The cold chill this morning can mean nothing to a wrestler or a coach but that the best season of the year is upon us.
This thread is dedicated to those who dream of standing at the top of the podium in late February. It's time to get tactical.
On drilling....I've known a lot of great drillers in life who look like world beaters while drilling but can't convert it in a tough match. If you need to score more against tough competition try this....
Drill at different speeds. Always start in slomo. From neutral, practice your footwork and stance and whatever you do, don't forget the importance of a good balanced level change. slomo helps you check your position. Then build speed as you penetrate or change off through the opponent. in other words, you come in very slow and gain momentum as you drive through and finish. Never hesitate on the follow-through. If you golf you know how much de-accelerating your putter can ruin a putt, same for a free throw and same for a shot in wrestling. Always get in the habit of finishing your takedowns while drilling take them to their back if possible. Drill at 1/4, 1/2, full and warp speeds.
If you find drilling double legs for 10 minutes boring even at different speeds try this. Use at least three set ups and three different finishes. In the first 3 minutes ask your opponent for no pressure. Then ask your opponent to give you different looks and pressure and finish based on what he gives you. This will teach you to read the guy and automatically flow into the next correct finish.
That's a good warm up. Now move to drilling that involves a partner who is actively working with you. Both men are going to get to work their stuff here. You'll drill by simulating live wrestling. First hard in--easy out. Meaning your opponent is going to hand fight with you 100% but once you get in on a shot he'll give you hardly any pressure at all and let you finish. Next, the opposite, easy in--hard out. So you'll get in at will and then the opponent will throw every counter he can to prevent your takedown. This develops one guys defense. The only rule is that the defensive guy can't take a shot.
Finally, always finish every practice this year with 6 of your favorite takedowns going as hard as you can with light pressure from your opponent. You want to always feel good about going in for 2 when you're dog tired.
I'll check back with you next week.
Right now you should resist the temptation to wrestle live. Drilling this way will enable you to chain wrestle and handle the pressure that you'll get in a tough match.
