Chatfield Junior Wrestling

 

 

Half Nelson pinning combination following an Arm Chop breakdown  from the Referee's Position

 

The Half Nelson is perhaps the most common and most effective pinning combination in wrestling.  There are many variations and situations for this powerful technique.  
This technique is considered the basic Half Nelson.  It is also known as "an inside half."  If you hear a coach yelling, "HALF! HALF! HALF!"  They probably mean this version...   We start by "breaking the opponent down"  possibly by using an "arm chop," but many other set-ups are possible.

       From the Referee's Position, the hand on the opponent's elbow "chops" right at the bend in the elbow, pulling it in to the opponent's side.  At the same time, use the hand around the waist to drive the opponent to the shoulder of the chopped arm.  Keep your base and stay on top of the opponent.  Do not go to your side.  Your opponent will likely have the arm opposite the chopped arm slightly lifted to keep his balance.  Right at this point, quickly snake your hand under the lifted arm and place your hand on the back of his head (not neck) and jump over to that side.  If his head is up so that you can't get your hand around to it, let go of the chopped arm and use that hand to force his head to the mat.

 

Lower your chest to his side and use your elbow to lift his arm/shoulder while you pull his head under with that hand.  As he turns over, when he is up on his side, drop the elbow you used to turn him down to the mat and slide your arm as deep as it will go behind his head.  During this turning process, you are maintaining your balance and turning him under your chest so that you will end up with him on his back and your chest on his.  If you kept your other arm holding the chopped arm, this will be an extremely tight pin.  The arm you threw the "Half" with should be completely behind your opponent's head, and you should be almost able to touch your own chest.  Your feet are spread wide, you are on your toes with your forehead on the mat.  Most of your weight is on your opponent's chest.  Now... Smile and SQUEEEEEZE.  If done correctly, the match will likely be over in 3 seconds.

This would be better if his feet were spread wider and elbow sunk deeper behind the head.
 

We made some additions and refinements to the Half Nelson.  A key point was to keep the chopped arm after the breakdown, and possibly use a 2- on -1 hold on that arm to maintain control of the opponent.  A 2-on-1 is simply holding 1 arm of the opponent with 2 of your hands.  The arm that chopped the elbow pushes down through the bend in the elbow and grabs the forearm.  The hand that is around the waist stays around the waist and grabs that same arm just below the grasp of your other hand.  Your hips stay in a good base on top of your opponent.  Use this 2-on-1 grip to start to turn your opponent.  As he begins to turn, jump over to the free side, let go of the wrist with the appropriate hand and finish the half Nelson as previously described.

 

This is not the position described, but is used just to illustrate the 2-on-1 grasp.
We also covered turning the opponent with a head lever.  This is also a good technique to "wear your opponent down." Break your opponent down as previously described, if his other arm is not elevated enough to throw a Half Nelson, grasp the wrist of that arm and forcefully straighten it while keeping his palm facing upwards.  Jump over to that side keeping a good base, etc and drive the top of your head into his arm-pit.  Start walking your feet in a circle towards his head.  This will cause him to turn to his side.  Wrap that same arm around your neck, keep walking the circle, lift your head and sink a tight Half Nelson.  Finish as before...Remember to smile while you are pinning him!

 

You can see that this would be better if the down man's free arm was chopped and he was broken down flat.