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WHY EVERY CHILD SHOULD WRESTLE
1. Wrestling is the most developmental of all interscholastic sports.
2. The individual character of wrestling makes victory, or defeat, a personal responsibility.
3. Wrestling is a contact sport that tests strength, endurance, and decision making under stress which develops self-reliance, perseverance and mental alertness.
4. Wrestling is a safe sport. The interscholastic rules provide that a hold or move, which might endanger life or injure a participant, is absolutely prohibited and is penalized.
5. Contestants are matched according to weight and age, enabling children of any size to compete.
6. Wrestling is a natural test of strength, endurance and skill. It is, with the possible exception of track, the most natural activity in the sports program.
7.Wrestling has special appeal because there is continuous movement, constant change of position, and new combinations of holds in every move.
8. The wrestling activity conditions the body for a variety of other sports. It helps to develop coordination, speed, accuracy, and balance, keeping muscles trim and pliable.
9. Wrestling is a sport which provides the physical exercise growing children need to stay slim and fit.
Few sports require total use of the body and wrestling develops this with all the following benefits:
1. greater physiological development
2. flexibility
3. body awareness
4. strength and leverage
5. balance
6. co-ordination and reaction time
7. speed
8. very low body fat
Wrestling in schools and clubs is a sport of individual participation functioning within the framework of team concepts. This aspect contributes to the development of life-long patterns of responsible behaviour including respect for others regardless of social or racial origin . A young person involved in wrestling can be expected to display increasing self-confidence and appreciation of their self-worth, and develop analytical and adaptive skills.
"The champion wrestler is neither selected nor born; he is self-formed."
Of course, the great wrestler possesses many admirable qualities. However,there are four prime attributes I consider to be a must--hustle,attitude,resolution, and desire (creating the acronym H.A.R.D.).Let's take a deeper look at each:
HUSTLE-The outstanding wrestler hustles all the time. During practice, his coach often has to tell him to take a break. Furthermore, this high-powered competitor is forever searching for someone better to wrestle. He's never satisfied with his performance and is constantly striving for perfection.
ATTITUDE-The superior wrestler has a positive attitude. He believes in himself and his capabilities. When others say, "You won't," he quietly asserts, "I will". The champion's total being radiates confidence.
RESOLUTION-The No. 1 matman illicits a most potent resolution. In truth, it is the pitfalls which make him that much more determined to succeed. He doesn't know the meaning of "quit."
DESIRE-The champion wrestler feeds on desire and perceives nothing less than being the best. There may be more skillful grapplers around but his hunger for victory will overcome them all. This winner believes in the adage,"I might be outclassed but never outfought."
I am sure that everyone will agree it takes H.A.R.D. work to be on top. Oh yes, some have furtively whispered, "The champ seems a bit insane." However, none will ever forget his name. by Dr. Bill Welker
"To be a champion, I think it begins with the heart. You have to be willing to do anything in your power to win. Whatever it takes, not just what your coach tells you, but what it will take to beat the best guy at your weight.
"You must train your mind. Your body is easy to train; however, your mind is difficult. Before facing your opponent, you must believe with no doubts that you deserve to win. Once you put in the work, let your mind do the rest. Remember your mind gets tired way before your body does so you must train your mind as hard or harder than your body." --Chris Bono
ACTIVE REST
It’s essential to give yourself a break after a season of expending large amounts of energy and time so you are able to reflect, refocus, & reenergize. The following words make a case for application of active rest.
After your season has ended, you may reflect on how the season went. You may ask yourself several questions to evaluate: if you had fun; if you learned anything; if you made progress. Some example questions could include:
# What was the best part of the season?
# What was the most fun experience this season?
# What did I learn this year that I didn’t know last year?
# What did I do differently this year that I learned from the previous year?
# Was I able to keep position better this year?
# Was I able to focus better while coaches were instructing?
# Was I able to execute techniques, which I learned last year, in matches & in practice?
You can ask yourself similar questions like this after every practice and every competition too. These types of questions may lead you to greater fulfillment & progress sooner.
Active rest also gives your mind & body a break from the rigorous training sustained during the season. It is unwise to train year round without breaks because you may become stale and or just go through the motions. Training at a high level year round with out breaks is not done by professional athletes and even Olympic athletes for similar reasons. Your body is more susceptible to injuries when you train at a high intensity year round with out breaks. Your mind will probably take a break anyway whether you like it or not. Active rest allows a mental & physical change of pace while allowing you to refocus.
Reenergizing after a grueling season is also needed to keep you hungry for intense training and competition. Active rest gives you the opportunity to physically store energy for upcoming training sessions for optimal out put. Mentally, you may actually start to miss training and become hungry for competition; this may lead to better output and better outcomes. Some folks take 1 week or 2…some folks take 3 weeks. Most high school and elementary schools have sort of a grace period between activities so students have a chance to recover and reenergize.
