Kansas Wrestling Forums General Discussion Kids Folkstyle Running a Kids Program

After watching the 6U and Elementary State tournaments this past weekend I wanted to remind everyone that your number one goal for your kids should be to make sure they are having FUN. I really think too many of our parents are making it about winning. That is a recipe for disaster. Please read on...

I was recently asked what one should focus on to create a successful kids program. To me the word "success" can be TRICKY! If you have a bunch of Kids (Elementary down to 4 years old) success equals retention, not winning. Success equals FUN!! Here is what I told him:


1. Make sure they leave w a smile on their face. It MUST be fun.
2. Make it about learning not losing. Always use the positive sandwich!
3. Keep the practices short and simple. The devil is in the detail. Fewer moves and perfection. Master one takedown. Master one escape. Master a ride.
4. More drilling and less live! End the practice with 10 minutes of a game that requires hand and foot movement.
5. Make the drills competitive: fastest rope climb, fasted ladder drill time, most stand ups in a minute, etc and post them. Incentivize excellence.
6. Find a way to keep the bottom kids coached up. The worst 6 year olds will be state champs if you keep them on the mat.
7. Take them on trips and make them FUN!! Find those who are passionate and summer wrestle with them. The best times are in March-July. No pressure.

To me the key is to nurture them to fall in love with WRESTLING not winning. If you haven't been beat them you haven't traveled enough. Never have a goal of going undefeated! Always seek one who can beat you and put him on your hit list for the remainder of time. Goals are important but focus them on continuous improvement. Focus on enjoying the competition. Every wrestler has an expiration date, it our mission to make sure that happens sometime after high school!

Holy smokes Will does have a heart!!! Good comments. It is a hard line to walk, wrestling is a very competitive sport and very hard for many to separate the age and winning aspect.

Absolutely agree!!

Well said. The parents shouldn't be wrestling through their kids. Seen too many burned out in high school. My boys wrestle. I encourage it, but they love it already at a young age. Keep it fun, make it fun. They are kids. This even translates to high school.

Great post!

well said