Cement Mixer

With Division III wrestling concentrated mostly in the eastern part of the country, most wrestlers have seen or can execute this technique born in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, even if they have different names for it. Some call it a Special, Twister, or Ventriloquist, and I’m sure I’m missing some other terms.

Regardless of the terminology, the move generally involves a front headlock and underhook, followed by rolling to the underhook side and catching the defensive wrestler on his back. Some wrestlers will step over and hook both legs, while others stay out to the side. The highest percentage method for scoring with the cement mixer also includes reaching under the opponent’s chin with the front headlock arm and capturing the opponent’s wrist to keep him from posting out to the rolling side. However, it’s not entirely necessary if executed properly. Whether coaches want to teach it to their athletes is up to the individual coach. It is imperative, however, that every wrestler knows to watch for it when his opponent has the front headlock and underhook.

While I’m not an expert on this technique, I do think I could teach it, however, it might be better to watch some wrestlers execute it in competition. Below, you’ll find five different video examples covering many different levels of competition from youth wrestling up through the NCAA finals. Hopefully, these videos can help you see how to execute the technique. Finally, for a few more examples, check out this website.

UPDATE:  I’ve been informed that there is a cement mixer around the 30 second mark in this video (unfortunately, the ref is in the way, but you get the idea).

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