Tactics of SAMBO Wrestling

Chapter 2

Offense

5. Attack Combinations off of a Throw

Excellent preparation allows additional combinations of throwing techniques to develop from a throw that is countered or otherwise fails. Set up the opponent for the original technique with disguise or other ploys as if it were the only technique. If the opponent's attention is focused on countering the first throw, he usually will not successfully notice the transition to the SAMBist's second throw. Thus, the first throw begins by drawing the opponent's balance away from the direction of the throw. If the opponent opposes the shift and maintains a steady base, the SAMBist quickly shifts to another direction where the opponent will lose his balance. This calls for changing to a new ploy/throw as dictated by the situation. In his strong defense to an attack in one direction, there occurs an opportunity to attack in another direction where the opponent will lose his balance.

The opponent's strong opposition is exploitable by executing a second throw in another direction that can be calculated and be designed to successful. This second throw is most successful if is not just based on surprise but augmented by excellent preparatory training and planning. For the SAMBist to use combinations of throws in his offense, he must select grips that are not just apt for his first technique. The proper grip is able shift easily to the follow up techniques. If it is impossible to find an "all purpose" grip, then it will be difficult to create quick and comfortable transitions between throws.

Quick combination attacks are used in order to stop an opponent form mounting his own offense or setting up his defense. The counters dictated by the attacks may cause him to over react or fall behind in his counters.

Transitioning from an initial attack to a subsidiary throw must be accomplished with fluid motion, disguise, and vigor.

The SAMBist may set up his opponent by using the ploy of off speed motion. His first attack is relatively show in initiation to allow the opponent to commit to countering its direction of force. The SAMBist shifts to greater speed to unbalance the opponent in the direction of the second throw when he attempts to counter the SAMBist's first throw.

The SAMBist may use the opposite ploy of fast motion and reaction to attack in multiple or varied directions. The opponent is forced to use constant counter wrestling motions from the first attack, so that he never has an opportunity to recover his excellent stance and is eventually overwhelmed when his balance deteriorates.

It is recommended that the selection of first throws and follow up combinations be developed from the SAMBist's excellent training program. The SAMBist's better training for ploys and techniques will cause the opponent to become a prisoner on his own stance and motion. Examples of techniques and technique combinations are covered in the book SAMBO Wrestling (1957).