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.
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.
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 and 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.