Tips for High School Wrestlers

High school wrestling meets pit a single wrestler from each school in each weight class against an opponent of matching size on the opposing team. With wrestlers competing against individuals of nearly the same weight, matches come down to which wrestler is able to put forth the best technical performance. Focusing on your fundamentals can greatly increase your win percentage.

  1. Alignment

    • When standing in an upright position, a wrestler should always keep his body properly aligned. Wrestlers can stand with a square stance facing their opponent, or a staggered stance; however, in both stances the wrestler should maintain vertical alignment of his toes, knees and shoulders.

    Penetrating

    • The wrestler that is able to successfully take their opponent down from a neutral position is at an advantage. Whether you're looking to score the take-down with a single-leg or a double-leg technique, the key to securing your opponent and throwing them off balance is getting deep penetration with the first step of your shot, allowing you to work in tight where you are stronger than you would be with your arms extended.

    Sprawl

    • In order to counter an opponent that has attempted a take-down, a defensive wrestler looks to prevent his opponent from getting that penetration on them by performing a sprawl. In a good sprawl, the defensive wrestler extends his legs back, and drives his hips back while stuffing his opponent's penetration with his arms. This makes it hard for the attacking wrestler to wrap up the legs of the defensive wrestler and drag him down.

    Changing Levels

    • To avoid an opponent's sprawl, a quick level change is required. Dropping down and shooting in low makes it difficult for an opponent to get his body in position to stop you from getting penetration and wrapping up his legs. To change levels, a wrestler allows his body to get low, then explodes forward with his legs from this low angle to attempt to beat the sprawl.

    Maintaining Position

    • After a take-down is secured and an advantageous position is secured, many beginning wrestlers throw away points by getting reckless. When working to improve and attempt to score further points or score a pin, it is important to first ensure that you are stable in your base to prevent your opponent from escaping and scoring, or even taking an advantageous position of your own.