Most everyone employs active rest whether in school via summer breaks or in sports via off seasons or families taking vacations whenever. It is important to understand why active rest is necessary and to utilize it when applicable. Thus, you will enhance your chance for optimal growth.
Courtesy of Team Gillespie
WHY WRESTLE?
Wrestling prepares a person to fight the game of life.
The wrestler is the one athlete that must meet his opponent and do battle completely on his own;
No one can substitute: no time outs are possible.
He has no one to check, screen, block, or assist him in any way;
There is no one to blame for his mistakes.
When he wins, he must show quiet pride and modesty.
When he loses, the responsibility is his.
Wrestling is a true sport.
In other sports, when contact is made, they blow the whistle to stop the action;
In wrestling, when contact is made, we're just getting started.
No other sport requires more sacrifice then wrestling.
The individual, through self-denial, offers more of his character than ever be explained here.
It is something he carries with him throughout life...
Through every trial, test, and tribulation.
It’s a good feeling.
Like the whole world is yours.
But it passes. And what lasts is what you’ve learned.
And what you learn, is about life.
That’s what sports is about, life.
The whole thing is played out on the mat.
The happiness of life. The miseries. The joys. The heartbreaks.
There’s no telling what’ll turn up.
There’s no telling how you’ll do.
You might be a hero, or you might not. There’s just no telling.
Too much depends on chance. On how the "match goes."
You do your best. You take what comes.
You take what comes and run with it.
Winning is fun. Sure.
But winning is not the point.
Wanting to win is the point.
Not giving up is the point.
Never being satisfied with what you’ve done is the point.
Never letting up is the point.
Never letting anyone down is the point.
Play to win. Sure.
But lose like a champion.
Because it’s not winning that counts.
What counts is trying.
Respect - (Have respect for yourself, coaches, teammates, opponents, officials and family)
Effort - (give 100% effort at practice and competitions)
Attitude - (come to practice and competitions with a good attitude)
Discipline - (discipline at practice and competition will make you a better wrestler)
"THOSE WHO CAN WRESTLE ON THE MAT.....CAN WRESTLE WITH LIFE"
Want to start a ten day fight? Then throw this bone into a den of sport fans. What is the toughest, most demanding sport?? Remember now, I'm not talking about thrills or skills. I mean the sport that takes the most out of the participant.
Baseball? It's a snap. Except for the pitcher and catcher, everyone stands around waiting for something to happen. It is strictly a skill sport. Basketball? A tough game, but not if you are in shape. There are enough out-of-bounds balls and free throws to give everyone a rest.
Soccer? Tennis? Put them in the same class as basketball. Golf? A beautiful game demanding great skill, but about as tough as walking. Football? Now we're getting warm. The contact is tough and you need courage to play. But it still isn't number one in toughness. You can rest after every play and there are time-outs. There are only about 8 minutes of live action in every 60 minute game.
Hockey? Another tough, dangerous sport. It's the fastest game on earth. But, like basketball or football, you can always catch a breather, and there are always substitutes going in and out of the game. Track...swimming? Both sports take skill and endurance. But they do not have enough other types of challenges (like body contact and danger) to be called really tough. Lacrosse? It belongs in between soccer and football. A rough, challenging game.
Okay, let's get down to the toughest sports. Boxing!! If you have never fought a match in the ring, it is difficult to imagine how tough this sport is. Without long, hard training, you can't go more than a round or two. And a round is only 3 minutes long. Your arms will drop and your legs will feel like rubber. If you have taken a few punches, your face will ache. Still, a well-trained boxer can go 15 rounds. That is why I rate boxing second place to...
WRESTLING!! This is a man-to-man combat sport. But your opponent always has his hands, legs and body all over you. He is squeezing, twisting and riding your body. Every part of your body has to be in constant action. Wrestling calls for huge amounts of strength, endurance and speed. It is so tough that matches are limited to 6 minutes (JV matches are 4-1/2 minutes)...and when it is over, the wrestler is completely worn out. There is no way a wrestler can go 32 or 40 minutes in a match like basketball or football players do. After 6 minutes, the wrestler has had it for the day.
TENNIS ANYONE???????
CommitmentHard workAttitudeMotivationPersistenceInitiativeOvercoming adversityNo excusesSelf-discipline
Question: What kind of super athlete possess all of these skills?
Endurance: The ability to continue to perform a skill or action for long periods of time
Strength: The ability to produce force
Power: The ability to produce strength in the shortest possible time
Speed: The ability to move quickly
Agility: The ability to change direction quickly
Flexibility: The ability to stretch the joints across a large range of motion
Nerve: The ability to overcome fear
Durability: The ability to withstand physical punishment over a long period of time
Hand-eye coordination: The ability to react quickly to sensory perception
Analytic aptitude: The ability to evaluate and react appropriately to strategic situations
Answer: A WRESTLER
Sportsmanship Checklist for Kids
* I abide by the rules of the game.
* I try to avoid arguments.
* I share in the responsibilities of the team.
* I give everyone a chance to play according to the rules.
