Three cheers for Brother Mike! I agree with a lot of what you�ve said. (Kinda scary isn�t it)

Who ever said, that "practice makes perfect" was absolutely wrong. Only perfect practice makes perfect! Too often coaches allow kids to get away with less than perfect technique. Can anything less than perfect win matches? Yes but will being less than perfect win matches against quality wrestlers? I seriously doubt this.

I believe there is a difference between drilling setups and drilling takedowns. I am a firm believer in positioning. Too often I see our wrestlers work to get their opponent into a position where they can attack ... only to be out of position themselves and not ready to penetrate. I think there�s a quote about opportunity and preparation equals luck but I don�t recall it exactly.

In wrestling, how important are our hands? The answer � they are critically important. I think a lack of hand control for the bottom wrestler is the single biggest flaw I see in wrestling. But how about controlling the hands in the neutral position? I don�t think many coaches teach �hand-control� while a wrestler is on his feet. Most wrestlers find it very difficult to wrestle without their hands! Thus is another area I think we "generally" don't preach enough and that is "hand fighting."


Are you making a POSITIVE difference in the life of kids?

Randy Hinderliter
USAW Kansas
KWCA Rep/Coaches Liaison
Ottawa University Volunteer Assistant