GENERAL MATCH STRATEGY

1. Don't be afraid to lose, have an offensive philosophy going in, and constantly use a proper attack.

2. Make your opponent wrestle your style. Force the match and keep him off balance by attacking first and continuously.

3. If you have reach, speed, or balance on a man, uses these to your advantage. Mix them up in your attack, the odds favor you.

4. If you are stronger, overpower him. If you are weaker, don't fight his strength but instead concentrate on perfect technique. Technique will win over strength nearly every time.

5. If you are in better shape, set a pace he can't stand but don't do all the work. Make him lift your weight every time possible.

6. Keep a cool head and remain poised and confident. Never allow calls by the referees or actions by your opponent or the fans upset your wrestling attitude or technique. Never make the referee mad at you.

7. Never stop wrestling until the whistle blows. This includes not giving up a defensive move until the referee calls the points. Remember, creating a stalemate is better then giving up a point.

8. Do not do anything in a match that you haven't worked hard to perfect in practice.

9. Never let your opponent know that you are tired.

10. Be a "chain wrestler", always performing a second move if the first doesn't work. Use holds which blend together, either as a fake to set-up, or as a follow-up.

11. A desperation move is risky and should only be tried at the end of the match when you "must" get points. Remember, a loss by one point is as bad as a loss be several points.

PRE-MATCH STRATEGY

1. Get yourself in perfect physical condition. Work hard to build up your body, eating right, and get the proper rest. Even though major away competitions are fun, get to bed early the night before a match.

2. Pay attention to what the coach says about your opponent and plan accordingly. Plan to use a different initial attack if your opponent has watched you.

3. Know your opponent's style and his strong and weak points, Do not allow his past record or build to destroy your confidence. Study him carefully before weigh-in and remain impersonal toward him until after the match.

4. Specialize in at least one series of moves from each position (top, bottom, standing) and learn at least one other series. Have a desperation take-down move (preferably a throw) available if you need it.

5. Practice these moves hundreds of times to perfect them,

6. Know/learn the current wrestling rules for the style you are competing in.

7. Never let your opponents know if you have been injured, sick or are under weight. It may give him the added confidence that he needs to defeat you.

8. Never sell yourself short or lose sight of your goals.

9. For general preparation, do more than what is required by the coaching staff, as well as working hard to do what is required correctly. Make a personal commitment to become the best that you are capable of becoming. Wrestle off-season if there is a program available. Go to all the open tournaments you can.

TAKEDOWN STRATEGY

1. Never force or muscle holds which aren't open, it tires you and usually isn't productive.

2. Relax when you are out of range. Being tense takes valuable energy.

3. Keep a proper body position (stance) when you are in range, especially when you are walking into a man. Don't stand straight up or with your hands near your head.

4. Never shoot a leg from farther out than an arms length.

5. Never shoot a takedown without first destroying your opponent's stance. Set up all takedowns!

6. If you tie up, control all tie-ups and fight for the inside position. If you can't control a tie-up, don't tie-up!

7. When moving, step with the foot in the direction you are going. Never cross your feet.

8. Keep moving your feet in short (about 12") steps, constantly changing your lead foot and never developing a pattern.

9. Concentrate on getting the deepest penetration possible when you shoot. Aim a few feet behind your opponent.

10. Keep your head inside and tight when you step to your opponent's outside and place your head outside and tight when stepping to the inside of his legs.

11. Never allow your head to get lower than your hips (overextended), even while you are in motion.

12. Never allow both of your knees to touch the mat at the same time. Always keep a trailing foot behind for support.

13. When attacking the legs, never stay on one knee any longer than necessary. Either follow-through or withdraw IMMEDIATELY!

14. If possible, take your opponent to his back on your follow-through.

15. When withdrawing, keep to the inside with proper body position and take small steps.

16. If you are taken down by your opponent, land with your props wide and extended outward. Your arms should be slightly forward, never down and backwards. Also, your hips should be parallel to the mat and lower than your head. Then hit an offensive maneuver as quickly as possible. Takedowns are not awarded until control has been firmly established.

17. When countering takedowns, stay off of your knees and use your weight to stop your opponent's motion and destroy his body position.

TOP WRESTLING STRATEGY

1. MOVE FIRST on the whistle or immediately after assuming the top position to make your opponents counter you rather than attack you.

2. Either control your opponent's HIPS, destroy his PROP