* I always play fair.
* I follow the directions of the coach.
* I respect the other team's effort.
* I offer encouragement to my teammates.
* I accept the judgment calls of the game officials.
* I end the game smoothly.
Sportsmanship is the ability to:
* win without gloating (don't rub it in)
* lose without complaining (don't make excuses)
* treat your opponent, and the officials, with respect
Sportsmanship Tips:
* If you make a mistake don't pout or make excuses. Learn from it, and be ready to continue to play.
* If a teammate makes a mistake, encourage, don't criticize.
Setting goals enhances motivation, preferably focusing on internal motivation;
Setting goals encourages athletes (and coaches) to develop new skills and strategies to improve performance; and,
Setting goals helps focus attention on the task one hopes to accomplish.
Trying to achieve unrealistic goals can only produce failure which will negatively effect your self-confidence. You need to strive to achieve goals that are realistic but that also challenge you to improve.
Youth Athletes RIGHTS
1)To have fun
2)To learn skills
3)To be coached as a child, not as an adult
4)To get to play your fair share
Youth Athletes RESPONSIBILITIES
1)To try your best at all times
2)To give your coaches the respect and attention they deserve
3)To be present and on time for all team activities
4)To respect the rights of your teammates
Skipping breakfast or lunch won't help you lose weight. Instead, your metabolic rate will drop by 4% to 5% when it needs to be the most active. A good rule of thumb is to eat at least half your daily calories by the end of lunchtime.
Confidence - See It, Say It, Do It
Confidence is gained through:
1. Success (both real and imagined)
2. Verbal Persuasion (from yourself and others)
3. Commitment (to a plan or schedule)
Therefore in order to gain (or regain) confidence you have to:
1. See It (Watch yourself having past success and visualize future success.)
2. Say It (Surround yourself with positive talk from yourself and others.)
3. Do It (Stick to the plan outlined to bring about success and delay evaluation until a pre-determined later date.)
If you can do these things, you are well on your way to becoming confident (again).
Wrestling is a contest for "Champions." And folks, true champions don't always win, but neither do they make alibis. There is no room for "self-pity" in the mat sport. However, if you are wanting for an excuse or two, the following "classics" are perfect. After all, they've helped many a loser in the past.
1. I ate too much.
2. I didn't eat enough.
3. I over-trained.
4. I didn't train enough.
5. I warmed-up too much.
6. I didn't warm-up enough.
7. I wasn't "psyched."
8. I was "psyched up" too much.
9. I couldn't breath.
10. I thought I was having a heart attack.
11. I couldn't sleep last night.
12. I had too much sleep last night.
13. I was too cold.
14. I was having "hot" flashes.
15. The referee cheated me.
16. My girlfrined just cheated on me.
17. I have an emotional problem.
18. Nobody cares.
19. My coach doesn't like me.
20. I don't like my coach.
THE TRUE CHAMPION
T raining--Give your "all" and finish what you start.
R esponsibility--Accept the consequences (good or bad) of your actions.
U ndauntedness--Let nothing stop you from reaching your "goals".
E xcuses--Allow no place in your life for making excuses.
C ompassion--Care for the feelings of others.
H umility--Accept success with graciousness.
A ttitude--Think "positive" thoughts, especially when times are tough.
M aturity--Don't permit negative "emotions" to control your life.
P ride--Accept failure with dignity.
I ntegrity--Be honest with others and yourself.
O bedience--Learn to follow if you plan to lead.
N uture--Feed your talents, knowing that you can never stop learning.
WHAT TO AVOID EATING BEFORE WRESTLING
*Anything fried ( ?crispy? is often used to describe foods that are fried )
*Butter or margarine
*Mayonnaise
*Dairy that is not fat-free or low-fat
*High calorie drinks
*High fat meats such as bacon, hot dogs, hamburgers, liver, sausage, salami, streak, etc.
*Anything with high sugar or fat content
*Nuts in quantity (especially coconuts and coconut juice)
A YOUNG ATHLETES' BILL OF RIGHTS
1. The right to participate in the wrestling practices and tournaments.
2. The right to participate at his own level of ability, maturity, and weight.
3. The right to have qualified adult leadership in practices and matches.
4. The right to a safe and healthy environment.
5. The right to share in the leadership and decision-making.
6. The right to play as a child, not as an adult.
7. The right to proper preparation.
8. The right to equal opportunity to strive for success.
9. The right to be treated with dignity.
10. The right to have fun in all sports.
THE WRESTLER'S CREED
IT TAKES A MAN TO STICK IT OUT,
HE WANTS TO CRY BUT ONLY SHOUTS.
HE PONDERS QUITTING YET THEN LOOKS UP,
HIS PRIME OBJECTIVE--THE CHAMPION'S CUP!
SOMETIMES HE THINKS AND WONDERS WHY,
BUT THEN, THANKS THE LORD FOR HIS CHANCE TO TRY.
