The wrestling season sneaks up fast, so having a plan is key. Whether you’re a coach or athlete, now’s the time to set yourself up for success. Here’s how I approach getting athletes ready to crush their high school season.
1. Give Yourself Time to Peak at the Right Moment
For most high school wrestlers, the season is the big show. They need to hit their stride when it matters, not before.
- Schedule your toughest competitions early in the fall. That way, athletes can take on tough opponents, learn from mistakes, and still have time to recover.
- Dial back intensity 2-3 weeks before the season starts so they feel energized and excited, not burned out. A fresh mind and body are worth way more than grinding every single day.
2. Build a Technical Game Plan That Works for Your Group
The best way to help your athletes improve is to coach the things they really need.
- Start by evaluating your group. If you can, divide them into smaller groups to focus on specific skills that match where they are right now.
- Don’t forget the basics. I get it—deep scrambles and advanced moves are fun to teach, but your athletes still need to hit leg attacks, finish strong, and get off the bottom. These are the foundation of good wrestling.
- Less is more. Instead of throwing a ton of new moves at them, spend time getting them locked in on just a few things. I like to plan only a couple of weeks in advance so I can stay flexible and adjust as needed.
3. Choose Competitions That Match the Athlete’s Skill Level
Getting some matches under their belt before the season starts is huge, but not every tournament is right for every wrestler.
- Aim for 2-3 tournaments in the fall. That’s usually enough to shake off the rust and build confidence.
- Big-name tournaments aren’t for everyone. Not every kid is ready for an event like Super 32, and that’s okay. Find competitions where they can compete at their level and grow.
- Don’t just focus on the top kids. If you only coach the elite wrestlers, you’ll lose those who are still developing—and they might surprise you later.
4. Encourage Wrestlers to Take Ownership of Their Journey
Wrestling is personal, and the sooner athletes take responsibility for their progress, the better.
- Help them build their own practice, lifting, and tournament schedules. It makes them more invested in their success.
- Teach them to identify their own weaknesses and work on them outside of team practices. Those extra hours are where real improvement happens.
5. Stop Stressing About Weight—It’s Not Worth It
This is one of my biggest pet peeves. I see kids obsessing over what weight class they’ll wrestle at months before the state tournament, and it drives me nuts.
- Forget about February and March. Focus on training hard and getting better every day. The rest will fall into place.
- Drastic weight cuts hurt more than they help. When kids keep their weight down for months, it takes a serious toll on their health and performance. Don’t let that become a habit—it’s bad for the long-term career.
Wrestling is all about growth—both on and off the mat. With a clear plan, the right competitions, and some ownership over their journey, athletes can make real progress this season. The goal isn’t just to win matches—it’s to build wrestlers who improve every day and love the sport for life.
