Staying Current in Wrestling: How Coaches Evolve and Stay Ahead

November 11, 2024

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Coaching

In wrestling, as in all sports, change is constant. With techniques evolving and new strategies emerging on both national and international stages, coaches are continually challenged to stay informed and adapt. Thanks to rapid advancements in technology, accessing cutting-edge techniques and game-changing insights has never been easier. Today, a coach can scout an opponent or learn a new move from top athletes around the world—all from a smartphone or laptop.

For coaches committed to elevating their athletes, staying current is essential. Here, we explore some of the best practices coaches use to keep up with the evolution of the sport and push their programs forward.

Embrace the Diversity of Wrestling Styles

One of wrestling’s unique aspects is the incredible diversity of styles that lead to success. NCAA Division III Loras College head coach T.J. Miller highlights this point: “If you watch David Taylor, Kyle Dake, Kyle Snyder, Ben Askren, or Jordan Burroughs, they’re all extremely successful yet have completely different styles.” By studying a range of athletes, coaches can pick up unique moves and nuances and apply them to their own athletes. Miller notes that identifying moves his athletes are already using and refining them with insights from elite wrestlers can yield powerful results.

Study High-Level Wrestling from Around the Globe

Today’s best coaches don’t just focus on domestic competitions; they look to the international stage for inspiration. Dalton Jensen, head coach at Division II powerhouse Nebraska-Kearney, emphasizes the importance of studying world-level wrestling: “The things that work on the world stage will work at our level too.” With live streams of major tournaments now readily available, coaches and athletes can gain a comprehensive view of global trends in technique and training. Coaches can implement what they learn to keep their teams on par with international competition.

Engage in Knowledge-Sharing with Other Coaches

Top coaches understand the value of seeking insight from others. Braumon Creighton, a respected high school and club coach in California, regularly discusses wrestling with other experts. “I think the best way to stay current is to study video and have intellectual debates with other smart wrestling coaches,” he says. By reaching out to knowledgeable coaches—even those outside one’s own network—Creighton gains fresh perspectives and challenges his own assumptions. Whether it’s an experienced peer or a mentor, a network of knowledgeable coaches can be an invaluable asset in staying current.

Attend Camps, Clinics, and Continuing Education Events

Camps and clinics remain a cornerstone for professional development in wrestling. They offer coaches at all levels the chance to learn from elite wrestlers and trainers, practice new skills, and bring fresh insights back to their teams. Mike Schadwinkel, a former high school coach with five Nebraska state titles, stresses the value of these events, noting that advanced techniques often require adaptation for younger athletes. By understanding how to translate high-level techniques for youth or high school wrestlers, coaches can make even complex moves accessible and effective.

Make Continuous Learning Part of Your Coaching Philosophy

The best coaches view themselves as lifelong students of the sport. Eric Whitcome, head coach at Iowa’s Waverly-Shell Rock High School, sees ongoing learning as a non-negotiable aspect of coaching. “As a coach, you have to be a student of the sport,” he says. By identifying areas for improvement and engaging with other coaches during the offseason, Whitcome has built a network of mentors and colleagues to call on for guidance and fresh ideas. For him, fostering relationships with other coaches has been key to keeping his techniques and program on the cutting edge.

Balance New Techniques with Old-School Fundamentals

While wrestling continues to evolve, some techniques are timeless. Stanford assistant coach Nate Engel underscores the value of balancing innovation with foundational skills. “Our sport changes daily, but a single leg is still a single leg,” Engel says. Successful coaches understand that core moves, perfected over years of practice, remain effective even as new styles emerge. Keeping these fundamentals sharp while integrating modern adjustments is a strategy that allows wrestlers to thrive regardless of trends.

In the ever-evolving world of wrestling, the best coaches are those who never stop learning. By studying diverse techniques, seeking input from peers, leveraging technology, and balancing new and traditional skills, coaches can stay at the forefront of the sport. In wrestling, the commitment to constant improvement is a winning mindset—one that empowers both coaches and their athletes to excel on the mat.

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