10 Wrestling Submission Moves To Master For Ring Success

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What's Up? LiftwithPurpose here. Mastering submission moves requires more than just technical knowledge. You'll need to perfect connections between techniques like the Ankle Lock, Rear Naked Choke, Arm Bar, and Figure Four Leg Lock. Don't focus on isolated submissions your success depends on linking them together seamlessly when opponents defend. This fluidity keeps your adversary constantly defending rather than attacking. The true path to ring dominance lies in how effectively you combine these techniques into submission sequences.​

1. The Ankle Lock: Targeting Mobility and Forcing Quick Submissions​

The ankle lock stands as one of wrestling's most devastating lower body submissions, targeting the delicate joint structure where mobility meets stability. When applying this leg lock wrestling technique, you'll want to secure your opponent's foot under your armpit while applying pressure to the Achilles tendon with your forearm.

The ankle lock technique works most effectively when your opponent's leg is extended, preventing them from rolling out or countering. You'll find it particularly accessible during scrambles or when defending against leg attacks. By controlling their ankle and applying upward pressure, you force an immediate choice tap out or risk serious injury. This submission excels in both amateur competitions and professional showcases due to its visual impact and legitimate effectiveness.

1. Rear Naked Choke: The Ultimate Position of Dominance​

Consistently recognized as the most definitive submission in combat sports, a properly executed rear naked choke (RNC) requires only seconds to force unconsciousness when applied correctly. This technique exemplifies control at its finest you've secured your opponent's back, eliminating most of their defensive options.

To maximize the rear naked choke wrestling technique, slip your forearm under your opponent's chin while your bicep and forearm create a V shape against their carotid arteries. Lock this position by grasping your opposite bicep and placing your free hand behind their head.

Combat sports submissions don't get more efficient than the RNC. The key is maintaining back control through proper body positioning hooks in with your legs, chest tight to their back, and head positioned to prevent counters.

1. Arm Bar: Leveraging Joint Mechanics for Maximum Effectiveness​

Among the most devastating joint manipulations in a wrestler's arsenal, the arm bar stands as a fundamental submission that exploits human anatomy's inherent weaknesses. Mastering this armbar technique requires understanding the precise application of leverage against your opponent's elbow joint.

The key to executing an effective arm bar lies in positioning your hips should be perpendicular to your opponent's arm while you extend their limb and apply pressure against the natural bending direction. When you've secured proper control, even minimal force creates unbearable pressure.

What makes joint locks like the arm bar so effective is their versatility. You can shift into this submission from numerous positions guard, mount, or even standing. Remember to maintain tight control of your opponent's wrist throughout the application to prevent escape and maximize effectiveness.

1. Figure Four Leg Lock: Classic Pressure for Modern Application​

Revered for its theatrical impact and genuine effectiveness, the Figure Four Leg Lock represents wrestling's perfect blend of showmanship and legitimate submission technique. You'll find this pressure submission particularly devastating when applied correctly, as it targets multiple joints simultaneously.

To execute the figure four leg lock, position yourself at your opponent's feet, capture one leg, and weave your legs in the signature "4" configuration. The key lies in maintaining hip pressure while controlling your opponent's trapped leg. When fully locked, the pressure radiates through the knee, ankle, and hip joints.

Remember that timing matters apply this hold after weakening your opponent's lower body. While primarily associated with professional wrestling, you can adapt this technique for practical grappling by focusing on controlled pressure rather than theatrical presentation.

1. Crossface Chickenwing: Controlling Your Opponent's Upper Body​

The Crossface Chickenwing stands as one of wrestling's most devastating upper body submissions, combining facial pressure with shoulder manipulation for maximum control. To execute it effectively, establish wrist control wrestling techniques first, then shift your opponent's arm behind their back.

Unlike the half nelson hold which primarily targets rotational control, the Crossface Chickenwing creates dual pressure points across the face and through shoulder hyperextension. This submission works exceptionally well when your opponent attempts to escape from bottom position.

