Every successful wrestler was once new to the game. Some start very young, and wrestling becomes part of their life, but most begin in junior high or high school.
Going to your first wrestling practice with zero knowledge and experience can be very intimidating, which is normal. This is why we have some tips for new wrestlers like you.
We will cover what equipment you need to use, what to expect at practice and some traits that will help you get along with the sport nicely.
You Need the Right Equipment.
You’re starting wrestling, right? Well, you need the right equipment to train right and perform well. Wrestling equipment includes wrestling shoes, headgear, and about five workout clothes.
Proper wrestling shoes are necessary for any new wrestler. They are designed to provide a firm grip on the mat for the sharp execution of pivots and shifts around an opponent. Wrong shoes need better traction that will disadvantage you during matches.
Headgear is crucial to protecting wrestlers from concussions and similar head trauma. They are held with straps around the chin and ears.
Opt for Dri-FIT clothes to move sweat from your body onto the fabric’s surface. They will keep you dry and comfortable during workout sessions.
It would help if you also had a wrestling bag to store and carry all necessary items. It can be any bag as long as it can fit all your belongings plus something extra like food, medicine, or a product you purchase.
Other wrestling equipment you need includes a mouth guard, ear guard, singlet, unitard, kick pads, knee pads, mats, and mat tapes.
What are the Character Traits That Shape a Good Wrestler?
Self-Motivated
Expect people to come with something other than praise and motivation when you start wrestling. You must show up for yourself every day and work tirelessly until you realize your goals. Self-motivation comes from the willingness to overcome any obstacle that may come your way.
Ambition
You are allowed to dream big; you are advised to do so. See, you are only limited by the goals you set. So, always aim higher in wrestling and develop the desire to improve.
Passion
Are you excited about wrestling? Does enthusiasm fill you as you head out for training? Wrestling is challenging if you don’t derive joy in doing it.
If you have a passion for wrestling, you will love all the grind and hard work it takes before you can see some results.
Empathy
In wrestling, you either win or lose and while you ought to enter every match with a winning mindset, you must show your opponent empathy and respect when you win. Remembering that you once lost a game or will lose one day encourages empathy for the opponent.
What to Expect in Wrestling Practice
Warm-up
Once you are in your training gear and ready for practice, you will start with some warm-ups. Typically, you’ll be running, arm circling, tumbling, somersaulting, and cartwheeling to get the body temperature rising and the blood moving.
Stretching
Next is stretching, a common and vital part of wrestling practice. All body parts must be involved in a good stretching routine to help prevent injury, reduce muscle imbalances, and improve performance.
Technique Practice
You can also expect technique practice, where your coach will explain the basics of good wrestling. The coach will most likely have a person to whom they will illustrate the moves. You may then be required to repeat the movements and master them.
For beginner wrestlers, we advise you to train slowly until you can move effortlessly. Going first because it’s wrestling will have your technique way off.
Drilling
Once you get the technique right, drilling follows. Drilling entails practicing the same move repeatedly with the correct procedure in an actual match, you don’t think; you only react.
Sparring
After warming up, techniques, and drilling, your coach typically puts you in sparring. You will have a partner in practice to execute what you learned as if it were an actual bout.
Be patient in sparring; most beginners want to rush to make a shot, but that’s not it. The critical thing is to wear out your opponent.
You can do it by hitting their head, circling them, pushing them, pulling them in, or some fake shots because once the opponent is tired, you can easily pick your moment and them down.
Final Thoughts
Tracing back to 3000 BC, wrestling is among the oldest sports in the world. It is between two people competing to hold each other down for at least two seconds.
Wrestling involves strength, grappling, and strategy. You can gain all these through rigorous and consistent training.
This article contains tips for new wrestlers so that any beginner can understand something about wrestling that will help or inspire them.
