Coaching Philosophy
Wrestling is a sport which demands conditioning, strategy, technique and discipline from it’s participants. The only way to improve in this sport is to give an honest effort during practice on a consistent basis with the help of dedicated practice partners (teammates) who are working towards the same goal. Post-season performance is top priority. My number one goal is to prepare each athlete physically, mentally and emotionally for NJCAA Regionals & Nationals.
Attendance is mandatory for success
Attendance is mandatory for success
Volume vs Intensity Concept
Counting minutes and shifting the focus during a season is an important factor behind the science of coaching. Training with different phases of "Volume vs Intensity" is responsible for peaking athletes.
Counting minutes and shifting the focus during a season is an important factor behind the science of coaching. Training with different phases of "Volume vs Intensity" is responsible for peaking athletes.
Wrestling practice will never last more than 2 hours. In fact, most practices can be completed in 90 minutes with focused and disciplined wrestlers who give 100% without interrupting the coach when instruction is being delivered.
Practice is divided into 3 parts: Pre-Combat, Combat and Post-Combat.
Practice is divided into 3 parts: Pre-Combat, Combat and Post-Combat.
Dynamic warm ups will improve flexibility and mobility. High repetitious drilling will sharpen timing and technique. Sparring will improve chain wrestling. And, “Live” situational wrestling will improve conditioning and overall combat knowledge.
Furthermore, technical skill must be learned in short, sequential, daily lesson plans (10-15 minutes) with everyone's undivided attention. Wrestlers are encouraged to ask questions and proactively set up micro-practices before or after regular team practice with a coach to refine technical skill.
In closing, a good coach must do 4 things well: Teach, Communicate, Motivate and Lead.
In closing, a good coach must do 4 things well: Teach, Communicate, Motivate and Lead.
Anatamy of a Practice
Dynamic Warm ups
Independent warm ups with constant movement
Drilling
The first day of practice will focus on long drill sessions (High Volume) and gradually shorten throughout the season to Quick drills (High Intensity).
Combat
The first day of practice will focus on mini-matches (Low Volume) and gradually increase to longer grind matches (High Volume) and then gradually decrease volume to short bursts (High Intensity) near end of season. Combat is an important ingredient in our program and preparing athletes for tournament success. Combat time is meant for both wrestlers to compete at 100% for a sustained amount of time during each practice.
Technique
The first day of practice will focus on teaching the basics of our Hawks Wrestling System and wrestlers will eventually apply these skills during "30x30" wrestling situations for Neutral, Top & Bottom. Most of the learning will be quickly taught & developed through technique-specific drills with high repetitions. My favorite time to give step-by-step instruction is after Combat ("Live" wrestling) when the athletes are more focused.
Sparring
Sparring is different from Combat. During sparring sessions, wrestlers are instructed to NOT use explosive movements and drop their intensity down to 75% for a lighter feel while play wrestling. Sparring sessions are a great way to focus on specific techniques or areas of improvement (ex. scrambling, set ups, counter offense). Wrestlers typically learn positions by making mistakes and playing in a controlled manner with a great training partner. Deep learning of technique happens if done properly.
Situations
30 x 30 Situations for Neutral, Top & Bottom. 30 seconds of work, 30 seconds of rest, 30 situations (15 minutes)
Conditioning
Countdowns, intervals, sprints and circuit training with bodyweight exercises. However, the best conditioning happens during Combat aka "Live" Wrestling.
Cool Down
Slow static stretching
Independent warm ups with constant movement
Drilling
The first day of practice will focus on long drill sessions (High Volume) and gradually shorten throughout the season to Quick drills (High Intensity).
Combat
The first day of practice will focus on mini-matches (Low Volume) and gradually increase to longer grind matches (High Volume) and then gradually decrease volume to short bursts (High Intensity) near end of season. Combat is an important ingredient in our program and preparing athletes for tournament success. Combat time is meant for both wrestlers to compete at 100% for a sustained amount of time during each practice.
Technique
The first day of practice will focus on teaching the basics of our Hawks Wrestling System and wrestlers will eventually apply these skills during "30x30" wrestling situations for Neutral, Top & Bottom. Most of the learning will be quickly taught & developed through technique-specific drills with high repetitions. My favorite time to give step-by-step instruction is after Combat ("Live" wrestling) when the athletes are more focused.
Sparring
Sparring is different from Combat. During sparring sessions, wrestlers are instructed to NOT use explosive movements and drop their intensity down to 75% for a lighter feel while play wrestling. Sparring sessions are a great way to focus on specific techniques or areas of improvement (ex. scrambling, set ups, counter offense). Wrestlers typically learn positions by making mistakes and playing in a controlled manner with a great training partner. Deep learning of technique happens if done properly.
Situations
30 x 30 Situations for Neutral, Top & Bottom. 30 seconds of work, 30 seconds of rest, 30 situations (15 minutes)
Conditioning
Countdowns, intervals, sprints and circuit training with bodyweight exercises. However, the best conditioning happens during Combat aka "Live" Wrestling.
Cool Down
Slow static stretching
Are you TOUGH enough
to wear this singlet?
