To be successful in wrestling, you must be confident that you have the ability to beat any opponent. Many wrestlers do not start out with this confidence. Rather, they find it within themselves with time and experience. If you’re a new wrestler, the information in this guide is an absolute must-read. Follow along closely to learn what you need to do to establish the self-confidence that will have a positive effect on your wrestling.
Train Hard
The number one reason why wrestlers lack confidence in their abilities is because they simply don’t have anything to be confident about. Some wrestlers choose to “go through the motions” during practice and don’t put forth the effort into refining their techniques or conditioning. When it comes time for these wrestlers to step onto the mat against an opponent, they know — either consciously or subconsciously — that they are not prepared for battle. This is most prevalent in scholastic wrestling.
Practicing hard and giving your best effort in everything you do will give you the confidence to win. By putting in the work while training, your mind and body are put to the test. By training hard, you will undoubtedly feel ready and able to compete when the time comes.
Also, seeing your body develop is another huge confidence-builder. As you strengthen your muscles and improve your endurance, you will feel physically ready to stand toe-to-toe with any opponent. Along with physical training comes proper diet and rest. Making sure that your body is healthy is another way to ensure that you have what it takes to win.
Hot Tip: Log Your Training
Logging, or writing down your progress in training, is another great way to build confidence. By doing this, you will have a concrete set of numbers representing how hard you’ve worked. You’ll also be able to visibly see the progress you’ve made over time. If you’re putting in the effort, development will come naturally. Being able to see your progression on paper will help reinforce your hard work with confidence!
Staying Positive
One common quality that the most successful wrestlers possess is the ability to stay positive through difficult and trying moments. Wrestling is a notoriously grueling sport, both mentally and physically. Most wrestling practices are intense and require a tough mind in order to get through each. The constant, hard-nosed competitive nature of the sport also weighs heavy on many wrestlers’ minds.
It may take time to reach your wrestling goals — this is a tough concept to learn. As it turns out, the best wrestlers are also the most stubborn people, refusing to let hardship get the better of them. While most individuals want to see instant progress and success, wrestlers must be able to stay positive and optimistic through the tough times — even if it means delaying celebration of wins and accepting losses on the way. No matter what, keep putting in the work and you’ll eventually reach your goals. If needed, look to your teammates or coaches for advice about how you can keep a positive state of mind.
Refine Skills
Fine-tuning one’s skills is another huge confidence-booster in wrestling. Knowing that you have the skills it takes to win will bring you one level higher than a self-doubting wrestler. For beginning wrestlers, this starts with the basics. Mastering fundamental wrestling skills will put you on the right path for a successful career. As you start to face tougher competition, you can expand your knowledge and refine your techniques.
For example, think of a wrestler who just learned a single-leg takedown. If that wrestler drills 150 single-leg takedowns each day, he’ll feel extremely confident with his technique over time. He’ll be able to carry that confidence over to his matches, using the takedown to score points when he needs them the most. Over time, he will be able to modify his single leg — using various types of set-ups and finishes — until he is able to hit his single leg on virtually any opponent.
The Bigger Picture
You should now have a better idea of how you can gain self-confidence. There is one last, simple statement that will help reassure you before you lace up your shoes for another practice or match: Wrestling isn’t easy, and it’s not cut out for everybody — you have to work at it.
Take a look at the “bigger picture.” When you step onto the mat to compete, you can’t rely on anyone — your teammates or your coach — to get the win for you. The outcome of the match is in your hands. Wrestling demands physical attributes, like strength, flexibility, and body awareness. But more importantly, it requires mental toughness. Simply put, wrestling is one of the toughest sports there is, and not every athlete can handle it.
Winning is a huge confidence-booster in wrestling. Simple competition, though, in and of itself should give you confidence in yourself. Stepping onto the mat takes a great deal of courage — many individuals aren’t even able to go this far! So, have confidence in knowing that you are a different breed of athlete: You are a wrestler!
