It is helpful to learn more about how to perform the press by examining matches where the technique was used. By examining what works and what doesn't, your technique will be improved as a result. Here are some photos of press in a match, follwed by a critique of each one.

Picture #1

In this picture, the wrestler in the right is trying to perform the press. Unfortunately, he is not going to be as successful as he could be, because he did not get his body behind his arm. The whole point of the press is that your opponent must move not only your arm, but your entire upper body, to beat you. This is because you get your body over and behind your arm. The wrestler on the right would have a much more effective press if he was over and behind his arm.

Picture #2

Notice here that the same armwrestler has honed his technique and is now in a much better position to win. Not only is his body out over his arm, but he has also moved his right shoulder behind his arm. This gives his opponent only one real chance to win. The opponent on the left will lose this match, unless he is able to pull his opponent's arm to the left side of the table. This is very difficult to do, however, because the wrestler on the right is pushing his entire bodyweight down on his opponent's arm. At least ninety percent of the time, the armwrestler on the right will win the match.

Picture #3

Notice in this picture, which is a continuation of the match in picture #2, that the armwrestler on the right is getting a pin using the press. Just as expected, the opponent on the left tried to pull his opponent's arm toward him by turning his wrist into a toproll position. However, he was not successful, because he was unable to do it while also resisting the entire bodyweight of his opponent that was being put on his arm. Bottom line: If you are going to press, get out over and behind your arm, and you will have a very good chance of winning.

Back to Top

Back to Knowledge Bank List of Topics
Books on Armwrestling
Videos on Armwrestling
Armwrestling Tables