If wrestling is nothing like the WWF on television, then what is it
all about, and what should parents and kids know about the sport when
considering their options?
Wrestling is perhaps the purest form of athletic
competition to exist in the realm of organized sports. There are no bats or
balls, or pucks or sticks. No pads or helmets or jerseys. There’s no time to
rethink strategy, regroup, or even to catch your breath. There’s only you, and
your opponent of equal weight and size. Experience, preparation and the will to
succeed will determine the victor. There’s no doubt about it, wrestling tops
the list of intense, highly-competitive sports.
Wrestling involves a unique balance of
practically every aspect of physical and psychological conditioning. Strength
is as important as stamina. Speed as technique, strategy as intensity, and
power as is coordination. However, it’s not always the natural athlete that
ultimately succeeds in the sport — it’s the natural competitor.
Kids that are strong for their weight, well
coordinated and naturally aggressive are usually more successful early on in
the sport. However, it‘s the highly competitive kids that really enjoy
the sport, that eventually achieve the highest levels of success. True
competitors come in all shapes and sizes, and in varying degrees of natural
talent. Many of the best wrestlers the world has ever seen, such as John Smith,
Dan Gable and Dave Schultz were not star athletes. They are and were ordinary
people with an extraordinary competitive drive.
Gifted athletes, especially those that are strong
and well coordinated, typically do well and take an early liking to the sport.
Some kids that thrive on competition, with only average or below average
natural ability, often surprise parents and coaches by eventually surpassing
more gifted kids through hard work and preparation.
Although it is wise for parents and coaches to
de-emphasize winning, victories can be are extremely gratifying because of the
strong sense of personal accomplishment. The effort put forth in
practice and preparation is apparent in competition, and not lost in a team
effort. This aspect of wrestling can be a great motivator and teacher, and can
develop a person’s work ethic, self-confidence, and ability to achieve in all
areas of life. Wrestling is great for exposing the “champion” within most any
kid, but especially with those that love to compete.