Wrestling training is notoriously grueling. Both the mental and physical aspects of training are anything but forgiving. Hours of drilling techniques coupled with tiring sessions of hard-nosed, live wrestling can become monotonous over time. Playing games is a great way to mix things up and make practice a little more fun — and you’ll still be reinforcing wrestling skills and strategies. Read through this guide and you’ll be able to implement some fun and valuable games into your practice plans.
King of the Mat
“King of the Mat” is one of the most popular games among wrestlers. This game focuses on mat wrestling skills, like pinning and riding, so it’s a fun way for wrestlers to practice some of their techniques. There are many variations of “King of the Mat,” but it’s essentially is a game of “every man for himself” — there are no formal teams.
To start the game, all wrestlers line up (on their knees) around the outside of one of the large wrestling circles on the mat. The circle’s diameter should be roughly 28 feet, but if it’s slightly smaller or larger it’s okay. The circle just needs to be large enough to allow 10-15 wrestlers the ability to move around and wrestle without the fear of colliding or getting hurt. If your team lacks adequate space, break the wrestlers up into small groups; grouping wrestlers by weight is a good way to do this.
Once the wrestlers are given the signal to start, they will enter into the circle and start wrestling each other. The goal of the game is to eliminate as many wrestlers from the game without being eliminated. The last wrestler left “standing” is the king of the mat!
There are two ways to eliminate an opponent:
- Push him out of the circle: A wrestler’s body must be at least three-quarters outside of the circle in order to be eliminated.
- Put him on his back: A wrestler must be on his back for a full five-second count. The pinning wrestler must count out loud to ensure fairness. Wrestlers who have been eliminated may help judge the count to confirm elimination.
There are a few simple rules to abide by during the game:
- Wrestlers must stay on their knees at all times. No standing up!
- No unnecessary roughness; dogpiling is not allowed!
- Eliminated wrestlers cannot re-enter the circle.
- Eliminated wrestlers must stay away from the outside of the circle to avoid confusion and injuries.
Hot Tip: Think Strategy!
Although there are no teams in “King of the Mat,” it may be beneficial to form an alliance with one or more wrestlers. This will give you a chance to eliminate the heavier and tougher wrestlers in the group. Keep in mind that you may end up facing your allies if all other competitors get eliminated, so be prepared!
Link in the Chain
“Link in the Chain” is a fun game that can be played in teams. This game requires a great deal of upper body strength, and it will give wrestlers’ hands, arms, and backs tough workouts.
Start by splitting the wrestlers up into two, even teams. Consider size and weight when choosing — try to separate your strongest and heaviest wrestlers as best as possible.
There will need to be some sort of line separating the mat. While it’s okay to have an invisible line, the game may get much more complicated if you do this. Try using a line or crease in the mat as a divider, or even use mat or masking tape to separate the playing area into two equal sides.
Both teams start facing each other while on their knees and on opposite sides of the line. The goal of the game is to pull all of the wrestlers from your opponent’s team over the line and onto your side. Once a wrestler is pulled over the line, he is now playing for his opponent’s team. A wrestler’s body must be at least three-quarters over the line to be eliminated from his original team.
Teamwork is critical in this game. The only way to succeed is to use the help of your teammates to strategically pull wrestlers across the line. This is typically done by forming a chain with the bodies of your teammates, perpendicular to the middle of the mat. A chain of teammates behind the wrestler at the line ensures that you can’t cross over onto the other team’s side without your teammates trying to pull you back. Needless to say, it’s very common for wrestlers to be pulled by both teams at the same time. So, make sure to stop the game and restart wrestlers if an injury (unfortunately) happens to occur.
Game Time!
Games are great changes of pace from intense practices. Playing games will help keep wrestlers relaxed, focused, and most importantly, happy! Games should be used to help wrestlers recover and stay fresh, so don’t forget to schedule in some fun from time to time!
