By: Jay Dawes and Mark Roozen Originally Published in: Developing Agility and Quickness Provided by: Human Kinetics Agility Shuttle This drill is great for developing explosiveness, foot speed, balance, quickness, and agility, which are all […]
Pinning: Bar Arms with John Smith – Oklahoma State Univ.
Watch as Coach John Smith explains and demonstrates bar arms to put the opponent on their back and finish with a pin.
Improving Communication
By: Wade Gilbert Originally Published in: Coaching Better Every Season Provided by: Human Kinetics Miscommunication is repeatedly cited as the number one source of stress for coaches. Effective communication is a learned skill, and like […]
Core Exercises Unique to Wrestling
By: Jeffrey M. Willardson Originally Published in: Developing the Core Provided by: Human Kinetics As wrestlers progress from preseason into the regular season, success is dependent on strength-speed, technique, and the ability to deal with […]
Re-Attacks with Gabe Dean – Lowell High School (MI)
Watch as Coach Gabe Dean explains that re-attacks happen with the most offensive wrestlers. When you are attacked your opponent is now in a vulnerable position and open to a re-attack. He demonstrates with a […]
Takedown Drill – Single Leg Sweep
By: Bill Welker Originally Published in: The Wrestling Drill Book Provided by: Human Kinetics Setup W1 is in the traditional breakdown position facing W2 but not tying up with him. Action W1 quickly fakes a […]
Cheap Tilt with Gary Mayabb – Univ. of Iowa
Watch as Coach Gary Mayabb explains, and wrestlers demonstrate this cheap tilt. The objective is to get a two count and not necessarily put the opponent on their back. Coach also discusses that he never […]
Pressure and Attack Drill with Tom Borrelli – Central Michigan Univ.
Watch as Coach Tom Borrelli explains, and wrestlers demonstrate this pressure and attack drill. This drill involves a post, a level change, and penetration (double leg).
Critical Reflection
By: Wade Gilbert Originally Published in: Coaching Better Every Season Provided by: Human Kinetics Unlike reflective practice, critical reflection is not focused on solving a specific problem. Critical reflection is used more sparingly, but still […]
How to Get to the Ankle Pick with Cameron Simaz – South Dakota State University
Watch as Coach Cameron Simaz explains that the easiest way to get to an ankle pick is a collar tie and the wrist. The penetration step is different in that you fall to your knee […]
Practice: Intensity Over Quantity with Brian Smith – University of Missouri
Watch as Coach Brian Smith explains how he believes that practice intensity is more important than practice length. It is important that the wrestlers understand this so that then the competition in the wrestling room […]
Cross Wrist to Turk
By: Bill Welker Originally Published in: The Wrestling Drill Book Provided by: Human Kinetics Setup The wrestlers start in the referee’s position with W1 in a basic two-on-one arm ride on W2’s left arm. Action […]
Identifying and Coaching to Your Strengths
By: Wade Gilbert Originally Published in: Coaching Better Every Season Provided by: Human Kinetics The traditional approach to coaching is sometimes referred to as a deficits-based approach because coaches focus their energy on identifying and […]
Improving Hand Fighting with Gabe Dean – Lowell High School (MI)
Watch as Coach Gabe Dean discusses improving hand fighting skills. He suggests placing wrestlers with poor hand fighting skills against those who are good. He also explains that his skills evolved after working with Greco […]
Program Development: Support Your Elementary Program with Nick Williams – Retired Coach
Watch as Coach Nick Williams discusses the importance of supporting the elementary program with his varsity coaches and players. Several examples are the varsity running the elementary tournament, varsity wrestlers dedicating their time to assist […]
Understanding Motivation and the Learning Process
By: Wade Gilbert Originally Published in: Coaching Better Every Season Provided by: Human Kinetics Effective coaches devote considerable time to identifying and creating training activities for their athletes. But even the most creative and engaging […]
Weight Management with Brian Smith – University of Missouri
Watch as Coach Brian Smith discusses how he wants wrestling to be fun, and even weight cutting (which is the most unpleasant aspect) when done safely, is all part of the program. Safety should always […]
Turning Parents into Raving Fans of Your Program
By: Peter Jacobson So, over the last few weeks, I’ve heard about a ton of frustrations you guys have with parents in your program. I think it’s safe to say dealing with difficult parents is […]
Spiral Ride with Tom Borrelli – Central Michigan University
Watch as Coach Tom Borrelli discusses a spiral ride which is a technique that is mainly used by the heavier weight classes. This technique is taught instead of the tight waist chop.
Pyramid of Teaching Success in Sport
By: Wade Gilbert Originally Published in: Coaching Better Every Season Provided by: Human Kinetics The Pyramid of Teaching Success in Sport is a popular athlete-centered coaching philosophy framework. Legendary American college basketball coach John Wooden […]
Leg Riding: Ankle Ride with Austin DeVoe – Colorado School of Mines
Watch as Coach Austin DeVoe explains and demonstrates this ankle ride. Coach emphasizes keeping the feet together and the knees wide. This is part of the 7 foot man series.
Program Development: Fundraising (Hams and Golf) with Nick Williams – Retired Coach
Watch as Coach Nick Williams discusses community support for his wrestling program and his unique and very successful fundraising methods.
Commitment – Rulon Gardner
By: Joseph M. Hoedel, Ph.D. Provided By: Character Development & Leadership “Wrestling has taught me that anything is possible if you are willing to put your mind, body and soul into your efforts” The man […]
Sparring with Gabe Dean – Lowell High School (MI)
Watch as Coach Gabe Dean describes sparring as an art unlike drills or reps. It is important to understand the level of sparring (low, medium, or high) that each wrestler is comfortable with. It is […]
Creating a Championship Culture with Nick Mitchell – Grand View Univ.
Watch as Coach Nick Mitchell explains how he stresses to his squad how working hard in school and doing a better job socially has a direct impact on their wrestling performance.
Preseason and In-Season Practice Format
By: Bill Welker Originally Published in: The Wrestling Drill Book Provided by: Human Kinetics The following format demonstrates the similarities and differences between preseason and in-season practices. Keep in mind, preseason practice emphasis should be […]
Front Headlock with Gabe Dean – Lowell High School (MI)
Watch as Coach Gabe Dean discusses the front headlock – the #1 take down in NCAA wrestling. It is important to score from this position as the opponent is at such a disadvantage. Coach Dean […]
What HS Coaches and Parents Need to Know About Scholarships with Tom Borrelli – Central Michigan Univ.
Watch as Coach Tom Borrelli discusses the scholarship limits involved in wrestling. Coach Borrelli explains how wrestling scholarships are usually partial, therefore high school coaches and parents should focus on academics as well since additional […]
Freeing Hands and Wrist Drill
By: Bill Welker Originally Published in: The Wrestling Drill Book Provided by: Human Kinetics Setup The drill starts with W2 standing behind W1, holding one arm with a two-hand grip on the wrist (a). Action […]
What a National Champion Focused On and How His Coaches Supported Him with Matt Grossman
Watch as Matt Grossman explains how he focused on the details which allowed him to perfect his technique. Matt gives credit to his coaches at Wilkes University for their support in all aspects of his […]