Underhooks are the mecca of wrestling, and anyone who gets proficient at using them and controlling their partner by their use, theirs in the clinch game and everything in it.

The underhook needs to be worked on a lot to get proficient at it, and so many people give up on it because they don’t have instant success. Don’t be one of these people! Invest the time in training to really work for a solid underhook. This may mean getting thrown a lot. Except it. Then get really good, and slam people in the most technical way possible

The Basics

Reach around your opponent’s shoulder and catch the front of his shoulder (the deltoid). A thumbless grip is preferred for this, and you want to have your hand as hooked as possible.

Once you’ve got a hold of his delt, pull your elbow down and back towards your body. This anchors you to your opponent, and if down right, forces him to carry your bodyweight on his shoulder. The closer you bring your elbow back to your body, the better the hook.

If you’ve got a proper underhook, your opponent’s upper arm should be trapped between your forearm and upper arm (this is why it’s important to work the guns ) If their arm slips up onto your shoulder, then you’ve a very weak/tentative grip on them.

Next up is head placement. This is quite simply placing your forearm in the side of their neck, right below their ear. I’ve no idea, but this was explained to me as putting your head in the well.

Make sure you don’t look down, like this.

With the underhook in clinch, you can then work off to the side (which is my personal preference) or dig through for double underhooks. When off to the side, wrist/elbow control can be very beneficial. To control your opponent, you’ll be pulling in and down with your hands (both the underhook and the wrist control), pushing in with the head and driving through him with the legs.

Next up, takedowns from this position.