Ask Cael: I have always shot with my head down instead of up! I dont know how to break this bad habit!

Story Published Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

question: Hey Cael I gave a question, I’m having a really hard time in wrestling. My coach ( and father) says that you should pick one move and master it, i’ve alot of your videos and I know that yours is the ankle pick but I am having trouble finding out about mine. On top of that I have always shot with my head down instead of up! I dont know how to break this bad habit! if you have any advice please respond. I know your busy with Penn State but if you could answer this question it will really help my wrestling career.

Jaime,

I think your coach is correct in that it is better to be great at a few moves then to be good at many. The only thing is that I wouldn’t overthink the issue. Do what feels natural. If you don’t have one big “go to” type of move that’s ok. Figure out what your best chance of success in matches is and work on that strategy. Some kids are better with counter offense. If that’s the case you should work hard at putting pressure on your opponent and forcing them to take bad shots, etc.

The beauty with wrestling is that everyone is different. So figure out what you do well and work there. Don’t try and force something. That makes it really tough to learn. Just train hard and then compete hard. Focus on what you do well and then work hard to spend as much time as you possibly can in that(or those) position(s).

It is not as important to keep your head up on your shots as it is to get your head up immediately after your shots. Get your head up after your shot and keep moving into your finish. If you are getting to the leg with your head down that is fine, just get your head into position asap.

Good luck.

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