While working with a novice this week, I noticed that he kept coming in for (seemingly) Tani Otoshi, but each time I ended up straight on top of him. Although initially I was countering, this kept happening even when I went into ‘limp uke’ mode.
Finally worked it out. He was just dropping straight onto his back with his leg out, as opposed to the backwards direction that Tani Otoshi relies on! So obvious in hindsight but it was puzzling at the time.
I’ve mentioned before that I try to encourage upright judo. Sutemi-waza can be exceptionally effective but they can slow development, as I found out to my own cost. However, with seniors I feel to a certain extent you have to coach with what works for them, and it is more of an advising role. So I was happy to point out what needed to be done to fix the problem, as opposed to stating “THOU SHALT NOT DO SACRIFICE THROWS”.
I later worked with a junior squad player. I took a dominant grip, to the response of, “There’s nothing I can do, you are too strong, I can’t break your grip”. Advice here is the classic MOVE AND ATTACK. You should be able to do this from any grip as if you just stand still helplessly then in shiai it is not going to end well for you. Once she started moving, using speed and change of direction, I lost the so-called ‘unbreakable’ grip that I had.
You must always assume that your opponent in shiai is stronger. And that you may not be able to get your perfect grip. Movement is so very much the key, and I am looking forward to my toe being fully healed so I can exploit this!