HE'S SWEATING, TIRED, AND CONSIDERS REST,
BUT KEEPS ON MOVING--HIS GOAL BE THE BEST.
IT TAKES DEDICATION, SIMPLE AND PURE,
TO BE ON TOP, HE'S GOT TO ENDURE.
HE MUST PREVAIL, BE SECOND TO NONE,
HIS ULTIMATE DRIVE--BE NUMBER ONE!
Where you are not feeling motivated towards an event, either because you are bored by it, because there is no serious competition or because you are tired, you may need to psych yourself up. This will raise your level of arousal so that you can perform effectively.
The following techniques can be used to psych up:
*Warm up faster and harder
*Use imagery - for example, a swimmer might imagine himself being chased by a shark!
*Use suggestion - 'I can feel energy flowing into me'
*Focus on the importance of the event
*or Focus on personal goals, such as running a race in a particular time, rather than unchallenging outcome goals such as winning (when competition is not intense).
What should the dedicated wrestler do during the off-season spring, summer, and fall months?
First of all, there's no way of getting around hard work. Championships don't come. At this point, many of you may be wondering, "What can I do off-season?" Pay careful attention to the four "musts" and your question will be answered.
CLINICS--To improve technique you should attend wrestling clinics. There are many all over the region now. Choose those that deal with your weak areas. Do not expect miracles at such demonstrations. If you pick up just one move that improves performance, you can consider the clinic experience a success.
WRESTLE--Experience is, in truth, the best teacher. There are many post-season tournaments that you can enter, and the better the competition, the better you will get. But for goodness sake, wrestle at your natural weight, so your mind is not preoccupied with dieting. Finally, make sure your in the proper condition to compete. If not, you could end up with a serious injury that could eliminate you from competition during the regular (most important) season.
RUN--When your not wrestling, run! Jogging, with sprint intervals, is one of the best substitute conditioners for the mat sport. And it certainly would not hurt to take in a couple of long distance races or marathons, for a change of competitive pace.
WEIGHT TRAINING--Upper body strength is imperative in wrestling. However, you should pump the iron for endurance strength, not bulk. Remember, too much muscle will slow you down, with the loss of flexibility.
So, grapplers, get out there and earn your future laurels!
Button
"HARD WORK BEATS TALENT, WHEN TALENT DOESN'T WORK HARD"
Becoming great in wrestling is not all about learning more moves are working hard. Everyone works hard and most kids have a lot of moves. Becoming great is about making a DECISION to be great. There comes a time when walking into the wrestling room and getting your face rubbed in the mat by Joey’ isn’t good enough for you anymore…or getting 5th place every weekend isn’t good enough for you anymore. Before it was okay, but not anymore. Winners make a decision to win.
IF YOU THINK ...
If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think that you dare not, you don't;
If you'd like to win, but you think you can't,
It's almost certain you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you've lost;
For out in the world you'll find
Success begins with a fellow's will.
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed, you are;
You've got to think high to rise;
You've got to be sure of yourself before
you can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go
to the stronger or faster man;
but sooner or later the man who wins
is the man who thinks he can.
THE WRESTLER
He was a man of flesh and blood. He wasn’t made of rock,
Angel, Devil, Child – a man of ordinary stock.
But, somewhat he was different – true athletes always are –
For though he cursed, and bled, and sweat, his pride he did not scar.
They told him to win like a man, no matter what the cost;
So many times he ventured forth; so many times he lost
And when they turned around and said, “It’s okay, son, you tried,”
He clenched his headgear in his fist, and like a man, he cried.
And so he worked relentlessly; he struggles and he strained
His conscience whipped him mercilessly for every ounce he gained.
He ran on legs like pistons; his muscled arms grew sore;
He’d tell himself, “I have to,” then he’d ask himself “What for?”
And then at last, the reckoning: the final hour was here
His stomach lightened dangerously, his muscles tensed with fear.
Weak-kneed, he shook the challengers hand – and then, as one possessed,
His instincts gave him power, and his body did the rest.
It was suddenly ended. His body seemed to scatter
A crowd was cheering somewhere, but to him it didn’t matter
A thought was gleaming in his brain, a thought that made him smile,
He’d given all he had, and that is what made it all worthwhile.
He stood and faced his teammates, with pride instead of shame
He knew not that he’d won or lost, but that he’d played the game.
And some called him the wrestler, and some called him a man
But he called himself a winner, and the ref held up his hand.
- IMPOSSIBLE -
IS JUST A BIG WORD THROWN AROUND BY SMALL MEN
WHO FIND IT EASIER TO LIVE IN THE WORLD THEY'VE BEEN GIVEN
RATHER THAN EXPLORE THE POWERS THEY HAVE TO CHANGE IT.
IMPOSSIBLE IS NOT A FACT. IT'S AN OPINION.
IMPOSSIBLE IS NOT A DECLARATION. IT'S A DARE.
IMPOSSIBLE IS POTENTIAL. IMPOSSIBLE IS TEMPORARY.
- IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING -
-MUHAMMED ALI
1. Wrestling is the most developmental of all interscholastic sports.
2. The individual character of wrestling makes victory, or defeat, a personal responsibility.
3. Wrestling is a contact sport that tests strength, endurance, and decision making under stress which develops self-reliance, perseverance and mental alertness.
4. Wrestling is a safe sport. The interscholastic rules provide that a hold or move, which might endanger life or injure a participant, is absolutely prohibited and is penalized.
5. Contestants are matched according to weight and age, enabling children of any size to compete.
6. Wrestling is a natural test of strength, endurance and skill. It is, with the possible exception of track, the most natural activity in the sports program.
7.Wrestling has special appeal because there is continuous movement, constant change of position, and new combinations of holds in every move.
8. The wrestling activity conditions the body for a variety of other sports. It helps to develop coordination, speed, accuracy, and balance, keeping muscles trim and pliable.
9. Wrestling is a sport which provides the physical exercise growing children need to stay slim and fit.
Few sports require total use of the body and wrestling develops this with all the following benefits:
1. greater physiological development
2. flexibility
3. body awareness
4. strength and leverage
5. balance
6. co-ordination and reaction time
7. speed
8. very low body fat
Wrestling in schools and clubs is a sport of individual participation functioning within the framework of team concepts. This aspect contributes to the development of life-long patterns of responsible behaviour including respect for others regardless of social or racial origin . A young person involved in wrestling can be expected to display increasing self-confidence and appreciation of their self-worth, and develop analytical and adaptive skills.
"The champion wrestler is neither selected nor born; he is self-formed."
Of course, the great wrestler possesses many admirable qualities. However,there are four prime attributes I consider to be a must--hustle,attitude,resolution, and desire (creating the acronym H.A.R.D.).Let's take a deeper look at each:
HUSTLE-The outstanding wrestler hustles all the time. During practice, his coach often has to tell him to take a break. Furthermore, this high-powered competitor is forever searching for someone better to wrestle. He's never satisfied with his performance and is constantly striving for perfection.
ATTITUDE-The superior wrestler has a positive attitude. He believes in himself and his capabilities. When others say, "You won't," he quietly asserts, "I will". The champion's total being radiates confidence.
RESOLUTION-The No. 1 matman illicits a most potent resolution. In truth, it is the pitfalls which make him that much more determined to succeed. He doesn't know the meaning of "quit."
DESIRE-The champion wrestler feeds on desire and perceives nothing less than being the best. There may be more skillful grapplers around but his hunger for victory will overcome them all. This winner believes in the adage,"I might be outclassed but never outfought."
I am sure that everyone will agree it takes H.A.R.D. work to be on top. Oh yes, some have furtively whispered, "The champ seems a bit insane." However, none will ever forget his name. by Dr. Bill Welker
"To be a champion, I think it begins with the heart. You have to be willing to do anything in your power to win. Whatever it takes, not just what your coach tells you, but what it will take to beat the best guy at your weight.
"You must train your mind. Your body is easy to train; however, your mind is difficult. Before facing your opponent, you must believe with no doubts that you deserve to win. Once you put in the work, let your mind do the rest. Remember your mind gets tired way before your body does so you must train your mind as hard or harder than your body." --Chris Bono
ACTIVE REST
It’s essential to give yourself a break after a season of expending large amounts of energy and time so you are able to reflect, refocus, & reenergize. The following words make a case for application of active rest.
After your season has ended, you may reflect on how the season went. You may ask yourself several questions to evaluate: if you had fun; if you learned anything; if you made progress. Some example questions could include:
# What was the best part of the season?
# What was the most fun experience this season?
# What did I learn this year that I didn’t know last year?
# What did I do differently this year that I learned from the previous year?
# Was I able to keep position better this year?
# Was I able to focus better while coaches were instructing?
# Was I able to execute techniques, which I learned last year, in matches & in practice?
You can ask yourself similar questions like this after every practice and every competition too. These types of questions may lead you to greater fulfillment & progress sooner.
Active rest also gives your mind & body a break from the rigorous training sustained during the season. It is unwise to train year round without breaks because you may become stale and or just go through the motions. Training at a high level year round with out breaks is not done by professional athletes and even Olympic athletes for similar reasons. Your body is more susceptible to injuries when you train at a high intensity year round with out breaks. Your mind will probably take a break anyway whether you like it or not. Active rest allows a mental & physical change of pace while allowing you to refocus.
Reenergizing after a grueling season is also needed to keep you hungry for intense training and competition. Active rest gives you the opportunity to physically store energy for upcoming training sessions for optimal out put. Mentally, you may actually start to miss training and become hungry for competition; this may lead to better output and better outcomes. Some folks take 1 week or 2…some folks take 3 weeks. Most high school and elementary schools have sort of a grace period between activities so students have a chance to recover and reenergize.
Most everyone employs active rest whether in school via summer breaks or in sports via off seasons or families taking vacations whenever. It is important to understand why active rest is necessary and to utilize it when applicable. Thus, you will enhance your chance for optimal growth.
