Dating back thousands of years and included in the ancient Olympic games, wrestling is a battle of "nerves, strength, and steel" (says the Olympic organization). Does your child have the discipline and drive for this demanding sport?
The basics: Wrestling is a combat sport in which athletes use their bodies to force opponents to the ground. When the backs of the opponent's shoulders touch the mat for at least one second, the wrestler is credited with a pin. Matches last for two or three periods of two minutes each, with a 30-second break in between; or until one player pins the other. In the U.S., collegiate or "folk style" wrestling is most common. Folk style wrestlers earn points for taking an opponent to the mat, escaping from an opponent's control, reversing control, or turning an opponent's back to the mat.
The Olympic games recognizes two forms of wrestling: Greco-Roman, in which opponents attack and defend with upper bodies only, and freestyle, in which players can use their entire bodies.
Age kids can start: Private club and community center programs may be open to kids as young as 4 or 5. Many schools offer interscholastic wrestling in middle school and high school. Wrestling is open to boys and girls.
Skills needed/used: Strength, flexibility.
Best for kids who are: Strong; able to make small adjustments to technique and to make quick decisions.
Season/when played: Historically, winter, although in the Olympic Games, wrestling is a summer sport.
Team or individual? Wrestlers compete individually to earn points for a team.
Levels: In competition, wrestlers are usually paired by weight. Beyond weight class, different tournaments and leagues may pair wrestlers according to age, gender, and/or experience.
As noted above, wrestling is an Olympic sport. Women's wrestling has been included in the Olympic games since 2004. Then, of course, there's professional wrestling, which bears little resemblance to youth wrestling in the school gym!
Appropriate for kids with special needs: It is difficult to find wrestling programs for kids with special needs. Parents might want to consider a wrestling-style martial arts program instead.
Fitness factor: Medium. Wrestling requires strength and a full range of motion, but matches last only a few minutes each. Wrestlers will get the most exercise and conditioning during practices.
Equipment: Players need lightweight, rubber-soled wrestling shoes, headgear and a mouthguard, and a uniform called a singlet.
Costs: Classes, clinics, and club memberships may start as low as $25-$100 per child, not including equipment.
Time commitment required: Club leagues for young children usually meet once or twice a week, with weekend tournaments. For more advanced play, athletes may have 3 or more practices a week, plus tournaments.
Potential for injury: High. Sprains, strains, and concussions are all concerns, as are communicable skin conditions (such as MRSA). Since wrestlers play at given weight levels, "making weight" through unsafe methods is a risk. Get a tip sheet on preventing wrestling injuries from the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM).
How to find a program:
- USA Wrestling club directory
- AAU Wrestling (click on Find a Local Club)
Governing bodies:
If your child likes wrestling, also try: martial arts, track and field, swimming
