How to Coach Youth Wrestling
Wrestling, one of the oldest sports known to man, is a great way for one person to pit his strength, speed and agility against another person in head-to-head competition. Youth wrestling teams introduce young people to this traditional sport. The coach is responsible for making wrestling enjoyable for all.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
-
Prepare Your Youth Wrestling Team
-
1
Write out a plan for each wrestling practice, including a specific time line, and stick to it. This will keep things running efficiently.
-
2
Start each practice with dynamic stretches to limber the body for wrestling. Stretching is very important for wrestlers, who need to bend and move in many different directions. You may want to stretch for up to 15 minutes.
-
3
Practice specific skill sets multiple times. A technique or skill needs to be practiced enough that it becomes second nature.
-
4
Show offensive moves to combat defensive techniques and vice-versa. Wrestlers need to practice putting others in specific holds and breaking out of those holds. For instance, go step-by-step through the proper technique to put someone in a front headlock and how to get out of a front headlock.
-
5
Research many of the techniques needed for wrestling successfully and teach these techniques to wrestlers step by step. For example, the sprawl is achieved by moving the legs backwards and trying to force the opponent down on the mat with your upper body so you can land on his back.
-
6
Cover the sportsman aspects of wrestling and how to wrestle responsibly.
-
7
Weigh wrestlers regularly to keep track of weight changes and the weight class a wrestler should be in.
-
8
Make sure the mats are washed properly on a regular basis to avoid spreading fungal problems among the team.
Coach a Youth Wrestling Team at Competition
-
1
Arrive early to make sure all of the necessary preparations are made and the team is ready.
-
2
Take the team through needed stretches and warm-ups to get ready for the matches.
-
3
Go over strategies with the entire team and individuals and remind the wrestlers to use solid techniques used in practice.
-
4
Encourage each wrestler to do her best and cheer on the wrestler win or lose.
-
5
Write down notes for areas each wrestler can improve in and work on these areas in upcoming practices.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Wrestling will require working on strength training through weightlifting for older youth wrestlers. If possible, work with a weightlifting coach to help your wrestlers.
Make sure each wrestler has the proper wrestling gear. Minimal requirements for beginners includes head gear and shoes (running shoes are fine for beginners).
Be very careful when promoting diets to youth. Improper diets can cause permanent damage and can be detrimental to a wrestler's performance.
