Student Objectives:
The student will explore strangulation using the collar while performing the Clock Choke Technique.
The student will analyze the difference between a choke and strangle.
The student will relate grip depth to the power of the strangle.
Teaching Cues:
Giant Killer
Two grips
Over the Shoulder
Trombone
Turn with the Core
Lesson: Clock Choke from the Back
The assisting student will sit on their bottom with their legs gently bent and their hands on their knees. The practicing student will take the back by placing their legs around the waist of the assisting student (hooks) and grips under the armpits - firmly grasping the lapels on both sides. After obtaining a firm grip, the practicing child should lightly pull the assisting student backwards until their upper back touches the upper chest of the practicing student. There should be space left between the lower bodies of both children; this space is referred to as the “Giant Killer Space”. This space is important in neutralizing height disparities, but it is also important in preventing future opponents from bridging to force the practicing student’s back to the floor, which facilitates escape.
Once the practicing child is in a good starting position, they will take one hand over the opponent’s shoulder and make a firm grip on the lapel. This lapel grip should be deeper than the collarbone but you should allow children to vary their grip depth to investigate the value of having a deeper grip. The second hand will take a very low grip on the far lapel; I refer to this hand as the “trombone grip”, as it will be stretched away and down when performing the finish to the choke.
Once the grips are in place, the student applies the choke by first stretching the trombone hand and then by turning their core in the direction of the over the shoulder grip. Reinforce good tapping etiquette, and encourage the assisting student to tap the leg of the practicing student.
Possible Extensions:
Have the practicing student use the hook replacement technique to get the back before applying the Clock Choke.
If the assisting student knows the Baseball Escape, then you can add it. The practicing student executes the Clock Choke and the assisting student performs the Baseball Escape immediately after.
Possible Refinements:
Make sure the practicing student keeps their head beside the assisting student. There can be an extra cue for this aspect of the choke if they are struggling. Use the Cue “Ear to Ear”.
Make sure the practicing student does not cross their ankles while maintaining back control.
When the child is finishing the technique, make sure they don’t straighten the arm that is over the shoulder while they are turning their core to finish the choke.
Reference materials:
Teaching Reflections:
How did I do teaching?
What could I do better next time?
Did the student gain proficiency in lesson material?