Courtesy of Team Gillespie
WHY WRESTLE?
Wrestling prepares a person to fight the game of life.
The wrestler is the one athlete that must meet his opponent and do battle completely on his own;
No one can substitute: no time outs are possible.
He has no one to check, screen, block, or assist him in any way;
There is no one to blame for his mistakes.
When he wins, he must show quiet pride and modesty.
When he loses, the responsibility is his.
Wrestling is a true sport.
In other sports, when contact is made, they blow the whistle to stop the action;
In wrestling, when contact is made, we're just getting started.
No other sport requires more sacrifice then wrestling.
The individual, through self-denial, offers more of his character than ever be explained here.
It is something he carries with him throughout life...
Through every trial, test, and tribulation.
It’s a good feeling.
Like the whole world is yours.
But it passes. And what lasts is what you’ve learned.
And what you learn, is about life.
That’s what sports is about, life.
The whole thing is played out on the mat.
The happiness of life. The miseries. The joys. The heartbreaks.
There’s no telling what’ll turn up.
There’s no telling how you’ll do.
You might be a hero, or you might not. There’s just no telling.
Too much depends on chance. On how the "match goes."
You do your best. You take what comes.
You take what comes and run with it.
Winning is fun. Sure.
But winning is not the point.
Wanting to win is the point.
Not giving up is the point.
Never being satisfied with what you’ve done is the point.
Never letting up is the point.
Never letting anyone down is the point.
Play to win. Sure.
But lose like a champion.
Because it’s not winning that counts.
What counts is trying.
Respect - (Have respect for yourself, coaches, teammates, opponents, officials and family)
Effort - (give 100% effort at practice and competitions)
Attitude - (come to practice and competitions with a good attitude)
Discipline - (discipline at practice and competition will make you a better wrestler)
"THOSE WHO CAN WRESTLE ON THE MAT.....CAN WRESTLE WITH LIFE"
Want to start a ten day fight? Then throw this bone into a den of sport fans. What is the toughest, most demanding sport?? Remember now, I'm not talking about thrills or skills. I mean the sport that takes the most out of the participant.
Baseball? It's a snap. Except for the pitcher and catcher, everyone stands around waiting for something to happen. It is strictly a skill sport. Basketball? A tough game, but not if you are in shape. There are enough out-of-bounds balls and free throws to give everyone a rest.
Soccer? Tennis? Put them in the same class as basketball. Golf? A beautiful game demanding great skill, but about as tough as walking. Football? Now we're getting warm. The contact is tough and you need courage to play. But it still isn't number one in toughness. You can rest after every play and there are time-outs. There are only about 8 minutes of live action in every 60 minute game.
Hockey? Another tough, dangerous sport. It's the fastest game on earth. But, like basketball or football, you can always catch a breather, and there are always substitutes going in and out of the game. Track...swimming? Both sports take skill and endurance. But they do not have enough other types of challenges (like body contact and danger) to be called really tough. Lacrosse? It belongs in between soccer and football. A rough, challenging game.
Okay, let's get down to the toughest sports. Boxing!! If you have never fought a match in the ring, it is difficult to imagine how tough this sport is. Without long, hard training, you can't go more than a round or two. And a round is only 3 minutes long. Your arms will drop and your legs will feel like rubber. If you have taken a few punches, your face will ache. Still, a well-trained boxer can go 15 rounds. That is why I rate boxing second place to...
WRESTLING!! This is a man-to-man combat sport. But your opponent always has his hands, legs and body all over you. He is squeezing, twisting and riding your body. Every part of your body has to be in constant action. Wrestling calls for huge amounts of strength, endurance and speed. It is so tough that matches are limited to 6 minutes (JV matches are 4-1/2 minutes)...and when it is over, the wrestler is completely worn out. There is no way a wrestler can go 32 or 40 minutes in a match like basketball or football players do. After 6 minutes, the wrestler has had it for the day.
TENNIS ANYONE???????
CommitmentHard workAttitudeMotivationPersistenceInitiativeOvercoming adversityNo excusesSelf-discipline
Question: What kind of super athlete possess all of these skills?
Endurance: The ability to continue to perform a skill or action for long periods of time
Strength: The ability to produce force
Power: The ability to produce strength in the shortest possible time
Speed: The ability to move quickly
Agility: The ability to change direction quickly
Flexibility: The ability to stretch the joints across a large range of motion
Nerve: The ability to overcome fear
Durability: The ability to withstand physical punishment over a long period of time
Hand-eye coordination: The ability to react quickly to sensory perception
Analytic aptitude: The ability to evaluate and react appropriately to strategic situations
Answer: A WRESTLER
Sportsmanship Checklist for Kids
* I abide by the rules of the game.
* I try to avoid arguments.
* I share in the responsibilities of the team.
* I give everyone a chance to play according to the rules.
* I always play fair.