For maximum effectiveness, keep your opponent flat, maintain tight pressure across their face with your forearm, and gradually increase shoulder elevation until they submit. This technique's power comes from its immobilizing nature, making it nearly impossible for opponents to generate defensive leverage once properly secured.

1. Sharpshooter: Multi Joint Pressure for Guaranteed Results​

Widely recognized in professional wrestling circles, the Sharpshooter stands as one of the most visually impressive submission holds that targets multiple joints simultaneously. This iconic move applies pressure to your opponent's knees, ankles, and lower back, creating an excruciating combination that forces them to tap out.

To execute the Sharpshooter, you'll need to cross your opponent's legs, step through, and rotate their body while maintaining grip control. What makes this move particularly effective among professional wrestling submissions is the display of dominance you're standing while your opponent writhes in pain below you. The hold's versatility allows you to adjust pressure based on your opponent's resistance, making it both a crowd pleaser and a legitimate match ender when applied correctly.

1. Triangle Choke: Using Legs as Weapons From Any Position​

Among all submission techniques in wrestling, the Triangle Choke stands out as a devastating leg based chokehold that turns your lower limbs into powerful weapons. This versatile submission can be executed from guard position, during scrambles, or as a counter to your opponent's attacks.

To execute properly, you'll need to trap your opponent's head and one arm between your legs, creating a triangular shape that applies pressure to the carotid arteries. The key to an effective triangle choke wrestling technique lies in proper angle creation your legs should form a figure four configuration while you pull down on your opponent's head.

Advanced grappling techniques wrestling experts recommend focusing on hip mobility to quickly secure the position before your opponent can defend, making the triangle choke one of the most efficient submissions in your arsenal.

1. Calf Crusher: Targeting Underutilized Pressure Points​

While traditional submissions like armbars and chokes dominate wrestling strategy, the Calf Crusher offers a uniquely effective alternative that exploits commonly overlooked pressure points. Unlike standard leg lock wrestling techniques that target joints, this move compresses the gastrocnemius muscle against the bone, creating intense discomfort with minimal effort.

To apply it effectively, you'll trap your opponent's ankle between your legs while creating a figure four position. Then pull their foot toward your chest while driving your shin into their calf muscle. This technique pairs well with cradle hold wrestling shifts when your opponent attempts to escape ground control.

What makes the Calf Crusher particularly valuable is its accessibility from defensive positions, allowing you to turn disadvantageous situations into match ending opportunities without excessive strength.

1. Cobra Clutch: Combining Pain and Immobilization​

The Cobra Clutch stands as one of wrestling's most devastating submission techniques, combining upper body control with excruciating nerve pressure. You'll execute this move by wrapping your arm around your opponent's neck from behind, locking your bicep against one side of their neck and your forearm against the other, while securing your grip by clasping your hands or wrist.

Unlike other wrestling chokeholds that focus solely on airway restriction, the Cobra Clutch delivers both immobilization and targeted pain. The pressure on cervical nerves creates an unbearable sensation that forces submission. Masters of this technique can seamlessly shift between standing and ground positions, making it versatile for ring success wrestling scenarios. The key lies in maintaining tight body positioning to prevent your opponent from creating space for escape.

1. Transitions and Counters: Building Your Submission Chain​

Every successful submission wrestler understands that isolated techniques rarely win matches on their own. Instead, your ability to seamlessly move between submission attempts while countering your opponent's defenses creates the true path to victory.

When practicing submission shifts, focus on recognizing the moment your opponent begins defending one technique this opening immediately presents your next opportunity. For example, if your opponent defends your armbar by turning away, immediately transition to a kimura or rear naked choke.

In tap out wrestling, champions aren't those with the deepest arsenal but those who can instinctively chain submissions together. Train your transitions until they become automatic responses rather than conscious decisions. This fluidity keeps opponents constantly defending and eventually creates the perfect opening for a match ending submission.