How to Join College Wrestling Without Experience

The sport of wrestling is challenging and rewarding. Joining a team will take a commitment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Wrestling uniform (singlet, shoes)

1. Be enrolled at a university. Most college teams will not want non-students to join.
2. Check for an intramural or club wrestling team. Joining a varsity team without experience is not likely. Club teams are for recreation and fun.
3. Once you have found a club team, show up. Club sports are generally no-cut, meaning anyone can join. If your school's team is cut, spend time learning the rules and basic wrestling skills prior to showing up to your first practice.
4. Wrestling, like most sports, is seasonal. It is often a winter sport because it can be done inside. During the months leading up to the season, spend time lifting weights and doing cardio-fitness activities. Maintain a healthy diet that will lead to you attaining your ideal weight, as competitors are matched based on weight class.
5. If your team has a coach, work to impress the coach with your prior research, knowledge, and hard work that make you qualified to join the team. Most coaches will spend time with a new person, but only if the show dedication.
6. A Wrestling Match at Ithica University Practice. Practice. Practice.
   
   It is not like wrestling on TV. Wrestling teams spend hours daily working to be in top physical shape. Additionally, practicing with a partner will allow for learning the rules and new moves. Skills are developed over time, and cannot be learned all at once.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to stretch properly before starting.
• Warm up with a quick workout of jogging, push ups, and sit ups.
• Injuries are likely in this sport. Use caution when starting.