Wrestling For Dummies

Pin down the sport of wrestling In this plain–English guide, author and 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Henry Cejudo explains the different movements of wrestling with step–by–step explanations and ways to score — making this ancient and captivating sport accessible to beginning and advanced competitors, coaches, confused parents, and fans. Wrestling 101 — get an overview of the sport, from the different styles of wrestling to the equipment you need before you hit the mat Know the score — find out what happens during a match, what the referee does, and how you can score points Bust a move — discover expert secrets to do escapes, reversals, takedowns, and pinning combinations like a pro Behind the scenes — grasp the physical and mental preparation needed to be a successful wrestler, both on and off the mat Open the book and find: Age and weight categories Wrestling styles, rules, and scoring Step–by–step photographs that illustrate the moves and techniques Ways to keep healthy, safe, and in shape The ins and outs of competition Tips on wrestling in the right mindset Advice for coaches and parents Drills you can incorporate into your practice Learn to: Understand the rules of wrestling Grasp how points are scored Physically and mentally prepare to be a fierce competitor Master basic techniques and movements

Introduction 1 Part I: Wrestling 101: Understanding the Ins and Outs of the Sport 7 Chapter 1: Getting Familiar with Wrestling Before You Sign Up for the Sport 9 Chapter 2: Identifying What Wrestling Is 21 Chapter 3: Being Equipped to Wrestle 33 Part II: Creating a Solid Wrestling Foundation before Your First Match 43 Chapter 4: Knowing What Happens during a Wrestling Match 45 Chapter 5: Staying Healthy, Safe, and in Shape 67 Chapter 6: The Mental Aspect: Wrestling in the Right Mindset 93 Chapter 7: Grappling with the Fundamentals and Basic Movements 109 Part III: Hitting the Mat and Using Your Moves 135 Chapter 8: On Your Mark, Get Set: Starting Positions 137 Chapter 9: Breaking Down Breakdowns and Escapes 147 Chapter 10: Reversing Your Fortune: Reversals 167 Chapter 11: Taking Down Your Opponent: Attacks and Counterattacks 187 Chapter 12: Putting It All Together: Pinning Combinations 221 Part IV: The Adults behind You: Coaches and Parents 241 Chapter 13: Coaching 101: Being the Best Coach You Can Be 243 Chapter 14: Running a Productive Practice with Key Drills 265 Chapter 15: Knowing How to Be a Supportive Parent 307 Part V: The Part of Tens 323 Chapter 16: Ten Tips For Wrestling Success 325 Chapter 17: Ten (Plus One) Wrestling Camps You Should Consider Attending 333 Index 343

Henry Cejudo won a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In so doing, he became the youngest American — at the age of 20 — to ever win a gold medal in wrestling.