An underhook is a
clinch hold that is used in
grappling
Grappling, in hand-to-hand combat, describes sports that consist of gripping or seizing the opponent. Grappling is used at close range to gain a physical advantage over an opponent, either by imposing a position or causing injury. Grappling ...
to control the opponent. It is performed from any direction by putting an arm under the opponent's arm, and holding the opponent's midsection or upper body. Having an underhook with one arm is called a single underhook, while having underhooks with both arms is known as double underhooks. The typical response to an underhook is to try to break it, or to establish an
overhook.
Single underhook
A single underhook can be used as a
takedown maneuver.
The protagonist underhooks one arm of the opponent and extends his underhooking arm partly or mostly across the opponent's back, while using his other hand to pull the opponent's other elbow across the opponent's body, and drives forward into the underhooked side of the opponent.
Double underhooks
The double underhooks are considered one of the most
dominant positions in the
clinch, primarily because they allow for great control of the opponent, and can be used for doing a
takedown or
throwing the opponent. The double underhooks can be used to advance into a
bear hug by locking the hands behind the back, and holding the opponent close to the chest. The opponent typically responds to double underhooks with
double overhooks, to prevent the opponent from advancing into the bear hug.
See also
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Bear hug
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Collar-and-elbow position
A collar-and-elbow hold is a stand-up grappling position where both combatants have a collar tie, and hold the opponent's other arm at the elbow. Generally the opening move in professional wrestling, the collar-and-elbow is generally a neutral ...
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Double collar tie
Collar tie is a grappling clinch hold that is used to control the opponent. It is performed from the front of the opponent by grabbing the opponent by the collar, behind the neck, or behind the trapezius muscle. A collar tie using one hand is cal ...
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Pinch grip tie
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Overhook
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Over-under position
References
Grappling positions
Wrestling
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