Ask Cael: question: Do you think starting wrestling at a young age is helpful/important?

Story Published Monday, October 10th, 2011

I think it is helpful but not necessary.  I do think it’s important that kids are
involved in sports developing strength, agility and coordination at an early
age.  It’s important that kids develop a
love of exercise and develop a healthy love of competition.  That depends on the parents bringing the
correct perspective.  I believe wrestling
should be recreational in nature to young beginners.  As they advance, slowly put them into more
competition.  I wouldn’t be afraid that
your kid is falling behind or anything like that if they are going to as many
tournaments as other young wrestlers. It is much better to error in the way of
waiting too long to put your kid in tough competition than to put them in too
early.  All kids are different.  Some can handle heavy competition at an early
age, most can’t.  Think long term.  Many great wrestlers have started late in their
careers  (late Jr High and high school.)  The important thing is the wrestler’s
attitude.  Not many of the youth that
dominate the national kid’s tournaments end up dominating at the college
level.  A few have, but most have been pushed
too hard and without a foundation of love for sport they fizzle or rebel.  Make it fun.

 

One common but major mistake in coaching is telling kids
what they are doing wrong instead of focusing on what they are doing
right.  At least 90% of coaches believe their
job is to point out mistakes.  This is
partially true, but anyone can see a mistake.
Most fans in the stands can see a mistake, especially after the fact.  The trick is to focus on what the athlete is
doing well.  Think about yourself, if
someone tells you are doing something poorly, it is deflating.  If someone tells you are doing something
well, you light up inside and you’re motivated to do an even better job.  There is a time and place for criticism but
it needs to be rare and presented properly.   As a parent, focus on what your young
wrestler is doing well and secretly have them working on their weaknesses.   That doesn’t
mean you can’t help your young athlete fix a mistake, just do it delicately and
out of love for them.

 

—–Original Message—–

From: CFry79@gmail.com [mailto:CFry79@gmail.com]

Sent: Friday, October 07, 2011 9:16 AM

To: Cael Sanderson

Subject: Cael Sanderson | Ask a Question

 

Results from
form:

 

name:                  Red Beard

email:                 CFry79@gmail.com

question:              Do you think starting wrestling
at a young age is helpful/important?

 

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