Thursday, January 12, 2012

4 Things to Know About Freestyle Wrestler


It takes athletic ability, technique, strength and determination to become a national freestyle wrestler. Since becoming a sanctioned Olympic sport in 1904, freestyle wrestling has remained popular and attracted top-flight competitors to tournaments across country. Unlike Greco-Roman, the other form of Olympic wrestling, you can use your arms and legs in freestyle and the opportunity to score points is much greater. There are multiple national freestyle tournaments, but you have to be good enough to earn an invite to the elite national events.
Strength
Strengthen your entire body. Freestyle wrestling tests the upper and lower body, so you have to be prepared. Weight training adds muscle, and calisthenics like pushups and pullups provide needed tone. Freestyle wrestling requires stamina, so distance running before or after practice is the best way to build endurance. Use grips for hand strength. Jumping rope and working on the speed bag builds needed hand-eye coordination.
Knowledge
Adapt to freestyle wrestling. Unlike wrestling in youth programs, high school and college, the freestyle form requires you to constantly stay on your feet and attack. Scoring points is much easier, especially on throws, near falls and even the suplex, which is the freestyle version of the bear hug. Knowing the scoring system -- 5 points are rewarded for difficult throws compared to 1 point for a takedown -- helps you prepare strategy and ultimately get to nationals.
Technique
Practice the moves that can make you an elite freestyle wrestler. Work on leg sweeps, which chop the opponent's legs out and set up a pin. Score big points with throws. Perfect the hip throw, a popular move that requires grasping your opponent's arm, stepping inside the leg and throwing over your extended hip. The head and arm throw is another move that works well in freestyle wrestling. Secure your opponent in a headlock and flip him over your shoulder to take control of the match.
Desire
Commit to your craft. Becoming a national freestyle wrestler requires sacrifice and intense year-round training. The rewards can be great -- a college scholarship, future coaching position, Olympic berth -- but you always have to working on improving your skill. Pay close attention to your diet. Wrestle in the lowest weight class possible without risking your health and nutritional needs.

 
Design by Free Wordpress Themes | Bloggerized by Lasantha - Premium Blogger Templates