Wrestling is among the most demanding sports. When an athlete commits to becoming a wrestler, maximum conditioning is required. You also have to work on getting stronger so you can make powerful, explosive moves during matches. While technique is very important on the mat, an aggressive and relentless attitude might be even more so.
Hard Work
All competitive wrestlers work hard to get themselves in the best shape. The top wrestlers will go further, spending extra time working on strength, agility, moves and endurance. Good enough is never good enough for a top competitive wrestler. It's about developing a relentless attitude on the mat; that starts with what you do in your practice sessions. All wrestlers will feel fatigued in the late stages of a match. It's the wrestler who can shake off the effects of that fatigue and continue to fight on with a relentless attitude who has the best chance of winning consistently.
Technical Skills
Strength and attitude are important factors, but you also must execute all your wrestling moves with precision at the appropriate time. You have to know how to dominate from the top, reverse from the bottom and shoot the single-leg takedown from the standing position. You must know how to execute your best moves at the most important times. Discuss with your coach what moves capitalize best on your skill set, study these moves and work on them non-stop in practice to be successful.
Relentless in Battle
Every time you have a move to use in a match, you should prepare for an alternative move if the first one doesn't work. This is known as being a "chain wrestler," coach Bruce Gabrielson explains. If the first move doesn't work, you immediately go to a second and then a third move. You want to have confidence in everything you do on the mat; the more experience you get, the more success you will have with your moves. However, you have to prepare yourself to go to a second, third or even fourth move if your opponent can hold off your additional move.
Toughness
When wrestling the top competitors in a meet or tournament, you may find that your opponent has great skills and is extremely strong. There might be very little technical difference between the two of you. In the end, it may come down to toughness and desire. All wrestlers will get hurt and have to grapple through the pain during a match from time to time. The best wrestlers fight through the pain and stay single-minded in their pursuit of victory. Legendary wrestler Dan Gable won two national championships at the University of Iowa and won the 1972 Olympic lightweight gold medal. He credited his success to an indomitable belief in himself and his tendency to ignore injuries and pain.
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