* I follow the directions of the coach.
* I respect the other team's effort.
* I offer encouragement to my teammates.
* I accept the judgment calls of the game officials.
* I end the game smoothly.
Sportsmanship is the ability to:
* win without gloating (don't rub it in)
* lose without complaining (don't make excuses)
* treat your opponent, and the officials, with respect
Sportsmanship Tips:
* If you make a mistake don't pout or make excuses. Learn from it, and be ready to continue to play.
* If a teammate makes a mistake, encourage, don't criticize.
Setting goals enhances motivation, preferably focusing on internal motivation;
Setting goals encourages athletes (and coaches) to develop new skills and strategies to improve performance; and,
Setting goals helps focus attention on the task one hopes to accomplish.
Trying to achieve unrealistic goals can only produce failure which will negatively effect your self-confidence. You need to strive to achieve goals that are realistic but that also challenge you to improve.
Youth Athletes RIGHTS
1)To have fun
2)To learn skills
3)To be coached as a child, not as an adult
4)To get to play your fair share
Youth Athletes RESPONSIBILITIES
1)To try your best at all times
2)To give your coaches the respect and attention they deserve
3)To be present and on time for all team activities
4)To respect the rights of your teammates
Skipping breakfast or lunch won't help you lose weight. Instead, your metabolic rate will drop by 4% to 5% when it needs to be the most active. A good rule of thumb is to eat at least half your daily calories by the end of lunchtime.
Confidence - See It, Say It, Do It
Confidence is gained through:
1. Success (both real and imagined)
2. Verbal Persuasion (from yourself and others)
3. Commitment (to a plan or schedule)
Therefore in order to gain (or regain) confidence you have to:
1. See It (Watch yourself having past success and visualize future success.)
2. Say It (Surround yourself with positive talk from yourself and others.)
3. Do It (Stick to the plan outlined to bring about success and delay evaluation until a pre-determined later date.)
If you can do these things, you are well on your way to becoming confident (again).
Wrestling is a contest for "Champions." And folks, true champions don't always win, but neither do they make alibis. There is no room for "self-pity" in the mat sport. However, if you are wanting for an excuse or two, the following "classics" are perfect. After all, they've helped many a loser in the past.
1. I ate too much.
2. I didn't eat enough.
3. I over-trained.
4. I didn't train enough.
5. I warmed-up too much.
6. I didn't warm-up enough.
7. I wasn't "psyched."
8. I was "psyched up" too much.
9. I couldn't breath.
10. I thought I was having a heart attack.
11. I couldn't sleep last night.
12. I had too much sleep last night.
13. I was too cold.
14. I was having "hot" flashes.
15. The referee cheated me.
16. My girlfrined just cheated on me.
17. I have an emotional problem.
18. Nobody cares.
19. My coach doesn't like me.
20. I don't like my coach.
THE TRUE CHAMPION
T raining--Give your "all" and finish what you start.
R esponsibility--Accept the consequences (good or bad) of your actions.
U ndauntedness--Let nothing stop you from reaching your "goals".
E xcuses--Allow no place in your life for making excuses.
C ompassion--Care for the feelings of others.
H umility--Accept success with graciousness.
A ttitude--Think "positive" thoughts, especially when times are tough.
M aturity--Don't permit negative "emotions" to control your life.
P ride--Accept failure with dignity.
I ntegrity--Be honest with others and yourself.
O bedience--Learn to follow if you plan to lead.
N uture--Feed your talents, knowing that you can never stop learning.
WHAT TO AVOID EATING BEFORE WRESTLING
*Anything fried ( ?crispy? is often used to describe foods that are fried )
*Butter or margarine
*Mayonnaise
*Dairy that is not fat-free or low-fat
*High calorie drinks
*High fat meats such as bacon, hot dogs, hamburgers, liver, sausage, salami, streak, etc.
*Anything with high sugar or fat content
*Nuts in quantity (especially coconuts and coconut juice)
A YOUNG ATHLETES' BILL OF RIGHTS
1. The right to participate in the wrestling practices and tournaments.
2. The right to participate at his own level of ability, maturity, and weight.
3. The right to have qualified adult leadership in practices and matches.
4. The right to a safe and healthy environment.
5. The right to share in the leadership and decision-making.
6. The right to play as a child, not as an adult.
7. The right to proper preparation.
8. The right to equal opportunity to strive for success.
9. The right to be treated with dignity.
10. The right to have fun in all sports.
THE WRESTLER'S CREED
IT TAKES A MAN TO STICK IT OUT,
HE WANTS TO CRY BUT ONLY SHOUTS.
HE PONDERS QUITTING YET THEN LOOKS UP,
HIS PRIME OBJECTIVE--THE CHAMPION'S CUP!
SOMETIMES HE THINKS AND WONDERS WHY,
BUT THEN, THANKS THE LORD FOR HIS CHANCE TO TRY.
HE'S SWEATING, TIRED, AND CONSIDERS REST,
BUT KEEPS ON MOVING--HIS GOAL BE THE BEST.
