Mental aspects of an 8th grade Wrestler

Question
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
What are your thoughts on an 8th grader going Varsity?  and What are some suggestions on helping to maintain his mental strength in case he should have a losing streak.

Background: My son is going to Wrestle Varsity as an 8th grader this year at either the 96 lb or 103 1b weight class.  He has 3 years experience at tournaments (offseason) and went 12-1 on the modified wrestling team last year.  Last year he could beat the Varsity 96 lb on his team but he stayed on modified for the entire season.  My son is tough on himself when he doesn't do well.  I have been discussing with him the importance of the "Mental" side of the sport.
Answer -
You are at a great place with your son and there are two important considerations before you commit to either the varsity program or another year of preparation.

First; does he understand the benefit of stepping up to varsity

Second; is he willing to handle the adversity that the differences in age among his competition will create.

Let's consider the first.  Wrestling is a sports of levels.  There is always an athlete at another level than you and you can always find an opponent who is at a lower level than you.  I like to point out to my wrestlers that growing is part of the sport.  When you meet a monster it is no reflection on your ability to wrestle it only means that you met a monster.  But in going out and wrestling better opponents, you will get better and your levels will increase.  You have to have patience and understand that becoming a champion is a process.  If he understands and accepts that process then he should consider wrestling varsity.

Second; be aware of the huge differences that can occur because of age and experience when you are wrestling varsity.  In high school - weight is the common factor.  A senior can wrestle a freshman and there will be a huge physical difference.  Boys bodies change a great deal during the four years from 14 to 18.  

Again, if your son is aware of these realities and knows that he is investing in his own future rather than becoming discouraged by the present and the fact that he will very likely lose some matches then let him wrestle.  

But ask him if he wants to be the big fish in the middle school pool or the little fish in the big fish pool, knowing that he will have great challenges this year but that he will get a great deal of revenge as time goes on because he will be tougher, more confident and better able to make his own mark as he completes his varsity career.

Wrestling is like life.  It is a process.  Sometimes we want instant success but in this sport that will not happen.  I tell my athletes that if this was easy they would call it basketball, but it is tough which makes it personally fulfilling and your son can make it a great experience.  Don't put too much pressure on any single win or loss.  Remember, competition is only an evaluation of where you are, how far you are going and also, more importantly, how far you have travelled.

Let me know what you decide.

You can reach me at www.usasports.tv

Keep in touch. I'm happy to visit anytime.

Michael Clapier


Mike,

MY FOLLOWUP QUESTIONs::

1. From now Sept 14, 2004 until about Nov 14 (when Wrestling season starts) what are some recommended Strength and Endurance Training Reps / ammounts to add to are current 2-3 times per week drilling at home?

2. Based on what I have read I will not allow my son to lift weights until at least 14 years old.  My son will turn 13 on Sept 26, 2004. What do you feel is the right age to allow Free weight lifting to begin?



BACKGROUND::
I liked the manner and responsiveness to the question that I asked that I just purchased the folkstyle cd rom complete set.

My son skipped modified football to work on drilling for the upcomming season.  He currently can acheive the following:

40-45  GOOD pushups in 60 seconds
60     GOOD situps in 60 seconds
6-10   GOOD FULL CHINUPS
about 7.5 minute mile

He does not have an exact shedule, but he does his pushups about once per week now that school just started, but was doing them 3-4 times per week in the summer time.

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP,  and I will Let you know What his decision is and How he does this year;

-Dave K

Answer
Dave

It sounds like you are doing a good job.

I would suggest either running; distance is good, biking and or swimming.  Let it be fun things.  Keep a lot of variety and follow the activities that he likes.  I encourage my boys to run cross country.  The exercise is great.  It is a very low stress mental sport but it has a lot of similar qualities like wrestling in that they really are competing against themselves.  There is a mental benefit that comes from the simple activity of completing the race; just like completing the match.

Anything else that helps with flexibility is also good.

Make sure he does a good stretching regimin.

I agree 100% percent with you that he should not lift weights.  Working with and against your own body weight.

those are my thoughts right now.

take care and stay in touch.

you can reach me anytime at [email protected]

good luck

michael clapier