Duckunders are Dangerous

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Ted Witulski (USA Wrestling)
06/04/2004


We've all seen it before.  Every state's got one, that kid with the amazing duckunder.  He's still young in his wrestling career, maybe 10 or 12, but, man can that kid hit a duckunder.      He seems to have it all figured out.  Control point.  Freeze a side.  Change Level.  Go Behind.      However, if a coach allows a young wrestler to rely solely on the startling speed of his duckunder, then eventually the coach may become disappointed in the young stud's progress.      Certainly it can be said that duckunders are dangerous.  Without a doubt a good duckunder can overwhelm the opposition, but duckunders are dangerous for Who wouldn't want to be able to hit a duckunder like this?  (Click here to see a Punch Duckunder from the 2003 U.S. Nationals.)      What a great asset to have in an arsenal of attacks.  But, eventually that go to duckunder might not be there.  Young wrestlers will learn stronger defensive position.  Those loose arms that the duckunder seeking wrestler used to encounter now are tighter and tougher to pass by.  Also, the opponents are learning to stay square better and get to their defense much quicker.      Now the kid with the dangerous duck is no longer taking takedowns with ease.  A whole new set of skills has to be developed.      At one time the duckunder was the end all be all for the wrestler, but now its time to learn how to finish strong.  The essential characteristic of a strong finish is not technique, place this hand there and that hand there kind of stuff.  When it comes right down to it when a coach wants to see a strong finish out of his wrestler, he's looking for determination.  Period.      Get in on a shot and the wrestler has to find a way to finish---don't settle and stay on your knees!  It's no longer about lightning quick speed.  Now it comes down to guts, grit, drive and determination.  This becomes the true test of the mettle of a wrestler.      Few coaches, with any seriousness in their voice, will ever watch a young wrestler and say man that kid can sure take a cross-face-"look how he doesn't budge an inch and drives right back into it."      When it's time to win the match and a wrestler is facing a solid opponent.  The competitor that digs deep and finishes strong will take the victory home.      Duckunders are dangerous.  But don't let those wrestlers overlook the need to develop determination in their finishes.  Biting the bullet staying tough and taking the score can be just as important skills to learn.  Make sure young wrestlers learn to finish strong!  (Click here to see Ryan Lewis of the Minnesota Storm finish strong after being initially stopped on his shot.)    A wrestler that learns a duckunder early and relies on it too readily soon overlooks the need to develop determination in finishing the tough takedown.