WEST VIRGINIA MAT THOUGHTS

... on Tips for Head Wrestling Coaches

Every mentor has the responsibility of attempting to keep all his athletes enthused and this includes wrestling coaches. Below are ten factors that head wrestling coaches should consider as part of their philosophy for develping content grapplers:

• 1. Include frequent "fun" activities when creating daily practice schedules.
• 2. Add a little variety to your daily practice sessions.
• 3. Always seek ways of strengthening your program. Attending coaches' clinics will aid you in this area.
• 4. Recognize the little (as well as big) successes of every one of your matmen.
• 5. Constantly emphasize team work or cooperation with your wrestlers.
• 6. Realize that all athletes are different and not always going to perfectly execute moves in practice and during competition.
• 7. Be a model of leadership for your wrestlers to emulate.
• 8. Hold short weekly meetings where open lines of communicate can take place.
• 9. Keep coaching goals in the ability range of your athletes.
• 10. See to it that all members of the team are given the opportunity to compete often throughout the season. In other words, along with your varsity schedule have a vigorous junior varsity and freshman schedule as well.

Updated October 22, 1998