compact and in a ball with their knees tight to their chest as they begin the roll, until their shoulders are flat on the mat. This will allow them to kick off their shoulders and clear the leg.

After the roll has been initiated and the bottom wrestler is on their shoulders, the bottom wrestler will kick their legs straight up. The kicking action will clear the leg of the top wrestler and free the bottom wrestler from the leg ride. Note that athletes should be sure to get full extension of their legs and kick “towards the ceiling” to ensure they clear the leg.

While kicking, the bottom wrestler will twist their hips, turning towards the head of their opponent. This motion should be a continuation of the roll. Remember, tuck, roll, kick and turn.

When executed correctly, the bottom wrestler will now be in the top position with the opportunity to secure a headlock. At worst, the leg will be cleared and the bottom wrestler created hip separation, allowing them to work for an escape or reversal. Wrestlers should remember that this defense does not guarantee a reversal. Instead, it creates an opportunity and a scramble. Regardless of whether or not the athletes end in the headlock, be sure they keep wrestling!

1. Ensure wrestlers roll towards the hips of their opponent.
2. Wrestlers must kick HARD towards the ceiling.
3. Turn towards the head just after kicking.
4. Keep wrestling!