Jordan Burroughs vs. David Taylor: Keys to victory

David Taylor takes a shot on Jordan Burroughs in the U.S. Open finals (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)

What does it take to knock off the champ? How do the best stay one step ahead of their toughest opponents? David Taylor will once again look to solve the riddle of Jordan Burroughs in the finals of the World Team Trials this weekend in Madison.

Taylor, who first needs to make it past a talented field of competitors in the challenge tournament, is coming off one of the most impressive performances ever put up against the 2012 Olympic champion.

Burroughs will be waiting for the winner of the challenge tournament and needs to defeat that individual in a best-of-three series. Even if Burroughs loses that series, it's important to remember that Taylor would still need to place above Burroughs at an international tournament to secure the spot on the 2014 U.S. World Team.

To prepare for the technical side of the match here are the keys to victory for both Jordan Burroughs and David Taylor.

Jordan Burroughs' keys to victory

Start strong, finish stronger: To win the first match and set the pace for the rest of the event, Burroughs will need to fend off the type of early start Taylor enjoyed in the first match. That means creating offensive attacks, but also keeping his feet moving so as not to get into any ankle pick or low-single scrambles. Setting the pace of the match will allow Burroughs to settle in, get comfortable in the tie-ups and look for his offense while not ceding unnecessary points.

Single leg finishes, up and away: The Olympic champions need to finish his leg attacks and avoid, at all costs, being put in another cradle. Taylor's counters came from Burroughs' lack of continuation through the move. Though Burroughs was originally concerned with being crotch lifted, he now has to be certain not to base out from underneath Taylor's leg. Burroughs should aim to finish any single leg attack from an outside single finish, preferably bringing Taylor to his feet.

Follow-up attacks: Second attacks by Burroughs need to come a little quicker than they did in the last meeting. Taylor is accustomed to the double setups and has seen enough ankle picks for a lifetime. Burroughs needs to look for more dynamic attacks from a front head, especially when coming off a failed double leg attempt.

Avoid the big move: The cradle is Taylor's biggest big move, but that doesn't mean he can't unfurl others if Burroughs relaxes on the edge. When wrestled 10 times Burroughs should win this match eight times. The only variable is Burroughs' comfort in bad positions. If he fails to recognize danger, Taylor has a better average over ten matches.

Understand the psychological advantage: The three-match format guarantees that the early bugs will be worked out, so it's vital that JB play for later periods and second and third matches. He needs to understand that Taylor can beat him in the first match with intensity and a trick or two, but that limiting mistakes makes Taylor's task much more difficult. Burroughs needs to make Taylor fight late and feel the pressure of the moment -- where the Olympic champion succeeds more often than Taylor.

David Taylor's keys to victory

Attack early and attack often: Burroughs' is unquestionably one of the world's greatest wrestlers, but he has a weakness in scoring the first points and establishing pace early. Though inarguably a supreme competitor, Burroughs tends to stumble out of the gates when nervous. Maybe that happens again, maybe Burroughs is able to correct his attitude, but Taylor needs to assume that the first 90 seconds are his to win and that counter-offense won't be enough to secure a spot on the World Team. Scoring two takedowns in the first period and playing solid defense is exactly the way Nick Marable found his way to victory and the way Taylor challenged Burroughs in the first match. If he does it again in the first of their three matches he can gain momentum and steal the opening frame.

Unleash second-string of counters: Tayor has wonderful defensive counters, especially from low singles and abandoned hi-crotch attempts. Last match against Burroughs, Taylor was able to use a cradle from leg attacks to his right side. That could work again, but Burroughs has no doubt trained that position. Taylor will need to open with something a little different, maybe not as flashy, but that scores points. Crotch lifts, scoot-bys and opposite-leg cradle threats will all work to open up Burroughs from a flattened base. Do that and once Burroughs opens Taylor can likely re-establish the cradle or get on top for two points.

Be ready for left-side attacks: Burroughs hinted after their first match that he needed to do a better job attacking both sides. With Taylor's right side causing Burroughs so much trouble, don't be shocked if you see him hit a quick misdirection and attack Taylor's less dominant defensive position. Taylor needs to have a game plan for Burroughs' opposite side attacks.

Hands down, head up, wrist control: Burroughs still owns the world's best double leg. Though locking up the hands and wrists won't last but for a few seconds, Taylor needs to get his head low and stop some of the more explosive of Burroughs' attacks late in each period. If Taylor can position himself to both avoid the straight-on double leg and get to an angle, he will enjoy much more success.

Underhooks: Iran's Akbari and America's Kyle Dake have both found some success against Burroughs by digging for underhooks and closing down some of Burroughs' offense. Taylor may want to explore opportunities to take seconds off the clock by digging in his lanky arms and driving Burroughs around the mat.

Extend the lead: There are never enough points on the board. No matter the circumstances lead protection is not a smart play for Taylor given his build and wrestling style. Tall guys give Burroughs problems, but he can usually power through that frame late in the match. Marable won by avoiding takedowns in the second period of their match, but that didn't work as well for Taylor who stands six inches taller than Marable. Taylor needs to attack for the entire second period in order to change the tide of the action and ensure he avoids a late mistake like he did in the first meeting.

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