Understanding the Powerful Piggy Back Breaker Wrestling Move

Understanding the Piggy Back Breaker

The piggy back breaker is a powerful wrestling move that can turn the tide in a match. It involves one wrestler jumping onto the back of their opponent, who is already bent over, and applying force to break their posture down further. Executed correctly, the piggy back breaker can debilitate an opponent and leave them vulnerable to being pinned. Let's take a closer look at how this dramatic move works.

Setting Up the Piggy Back Breaker

For the piggy back breaker to work, the opponent first needs to be in a bent over position. This is often from receiving a blow to the back or core that causes them to hunch over in pain. The attacking wrestler can help create this posture by striking their opponent's back or rolling them into a bent position.

Once the opponent is doubled over, the wrestler can spring into action. They jump onto the opponent's lowered back, hooking one arm over the opponent's shoulder. The other arm goes under the near arm pit and grasps at the opponent's torso or far shoulder.

Executing the Back Breaking Move

With their body firmly pressed against their opponent's bent back, and their arms tightly gripping the opponent, the wrestler can now apply immense downward pressure. They will bridge their own back while pulling down hard with their arms and torso.

This places incredible strain on the opponent's spine and core muscles. The piggy back position amplifies the wrestler's leverage, enabling them to essentially break their opponent's posture and weaken their back.

The opponent will often crumple under the intense pressure. If executed perfectly, the piggy back breaker can even damage the spine and incapacitate an opponent.

Transitioning to a Pin

Once the opponent is flattened out on the mat, the attacking wrestler maintains the piggy back hold for a pin attempt. By keeping their weight pressed firmly down onto the opponent's body, they can try to hold their shoulders against the mat for the 3-count.

However, some wrestlers will release the hold after the opponent's back has been broken down. This allows them to transition into another move like a submission hold or high impact strike while their opponent is still reeling.

Countering the Piggy Back Breaker

Defending against this devastating back-breaking maneuver requires awareness and precision. As soon as the opponent jumps onto the wrestler's back, they must react.

The wrestler can try to flip their opponent over their head to counter the attack. Or they can use their powerful core and back muscles to resist being bent and weakened.

If executed too early, the wrestler risks injury to their own spine from the awkward bending and pressure. Timing and strength are essential to reverse or withstand this potent wrestling technique.

The Piggy Back Breaker Through History

While the exact origins of the piggy back breaker are unclear, it has emerged as a popular move in professional wrestling promotions. The crowd-pleasing spectacle of one wrestler breaking another's back makes it an impactful and theatrical technique.

Many top wrestlers have utilized variations of the piggy back breaker as part of their arsenal. Legends like The Rock, Bret Hart, and Kevin Nash have all showcased their own brutal versions of the hold.

As wrestling has evolved, so too has the piggy back breaker. High flyers now often incorporate the move into diving attacks off the top rope or turnbuckle for extra momentum and force.

No matter the exact execution, the piggy back breaker always seeks to weaken the core and back. When applied swiftly and viciously, it can be one of the most effective weapons for neutralizing an opponent.

Safely Executing the Piggy Back Breaker

When performed correctly by trained professionals, the piggy back breaker can be an exciting and entertaining wrestling maneuver. However, it does require proper technique to minimize the risk of injury.

Key elements like core strength, flexibility, and controlled execution allow wrestlers to safely perform this potentially dangerous move. The attacker must also have excellent body awareness and timing to catch their opponent in the right bent posture.

Sloppy execution or misjudged timing can result in serious harm to the spine or neck. Always consult a qualified coach when first learning the piggy back breaker in a supervised training environment.

With practice, the piggy back breaker can become a reliable tool for weakening opponents. Just be sure to apply it with focused technique, strength, and care for your training partner.

FAQs

How is the piggy back breaker executed?

The wrestler jumps onto the back of an opponent who is already bent over. They hook one arm over the opponent's shoulder and grasp under the armpit with the other arm. Then they apply intense downward force to break the opponent's posture.

What makes the piggy back breaker so effective?

The piggy back position gives the attacking wrestler tremendous leverage. Their entire bodyweight and bridging motion amplifies the downward force on the opponent's spine and core. This can weaken or even injure their back.

How can you defend against the piggy back breaker?

Quick reaction time is key. As soon as the opponent jumps on for the hold, try to flip them over your head. Having strong back and core muscles can also help resist being bent by the hold.

Is the piggy back breaker a dangerous move?

When executed improperly or without care, it can certainly be dangerous. The intense spinal pressure has potential for injury. Proper training and technique is vital for performing it safely.