Hi Cara, just wanted to share our experience with you. Kolton is in his 4th yr of wrestling with the Jr Vikings out of Topeka. Our head coach as well as our director are very good at teaching and working with our kids on counters for moves that they have been "caught in" during tournaments. In Koltons 2nd yr he was very violently introduced to the headlock from a standing position and it hurt him a little, but scared him ALOT. He didn't want to wrestle anymore after that match where he had been thrown so hard. As a parent and Dad/Coach I knew we needed to get the fear under control A.S.A.P.
We at our club don't work the headlock for any other reason then to learn the various counters. I am forever telling Kolton "stay off the head" and for the most part he has. He is really starting to build up a toolbox of moves to use.
I would suggest that you make notes at matches or review video with Deric to show missed oppurtunities as well as highlight his well executed moves. Talk to his coaches about addressing counters for moves that he has had used on him and you will see improvement.
I have learned over the yrs to video some of the studs in our bracket and go over the video with Kolton on Friday nights. It has helped keep him out of a few potentially bad situations.
Good luck to Deric and we will look forward to seeing you guys in the weeks to come. Deric always gives us a good match.