The Nation's #1 State Wrestling Publication

www.pawrestling.net

After almost three decades of coaching in this highly competitive state, it has become obvious to me that more state championships and medals are won from March to November than are won from November to March.

Hence, our work as coaches is critical during the off-season. Details, details, details, pay attention to details. This is a time when small and less obvious concepts must be addressed and not ignored. Let me share some special concepts that must be addressed from March to November.

DETAIL #1 - CRITICAL ASSESSMENT OF YOUR PROGRAM

Every season's completion means an objective evaluation is needed by the head coach. Don't be afraid to be critical, and most importantly as the head coach take responsibility for areas of concern. Ask some critical questions: Did your team win the close ones? Did wrestlers quit and leave your program? Did you reach your tournament goals? Did attendance increase at your home events?

Assess your program’s needs, not only financial, but philosophically as well. Do you need to change your competitive schedule? Remember, your schedule needs to change to meet the ever-changing caliber of your team. Schedule a meeting with your athletic director to go over your program's needs and concerns. Be sure to schedule this meeting before he prepares his budget.

DETAIL #2- ESTABLISH A WEIGHT LIFTING PROGRAM FOR YOUR TEAM

It is important to note that medical research indicates that only post-puberty young men should be involved in regimented strength training. As the head coach, make someone properly teach the athlete "how to lift". The weight lifting environment need not be in the school. Make sure it is clean, safe, and full of mirrors, music, and supervision. Utilize prominent alumni wrestlers as your weight room supervisors.

DETAIL #3- TEAM BONDING

Establish an opportunity to interact with team members in other activities and environments. My coaching staff spends a lot of time with the wrestlers from March to November. We play golf, bowl, fish (no fishing for me however), camp, and even go to a major league baseball game. Maybe some dads would like to get involved as well.

This detail is easy to pull off as all you need to do is have fun and develop a positive bond between you and a teenager. Think about it, wouldn't you have loved to have spent time with your favorite coach when you were sixteen?

DETAIL #4- DEVELOP MORE WRESTLING TECHNIQUE

Wrestling technique can be dealt with during the off season, but be careful not to get too structured. Never require teenagers to practice in the off-season. Some boys need to just be boys and too much will cause them to get stale. But as a coach, you may want to open the room from time to time during the summer months.

The difficult part of the off season technique is that most young wrestlers just want to "live wrestle" However the most developmental time is time spent drilling. Usually, only the really good ones want to drill, so you may have to be creative in your approach.

Further technique work can be developed through the use of a summer camp. If possible, as the head coach, try to take some team members to camp. Maybe you can take 3 members or 23 members. The camp can be a team camp or a conventional technique camp. The time spent with these wrestlers in this environment can change the entire direction of next year's season. Make sure to invite the young wrestlers as well. Our elementary guys love to hang out and go to camp with their varsity "heroes."

DETAIL #5- ASSESS YOUR TEAM MEMBERS ACADEMIC DIRECTION

This detail is extremely important but I didn't learn its importance until about ten years ago. I find it very important to go into the guidance office during the summer months and peruse their transcripts. Make sure they are taking the correct courses to coincide with career aspirations. Keep in mind your advice may be more welcomed than from anyone else.

In summary, the off season is not "down time" for coaches. This time can be filled for you and developmental for your program. Pay attention to details from March to November, and you will have more fun from November to March

Spring Time

Special Projects

The Start of a New Season