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Hand Control Battle

From the bottom, win control of your partner's hands before trying to escape.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

Start on the bottom with a partner of similar size on top.

Core: Steady. Beat your own cleanest stand-up.

Ages
14 and up
Time
12 min
Players
You and a partner
Space
Gym or court
Bring
Mat, partner, coach
Level · skill
Advanced · Escapes & Reversals

The steps

How it works

  1. Start on the bottom with a partner of similar size on top.
  2. Work to grab and hold one of their hands or wrists.
  3. Score by holding it for 3 seconds.
  4. Go 30 seconds, switch, for 6 rounds with a coach watching.

Coaching point

Win the hands first.

Safety: Live wrestling only with a coach on the mat and a partner of similar size, age and experience. No slams, no twisting the head or neck. If you hit your head, stop and tell your coach. Skin check first: no partner work with a rash, sore or cold sore until a doctor clears it. Clean the mat before you start and shower after.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Shadow escapes: practice the motions of a stand-up on your own while a partner reads out the steps. Swap.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (slow), Core (steady), More (add a quick reset). Beat your own cleanest stand-up.

Story

You are a magician slipping out of the hat.

My best

Beat your own count

Beat your own cleanest stand-up. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

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