On my Back

Question
Jr High and some High School experience.  First year as a coach for first and second year kids under age 10.  
I am teaching basic fundamentals that I remember and can research, but as a group I have noticed my kids having trouble when they are on their backs.  I am looking for specific techniques to use when they find them selves in this position. That is: other than not being on your back, what is the best way(s) to get off your back for a novice wrestler.


Answer
i know how you feel.  first and second year kids, especially at that age tend to be fish-like, when it comes to being on their backs. flopping around, without rhyme or reason to what they're doing.  there really isn't anything i can tell you without knowing the specifics.  but along the lines of not going to your back in the first place: head and elbows; keep your head up as much as possible, that'll keep them from getting halfed too easily, and keep the head away from your knees, cradles come easily when that happens, then there are elbows, keep elbows in and down.  don't try and peel a half nelson off with the same hand.  jam your elbow down into your lap and with your other hand feel for the hand between the thumb and index finger and pull it off.  its not necessarily a hard wing-down type motion.  try it yourself.  i don't want the guy to roll off of me. if you do it right the half nelson hand should slide of the neck and down to the shoulder/collarbone area and be less effective for the guy on top.  
so ya, the only advice i have is don't go to your back.  but the thing is the more they go to their backs the faster they'll learn what put them their, hopefully.  good luck!