Pre-Season Wrestling Motivation by Jon Gums
Motivating yourself and your teammates during the preseason for high school wrestling is essential for building the mental and physical strength required for a successful season. Here are some tips and strategies to help you stay motivated:
- Set Clear Goals: Define your individual and team goals for the season. Whether it’s winning a certain number of matches, improving your technique, or making it to the state championships, having clear objectives will keep you focused.
- Visualize Success: Spend time visualizing yourself achieving your goals. Imagine yourself on the mat, executing perfect moves, and winning matches. This can boost your confidence and motivation.
- Create a Vision Board: Make a vision board that includes images and quotes related to wrestling success. Place it somewhere you’ll see it every day, like your bedroom wall, to remind yourself of your goals.
- Maintain a Training Schedule: Establish a structured training regimen that includes both wrestling practice and strength and conditioning. Consistency is key, so stick to your schedule even when you don’t feel like it.
- Compete in Preseason Tournaments: Preseason tournaments can provide valuable experience and help you gauge your progress. Use these competitions as motivation to improve your skills.
- Track Your Progress: Keep a journal to document your training, matches, and any areas where you’ve seen improvement. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem at the time.
- Stay Accountable: Partner up with a teammate or coach who can help hold you accountable for your training and diet. Having someone to share the journey with can be motivating.
- Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: Spend time with teammates and coaches who are positive and supportive. Their energy can rub off on you and help maintain your motivation.
- Watch Wrestling Matches: Watch high-level wrestling matches, whether in person or online, to stay inspired and learn from the best in the sport.
- Stay Healthy: Proper nutrition and rest are crucial for maintaining motivation and peak performance. Make sure you’re fueling your body with the right nutrients and getting enough sleep.
- Embrace Challenges: Recognize that wrestling is a tough sport, and there will be ups and downs. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and improve.
- Stay Committed: Commitment is the foundation of success in wrestling. Remind yourself why you started and how much you want to achieve your goals.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Don’t wait until the end of the season to celebrate. Acknowledge and reward yourself for achieving smaller milestones along the way.
- Seek Inspiration: Read books, watch documentaries, or listen to interviews of accomplished wrestlers who have overcome challenges. Their stories can be highly motivating.
- Lead by Example: If you’re a team captain or leader, set a positive example for your teammates through your work ethic, attitude, and dedication to the sport.
Remember that motivation can fluctuate, so it’s important to have a plan in place to push through those tough times. High school wrestling is not only about physical strength but also mental resilience. Stay focused, stay driven, and stay positive throughout the preseason, and it will set the tone for a successful season ahead.
