Did you know most wrestlers will lose more than they win when they first start wrestling?  Losing is a natural part of wrestling.

If your child sticks with wrestling and focuses on small improvements over time, then your child will notice they are getting better at wrestling.  Let’s talk about how to encourage your child when he/she is losing matches.

Make sure Your Child Wants to Wrestle

Make sure your child wants to wrestle and is not doing it because you want him to.  If your child is wrestling because your forcing wrestling on him, your child might as well quit now.

Talk to your child.  If your kid truly wants to be a wrestler, then give him 100% support.  You need to become his number one fan.

If your child does not want to wrestle, then it’s time to move to another sport where he/she enjoys what they are doing.

Identify what your child needs to improve on

After you have talked to your child, you need to identify areas that need improvement.  If you do not have a wrestling background, I suggest you talk to their wrestling coach.  Each child is different, but here are some areas that I look at when I rate the strength of a wrestler.

From neutral position (on your feet)

• Good stance and movement
• Ability to defend a take down
• Ability to score a take down

Top Position

• Riding technique –  does he stay behind the hips, does he break his opponent down
• Does he work towards a fall

Bottom Position

• Can the wrestler stay off his back
• Does the wrestler move from the bottom or lay there?
• Can the wrestler score and escape or a reversal?

You would do well to write down your wrestler’s strengths and weaknesses so you know what your wrestler needs to focus on during the season.

Do not be negative with your child

Let me ask you a question.  Would you enjoy going to your job if your boss chewed your rear every time you made a mistake?  The same applies for your child.  You child knows he made some mistakes.  Avoid being overly critical with your child after a loss.  Tell him you are proud of him and keep encouraging him.

If you feel the need to discuss the match with your child, consider waiting a day. This allows emotions to settle, and the conversation can be approached with a positive mindset. When you do talk, focus on constructive feedback and highlight areas for improvement. Keeping the tone positive fosters a supportive environment that encourages your child’s growth and confidence.

Should I coach my child?

Navigating coaching responsibilities when your child is experiencing a challenging season can be a delicate matter. It’s worth considering that coaching your kid during a losing season might not always be beneficial. While the natural instinct is to offer guidance and support, excessive criticism or pressure can negatively impact their experience. I would suggest taking a step back from coaching.

During tough times, it’s crucial to prioritize their well-being, love for the sport, and overall enjoyment. If you find that your coaching approach is contributing to added stress or diminishing their enthusiasm, it may be wise to reassess your role. Stepping back and allowing them to learn, grow, and rediscover their passion independently can often lead to a more positive and fulfilling sports experience for both parent and child.

Praise his Wrestling Accomplishments

When your child does well in a wrestling match, be sure to go out of your way to tell him how well he has done.  If you praise him for his good moments in wrestling and avoid criticizing him when he does poorly, your child is more likely to keep making improvements and become a great wrestler.

Celebrating your child’s wrestling achievements is a powerful way to nurture their confidence and passion for the sport. When they excel in a match, make it a point to express your praise and acknowledgment. By highlighting their successes, you reinforce a positive association with their wrestling efforts.

Crucially, maintaining a supportive approach during moments of less-than-perfect performance is equally important. Avoiding criticism when they face challenges helps create a nurturing environment. Instead of focusing on shortcomings, emphasize the progress they’ve made and the lessons learned from each experience.

Through consistent praise for accomplishments and a constructive attitude during setbacks, you contribute to fostering a resilient and motivated wrestler. This positive reinforcement not only bolsters their confidence but also encourages a continuous commitment to improvement, laying the foundation for a successful and fulfilling wrestling journey.

Focus on One Aspect of Wrestling at a Time

Concentrating on one aspect of wrestling at a time is a strategic and effective approach to enhancing your child’s skills. Rather than overwhelming them with a multitude of areas for improvement, pinpoint one specific aspect that requires attention. This targeted approach not only prevents your child from feeling overwhelmed but also allows for more focused and productive training sessions.

Identify the area that needs the most work, whether it’s refining offensive moves, improving defensive techniques, or mastering a particular type of takedown. By honing in on one specific aspect, you provide your child with a clear and achievable goal. For instance, if a wrestler excels in defense but struggles with initiating attacks, the focus could be on developing proficiency in one impactful takedown.

This methodical approach not only ensures a more manageable and structured training regimen but also allows your child to witness tangible progress in the targeted area. Over time, as they master one aspect, you can gradually introduce additional areas for improvement, fostering a step-by-step progression in their overall wrestling proficiency.

Lessons Can be Learned

Realize that a match is about more than just winning or losing. Winning is a common goal, but there are deeper lessons in wrestling. There are worse things in life that losing a wrestling match.

It’s a unique platform for personal growth, resilience, and character building. Facing defeat teaches about perseverance, sportsmanship, and the value of hard work. Focus on these aspects to improve athletic and life skills beyond the mat. Striving for self-improvement and a strong character lasts and goes beyond individual match results.

Wrestling is not for everyone

While wrestling can be a powerful tool for building confidence, it’s crucial to recognize that this sport may not be the perfect fit for everyone.

Recognizing that wrestling might not be the ideal fit for every child is an important aspect of supporting their athletic journey. Wrestling is undeniably a demanding sport, both physically and mentally, and not everyone may thrive in its unique challenges. This realization doesn’t imply failure; rather, it acknowledges the diverse nature of individual strengths and preferences.

If your child finds wrestling consistently challenging, it could be worthwhile to explore other sports that align better with their skills and interests. Each person has distinct abilities that may be better suited to alternative athletic pursuits. For instance, someone who excels in football or basketball might discover a more fulfilling and rewarding experience in those sports.

The key is to help your child find an activity where they can excel and derive satisfaction. This might involve exploring different sports to identify one that resonates with their abilities and passion. Ultimately, the goal is to nurture their love for physical activity and ensure a positive and enriching experience in the realm of sports.

Stay Updated

I trust you found the article on “Guiding a Wrestler through a Challenging Season” enjoyable and insightful. If you have any questions or would like further tips, feel free to reach out. Your support plays a crucial role in navigating a challenging season, and I hope the suggestions provided prove helpful for both you and your wrestler.

Additional Reading for Wrestling Parents

I have authored a multitude of articles tailored for wrestling parents navigating the world of wrestling. These pieces cover various aspects, from providing tips on supporting your child during challenging seasons to insights on fostering their growth and confidence within the sport. If you’re seeking valuable information and guidance on your journey as a wrestling parent, you’ll find a wealth of resources in the articles I’ve crafted.

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