The duck under is a move used to get behind an opponent or to take them down to the mat. It involves using one's head and shoulders to control the opponent's arm while swiftly moving to their back.
Here are some reasons why the duck under is valued in wrestling:
Versatility: The duck under can be used in various situations, both as a defensive move to counter an opponent's offense and as an offensive technique to secure a takedown.
Positional Advantage: Successfully executing a duck under puts the wrestler in a dominant position behind the opponent. This can lead to back points, takedowns, or setups for other moves.
Foundation for Other Techniques: Mastering the duck under can help in learning other advanced techniques. The body positioning and movements involved are foundational to many other wrestling maneuvers.
Mental Edge: When a wrestler is proficient at duck unders, it forces the opponent to be cautious about their own arm and hand placement, giving the skilled wrestler a mental edge in the match.
Works Across Styles: The duck under is effective in various styles of grappling, including wreslting and Jiu Jitsu
However, it's essential to understand that wrestling is a vast and intricate sport with countless techniques and strategies. The effectiveness of a move often depends on the situation, the wrestlers involved, and their respective skill sets. Some may find the duck under more advantageous than others, and some might prioritize different techniques altogether. It's always about finding the techniques and strategies that work best for the individual wrestler and the specific context.
The videos below are a couple of the best that I could find. If you really want to be able to do the move you need a partner and an instructor for feedback. I recommend checking out The Griz Cave!
Nicky Ryan teaching misdirection to duck under
Great explanation of the duck under