The top roll is a powerful move in arm wrestling, one that lets you dominate your opponent by attacking their fingers and wrist to gain control. But sometimes, despite all your preparation and power, your top roll doesn’t quite go as planned. So, what do you do when things go sideways in the middle of a match? Let’s break it down and explore some key adjustments that can turn your top roll into a winning strategy.
Starting Strong with a Perfect Top Roll
To get your top roll right from the beginning, it's all about a solid grip. You want to get your fingers locked in place before you even start, ensuring you have total control over the match. That grip is everything—slip, and the advantage shifts. Once you're set, you go straight for the path of least resistance, which typically involves targeting the opponent’s wrist and pronation, and then driving through.
Strap Up: The Secret Weapon for the Top Roll
When you're in a strap, the game changes. The strap connects both wrists, and suddenly, your drag and pronation options become more accessible. This is where you can truly shine or, if things go wrong, quickly adjust. But sometimes, despite your best efforts, your top roll might hit a snag, and you’re stuck.
What Happens When Your Top Roll Fails?
Failure isn’t always the end. If your top roll isn’t working, there are a few tricks you can pull off to shift the momentum. The first thing to try is a readjustment. This means subtly changing the way you're positioning your body and elbow. You might need to shift from a high hand top roll to a low hand top roll. This shift doesn’t require you to target the hand as aggressively; instead, focus on adjusting your elbow and moving to a position where you can attack their bottom fingers.
But what if that still doesn’t work? No worries—there’s always another option.
Go Deeper or Press!
Sometimes, the best way to fight through a failed top roll is by switching tactics entirely. If your opponent’s trying to hook you, and you can’t take their cup away, shift your approach: go deeper and press. This isn’t a top roll anymore; it’s about creating a direct line from your shoulder to their body. It’s like a game of positioning, and you want your body in a position that gives you mechanical advantage.
Defensive Hooks and Fast Reactions
Now, what if you’re still fighting an uphill battle? Here’s where things get tactical. If your top roll is failing and you're getting pushed back, you can switch to a defensive hook. In this position, you're not trying to force the match but instead controlling your own side while maintaining a strong position to counter your opponent's moves.
When to Go for a King's Move?
If things continue to spiral and your opponent has gained control of your hand, it may be time to pull off a king’s move. This is a tricky move but incredibly effective when done right. The key is to give up your cup slightly while focusing all your energy on pronating and controlling their wrist. This will shift the dynamics, and you might just have the opportunity to turn the match back in your favour.
Know When to Flop (But Only When Necessary)
Lastly, we have the flop press. This one’s a bit more advanced and certainly risky, but if you feel the match is slipping away, sometimes it’s your last resort. By letting your wrist go and using your shoulder to drive forward, you might just catch your opponent off guard. But beware—this move needs to be set up right from the start, and if you're too far out of position, it can backfire quickly.
The Bottom Line? Always Be Climbing!
The top roll is all about constant adjustments. If it doesn’t work the first time, don’t give up. Climb, reposition, and attack. Keep pressure on your opponent, and be ready to switch strategies at a moment’s notice. As long as you maintain control over the match, you can still turn things around—even if your initial top roll fails.
Remember, arm wrestling is about patience, technique, and smart reactions. Keep mastering the top roll, and make sure you’re always ready to fight back, no matter what!
Lastly, always remember to have your eyes on your hand when arm wrestling, avoid injury and make sure you're competing with an experienced club captain present.
Until next time,
Summer