Pop Like a Mark on the Dirts: Advanced Wrestling Terminology

Traditional shoot wrestling was all about holds, reversals and chain wrestling, but a lot has changed since then. Now, most wrestling matches have numerous instances when wrestlers fall or are thrown to the ground, with each one referred to as a bump.

Technically, any time a wrestlers hits the mat or the ground is considered a bump, but the term is regularly used to specifically refer to a flat back bump. This is one of the most common types of bumps, as it spreads the impact of landing across the entire back, making it both less painful and louder than landing on a body part with a smaller surface area. When done properly, a flat back bump prevents the head from bouncing off the mat. The bumping wrestler may also slam his arms on the ground simultaneously with his landing to make an ever louder noise and impact.