Coach's Blog
The Final Grade
By Carl Adams, 09 Feb, 10 @ 03:46pm
The Final Grade
We are closing in on the end of the wrestling term. For many, that final grade can carry a lot of weight. It can determine the success or failure of your season.
Some will try to coast through and do just enough to get by. Some can’t wait until the season is over. Some are willing to do only what the coach ask them to do. lastly, some will wait until the last minute to cram in all of their study the night before the final test. None of the above will serve as the best formula to get you on top of the champion’s podium.
The wrestlers with a champion’s mind set are so excited that this phase of the season has arrived. They are more focused than ever and are doing their best to have their best possible performance when it really counts. These are the individuals that have kept their focus and want to be champions.
Where do you fit on this spectrum? No matter where your focus is at this point, it is not too late for any wrestler to improve his chances for success. It is important to realize that so much is mental at this point. I would advise that the mental approach is the first area wrestlers need to focus on. You must be convinced that you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind on. You must BELIEVE, BELIEVE, BELIEVE.
Consider how many practice hours you have put in over the course of a season. I would guess that is between 300-500 hours. Here are some tips that I would recommend. Try not to be so concerned about fatigue during your matches. If you think about getting tired, you will end up being a lot more tired than you really are. In one of my recent blogs, I spoke about wrestling within yourself. Read that blog carefully again.
There are some critical factors that you have complete control of. Often time these factors will determine the outcome of matches. 1) Weight management and proper nutrition is absolutely critical. The way that you manage your weight and the type of food that you put in your body will make a huge difference in the way that you perform. Make sure that you consult someone that has a good handle on what you should be eating and how you should be managing your weight.
You should be getting as much rest as possible. Make sure you are getting the proper amount of sleep and that your body is getting the proper amount of rest between tough workouts. What good is exhausting workouts during the day right before you have to compete? There must be a balance with rest and trying to peak at the right time.
No matter what your opponent has accomplished, take him off of that pedestal. Nate Carr is one of our camp's permanent staff members and a former 3 time NCAA Champion. He was also an Olympian. He has a favored saying. “WRESTLE THE MAN”S BODY AND NOT HIS NAME” This is so true, especially during this phase of your season. (Good luck)
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