Toproll Secrets: Backpressure & Dragging with Devon Larratt

Summary

In this video, the host explains the techniques of back pressure and drag in the open top roll for arm wrestling. He clarifies that back pressure, involving upward force through elbow flexion, is the first step in gaining control of the opponent's hand. If back pressure fails, the wrist is kicked back to maintain top control, and the focus shifts to dragging, targeting the opponent's bicep. The open top roll is a strategic move often used in close matches where neither wrestler has full control. The host emphasizes the importance of hand and knuckle control to dominate the opponent's position.

Takeaways

• 😀 Back pressure in arm wrestling is related to elbow flexion, often with top knuckle pressure, and is key to controlling the match.
• 😀 The open top roll requires a strap, as maintaining hand control without it is difficult, especially against skilled opponents.
• 😀 The first priority in the open top roll is to secure hand control by rising and applying upward pressure.
• 😀 If the hand control starts to fail, back pressure should be substituted with wrist kickback to maintain top position.
• 😀 The next phase, after securing the top, is to shift into dragging by isolating the opponent's pronation and targeting their bicep.
• 😀 A successful open top roll often involves transitioning between back pressure and drag depending on how the match progresses.
• 😀 The open top roll is most effective when the opponent's hand isn't fully dominant, allowing for more strategic manipulation.
• 😀 The goal in an open top roll is to avoid letting the opponent’s hand drop, as it limits the arm wrestler’s technical options.
• 😀 The drag in the open top roll is a strategic move, allowing for the manipulation of the opponent's wrist, leading to a more favorable position.
• 😀 Arm wrestling strategy involves a delicate balance between maintaining hand control (knuckles up) and using back pressure, transitioning into a drag when necessary.

Q & A

What is the main goal of an open top roll in arm wrestling?

The main goal of an open top roll is to gain hand control and achieve the top position, which allows the arm wrestler to maintain technical advantage and control over the opponent's hand.

How is back pressure defined in arm wrestling?

Back pressure is defined as elbow flexion that raises your arm and top knuckle, helping to pull your opponent's hand downward while maintaining top hand control.

Which comes first in the open top roll: back pressure or drag?

Back pressure comes first to establish the high hand and top control. Drag comes after, once back pressure has reached its limit or top control is threatened.

Why is maintaining the high knuckle important?

Maintaining the high knuckle is crucial because it gives you positional dominance, allowing your opponent's technical options to be limited and making it easier to control the match.

What is the purpose of 'kicking the wrist back' during an open top roll?

Kicking the wrist back creates a subtle opening that distracts the opponent and sets up the transition from back pressure to drag, targeting the opponent's fingertips for better control.

When is the open top roll typically used in matches?

The open top roll is typically used in high-level arm wrestling when the opponent’s hand is not fully dominant and the wrestlers are closely matched.

How do back pressure and drag work together?

Back pressure establishes initial top control and high knuckle positioning, while drag is applied afterward to maintain advantage and manipulate the opponent’s fingertips if top control starts to fail.

What analogy is used in the video to describe the sequence of back pressure and drag?

The video compares it to a chess gambit, where you give a small positional element (like your wrist) to gain a greater strategic advantage, such as controlling the top hand.

Is it necessary to use a strap in an open top roll?

Yes, using a strap is often necessary in an open top roll because it helps secure control and makes the technique more effective, especially against a strong opponent.

What happens if a wrestler loses the top hand position?

If the top hand drops, many technical options are lost, making it harder to control the opponent and forcing the wrestler to rely on secondary moves like drag or forward climbing, which are less efficient.

What is the ultimate priority in arm wrestling according to the video?

The ultimate priority is to achieve and maintain top hand control with the highest knuckle angle, as this position dictates the effectiveness of all other techniques.