I’ve been thinking, (yes I know, quit bragging) about several posts lately!

One, are Will’s figures that show a decline in sub-district numbers. Another concerns the “burn out” factor. Another, that maybe we are losing kids who just aren’t very good at wrestling and their getting tired of being beat on.

Kansas has a huge number of 6U and 8U! That number declines substantially by the time they reach 12U and 14U. This is not an anomaly … there is a study that shows 70% of kids are done with competitive sports by the time they reach the age of 13! There are two primary reasons this happens; one, they aren’t having any fun and two; they get too much pressure from adults.

But there may be another factor … perhaps they aren’t developing skills! A lack of development means they may give it a try and because they perceive a lack of success, they quit!

Wrestling is a complex sport that requires the development of complex skills. I’m not intending to diminish the skill level in other sports but wrestling requires a skill set! If a newbie does not develop these, s/he grows frustrated, and s/he won’t be back!

We have to have newbie’s in wrestling. A certain percentage of those will be naturals! They may be natural wrestlers because of genetics, osmosis or they simply are good at learning and paying a great deal of attention. Or they may be natural “brawlers!” Either way, these “wrestlers” are finding some early success. But are we losing the rest!

I think that a lot of issues can be solved, if the wrestling coach dedicates himself to developing skills in ALL his or her wrestlers! We need to strive for having a balance in our rooms!

Good post, its no fun getting pushed around & beat at a wrestling tourny. I believe you have to out practice your opponent. There is quite a few clubs that practice 4 days a week, If you have to wrestle one of these kids you better be prepared or you will lose. My boys have been working hard this year & are getting burnt out. I let them miss practice last night they said they did not want to go. This was the second one they missed all year (they were sick the first one). I think your right the solution is more & better quality practice equals success & successful wrestlers stay in the sport.

Hey Randy, don't think too often. I don't want you to hurt yourself. I do enjoy reading your posts and would not want you on the IR, as it may be weeks before you're back. Lol. Thanks for all that you and many others do for the greatest sport in the world.

"I think that a lot of issues can be solved, if the wrestling coach dedicates himself the developing skills in ALL his or her wrestlers! We need to strive for having a balance in our rooms!"

Randy- While some coaches do this on a consistent basis, the ones who don't are not preparing for the future. The "glory boys" of today eventually graduate
enjoyed the post

Thanks Army1! I'm sitting at home today, nursing the last remnants of a cold, and wishing I was someplace else! That someplace else is torn between two places. Either I would want to be in Pittsburg, Kansas or Ceder Rapids, Iowa! Hopefully, I will be in Salina tomorrow!!

In my opinion, as a State, we need to do a much better job at developing the newbie or our marginal level wrestler! But that ... is a tough battle!

So many in the world today want/need that "instant gratification." Too many parents want to prepare the path for their kids and want that "magic" move or that "magic" weight-class or that "magic" spot in the bracket! Surely if they find that "magic" it will insure their child's success!

Most kids think drilling (developing) moves is boring! Many kids lack a solid foundation in which to build upon. This becomes the battle for the wrestling coach.

Coaches get wrapped up in this "ig" world! As you suggested, too many are gambling away their future. After all, it takes a few years to develop the skill set necessary to be a solid wrestler.

We have a good program that could become great!

Once again I come back to balance! We need to balance the needs of parents that are seeking their "instant gratification" with the needs of a State to develop a program!

I'm thinking of that old television commercial for changing your motor oil. It showed an auto mechanic in the midst of a costly repair. He was suggesting, that if the owner of the car would have slowed down and done the proper maintenance on the car, he would have saved a ton of money. "You can pay me now or pay me later!"

Sooner or later our wrestlers, if they stay in the sport, will pay the price if they have not developed a solid basis of fundamentals!

As I sit here in my recliner, coughing and feeling sickly, (because I am) I know there is hope, I know there is hope because Randy is thinking.

Somehow, I think a bright Hawaiian shirt would make me feel a little better.

Good things happen when Randy thinks.

What is an 'ig'? Thanks.

Instant Gratification

I must say that a coach can make all of the difference in the world with burn out and loss of interest!!!! Thank you to the coaches that truley care and are there for the kids.
J Cassaboom

I've retrieved this post!

Often times we have pretty good discussions at the end of year!!