The chiseled, charismatic characters and high drama of professional wrestling may have you excited about the prospect of becoming a wrestler once you reach high school. In reality, though, high school wrestling is nothing like pro wrestling, which is more a concocted form of TV entertainment than it is sport. To be a high school wrestler, you will need to be dedicated, disciplined and willing to endure physical and mental fatigue on a daily basis.
Weight Limits
High school wrestling features weight classes that range from roughly 103 lbs., depending on your local league, all the way up to heavyweight -- usually topping out around 275 lbs. Before the season, you will be required to see a doctor, who will determine how low a weight class you can be certified for without risking your health. Be honest with the doctor about any medical conditions or concerns you have about losing large amounts of weight. While you may gain an advantage by dropping down several classes, it can be dangerous for your health.
Diet
Because of the weight limits, watching what you eat is vital in high school wrestling. If you're unable to control your weight, you risk failing to qualify for your specific weight class or having to "wrestle up" a class, forcing you to face larger opponents. Focus on foods that are low in saturated fats and calories. And get plenty of complex carbohydrates -- found in grains like oatmeal -- which are provide longer lasting fullness and energy, cutting down on your desire to snack.
Conditioning
Conditioning is essential in high school wrestling. While three periods lasting two minutes apiece might not sound like much time, it feels like an eternity when you're out there on the mat grappling. Run daily for endurance and hit the weights to strengthen your muscles. When it gets into the third period of a hard-fought match, the winner is often the contestant who's in good enough shape to continue going near full-steam.
Practice
Unlike pro wrestling, in which you could simply smack the opponent on the head with a chair, high school wrestling requires you to learn myriad moves and holds -- all of which must abide by rules. For instance, you can't lock an opponents head unless you also have his arm locked. Spend time studying the seemingly endless list of moves. The more moves you learn and perfect, the more likely you will instinctively counter every move your opponents make.
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