IT TAKES DEDICATION, SIMPLE AND PURE,
TO BE ON TOP, HE'S GOT TO ENDURE.
HE MUST PREVAIL, BE SECOND TO NONE,
HIS ULTIMATE DRIVE--BE NUMBER ONE!
Where you are not feeling motivated towards an event, either because you are bored by it, because there is no serious competition or because you are tired, you may need to psych yourself up. This will raise your level of arousal so that you can perform effectively.
The following techniques can be used to psych up:
*Warm up faster and harder
*Use imagery - for example, a swimmer might imagine himself being chased by a shark!
*Use suggestion - 'I can feel energy flowing into me'
*Focus on the importance of the event
*or Focus on personal goals, such as running a race in a particular time, rather than unchallenging outcome goals such as winning (when competition is not intense).
What should the dedicated wrestler do during the off-season spring, summer, and fall months?
First of all, there's no way of getting around hard work. Championships don't come. At this point, many of you may be wondering, "What can I do off-season?" Pay careful attention to the four "musts" and your question will be answered.
CLINICS--To improve technique you should attend wrestling clinics. There are many all over the region now. Choose those that deal with your weak areas. Do not expect miracles at such demonstrations. If you pick up just one move that improves performance, you can consider the clinic experience a success.
WRESTLE--Experience is, in truth, the best teacher. There are many post-season tournaments that you can enter, and the better the competition, the better you will get. But for goodness sake, wrestle at your natural weight, so your mind is not preoccupied with dieting. Finally, make sure your in the proper condition to compete. If not, you could end up with a serious injury that could eliminate you from competition during the regular (most important) season.
RUN--When your not wrestling, run! Jogging, with sprint intervals, is one of the best substitute conditioners for the mat sport. And it certainly would not hurt to take in a couple of long distance races or marathons, for a change of competitive pace.
WEIGHT TRAINING--Upper body strength is imperative in wrestling. However, you should pump the iron for endurance strength, not bulk. Remember, too much muscle will slow you down, with the loss of flexibility.
So, grapplers, get out there and earn your future laurels!
Button
"HARD WORK BEATS TALENT, WHEN TALENT DOESN'T WORK HARD"
Becoming great in wrestling is not all about learning more moves are working hard. Everyone works hard and most kids have a lot of moves. Becoming great is about making a DECISION to be great. There comes a time when walking into the wrestling room and getting your face rubbed in the mat by Joey’ isn’t good enough for you anymore…or getting 5th place every weekend isn’t good enough for you anymore. Before it was okay, but not anymore. Winners make a decision to win.
IF YOU THINK ...
If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think that you dare not, you don't;
If you'd like to win, but you think you can't,
It's almost certain you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you've lost;
For out in the world you'll find
Success begins with a fellow's will.
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed, you are;
You've got to think high to rise;
You've got to be sure of yourself before
you can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go
to the stronger or faster man;
but sooner or later the man who wins
is the man who thinks he can.
THE WRESTLER
He was a man of flesh and blood. He wasn’t made of rock,
Angel, Devil, Child – a man of ordinary stock.
But, somewhat he was different – true athletes always are –
For though he cursed, and bled, and sweat, his pride he did not scar.
They told him to win like a man, no matter what the cost;
So many times he ventured forth; so many times he lost
And when they turned around and said, “It’s okay, son, you tried,”
He clenched his headgear in his fist, and like a man, he cried.
And so he worked relentlessly; he struggles and he strained
His conscience whipped him mercilessly for every ounce he gained.
He ran on legs like pistons; his muscled arms grew sore;
He’d tell himself, “I have to,” then he’d ask himself “What for?”
And then at last, the reckoning: the final hour was here
His stomach lightened dangerously, his muscles tensed with fear.
Weak-kneed, he shook the challengers hand – and then, as one possessed,
His instincts gave him power, and his body did the rest.
It was suddenly ended. His body seemed to scatter
A crowd was cheering somewhere, but to him it didn’t matter
A thought was gleaming in his brain, a thought that made him smile,
He’d given all he had, and that is what made it all worthwhile.
He stood and faced his teammates, with pride instead of shame
He knew not that he’d won or lost, but that he’d played the game.
And some called him the wrestler, and some called him a man
But he called himself a winner, and the ref held up his hand.
- IMPOSSIBLE -
IS JUST A BIG WORD THROWN AROUND BY SMALL MEN
WHO FIND IT EASIER TO LIVE IN THE WORLD THEY'VE BEEN GIVEN
RATHER THAN EXPLORE THE POWERS THEY HAVE TO CHANGE IT.
IMPOSSIBLE IS NOT A FACT. IT'S AN OPINION.
IMPOSSIBLE IS NOT A DECLARATION. IT'S A DARE.
IMPOSSIBLE IS POTENTIAL. IMPOSSIBLE IS TEMPORARY.
- IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING -
-MUHAMMED ALI
