Interlocking Fingers Meaning in Wrestling

Interlocking fingers occurs when the offensive wrestler clasps their hands together around the opponent’s torso. This action is generally illegal when both wrestlers are down on the wrestling mat. The wrestler in the top position must keep their hands separate to allow for movement. Locking hands or fingers gives the top wrestler an unfair level of control and pressure. An official will penalize this action as a technical violation during a live match. The referee awards one point to the defensive wrestler for each time this happens. A wrestler in the top position locks their fingers around the waist of the opponent. The official blows the whistle and grants one point to the wrestler on the bottom. This rule encourages the offensive wrestler to use active techniques rather than just holding. Exceptions exist if the defensive wrestler is standing or if a pin is near. Proper technique requires the top athlete to use different grips that do not involve locking.,