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Step 1
Find out when your school’s wrestling team begins workouts, tryouts and practices. The school wrestling season usually coincides with other winter sports like basketball. Depending on the size of the program, training and preparation may begin far in advance.
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Step 2
Build up your cardiovascular and muscular ability. While being strong and agile is very important in wrestling, many people disregard the overwhelming amount of work in a wrestling match. Conditioning your body through running and lifting weights will help you be a well-rounded athlete.
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Step 3
Learn the rules that wrestlers must follow. If your previous understanding of wrestling came strictly from watching professional wrestling, you may be surprised at the difference. For example, school wrestling isn’t decided only by pinning the opponent, but rather by using a points system (see Resources below).
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Step 4
Experiment with the different moves that are legal and illegal for a school wrestling meet. Unlike professional wrestling, school wrestling theory is based around leverage, advantage and speed. Experiment with different moves and different starting positions (see Resources below).
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Step 5
Practicing against other people. While your school’s team will have organized practices, you may want to find a friend in your weight class and practice moves with this person in your off time. This is an excellent way to prepare.
