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General Questions (184)
Do you think starting wrestling at a young age is helpful/important?
I think it is helpful but not necessary. I do think it’s important that kids are involved in sports developing strength, agility and coordination at an early age. It’s important that kids develop a love of exercise and develop a healthy love of competition. That depends on the parents bringing the correct perspective. I believe wrestling should be recreational in nature to young beginners. As they advance, slowly put them into more competition. I wouldn’t be afraid that your kid is falling behind or anything like that if they are going to as many tournaments as other young wrestlers. It is much better to error in the way of
waiting too long to put your kid in tough competition than to put them in too early. All kids are different. Some can handle heavy competition at an early age, most can’t. Think long term. Many great wrestlers have started late in their careers (late Jr High and high school.) The important thing is the wrestler’s
attitude. Not many of the youth that dominate the national kid’s tournaments end up dominating at the college level. A few have, but most have been pushed too hard and without a foundation of love for sport they fizzle or rebel. Make it fun.
One common but major mistake in coaching is telling kids what they are doing wrong instead of focusing on what they are doing right. At least 90% of coaches believe their job is to point out mistakes. This is
partially true, but anyone can see a mistake. Most fans in the stands can see a mistake, especially after the fact. The trick is to focus on what the athlete is doing well. Think about yourself, if someone tells you are doing something poorly, it is deflating. If someone tells you are doing something well, you light up inside and you’re motivated to do an even better job. There is a time and place for criticism but it needs to be rare and presented properly. As a parent, focus on what your young wrestler is doing well and secretly have them working on their weaknesses. That doesn’t mean you can’t help your young athlete fix a mistake, just do it delicately and out of love for them.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/1001887-old-should-kids-start-wrestling/
