Shooting Set-Ups

Question
Hi, I'm a high school wrestler. I'm a good wrestler after a take-down, but I would like to improve my shooting. Any tips? And what is the best way to set-up a shot?

Also, do you think it would be helpful to learn wrestling moves left handed as well as right handed? (as many wrestlers aren't used to counter-attacking moves performed by left-handed wrestlers).  Thanks.

Answer
Being a mat wrestler has its advantages, but wrestling revolves around in the neutral position and improving it will make you a much better wrestler. I have known many wrestlers who are state champions that only have decent bottom skills and no top riding skills. They would just take the guy down and let him back up, scoring in the crazy 20 pts and win his match with a techfall.

The philosophy of neutral can be confusing as it varies from person to person.  For some a shot is a 搕ap and go?type of thing, where they rely on their speed to take an opponent down. Some of them like faking to get the opponent moving and to catch them off guard. Some like to work from underneath, also called a misdirection, where they would switch off from one shot to another. Other just like walk up to their opponent and throw them.

Either way, there are 5 steps to a good shot:
Step 1 ?Good Stance ?If you want to be more explosive you should go into a staggered stance, one leg forward and one leg back. A bad stance results in a bad shot and bad defense.

Step 2 ?A Setup ?Could be anywhere from just a simple tie up to a complex misdirection shot.

Step 3 ?Fast Penetration ?This is what moves you from point a to point b.

Step 4 ?Strong Clinch ?This is the hold (grip) of the leg.

Step 5 ?Smart Finish ?You should have at least two finishes per clinch. (i.e. double leg cut the corner, double leg sky lift)

Here are some videos that will help you in neutral:
Setting up your shot: http://www.iwrestle.net/video-archive/40-setting-up-your-shot-walk-away-leg.html

In summary the most important aspect of a shot is a setup. You cannot takedown an opponent when they exactly know when / how you are going to shoot. Some people get away by shooting without a setup by relying on their speed, which they will pay badly for in college wrestling.

As far as learning moves on both sides, it抯 a good idea to do so but you have to be sure that you are good on your dominant side. I personally recommend learning two different moves on the same side or using the same shot and following up with misdirection. A prime example used commonly by a lot of great wrestlers regarding two different moves on the same side is sweep (outside) single and a high crotch.

Its also wise to 揹rill?both the sides of your best shot since there will come a time where you would need it. John Smith and Cael Sanderson are prime examples of being able to hit both sides, though not perfectly but efficiently. I find myself scoring a lot more with a misdirection than my alternate opposite shot though.

Remember those 5 steps to a great shot and you will be on your way on improving your neutral.