Wrestling For Dummies

Wrestling is a fast-paced sport with many technicalities, rules, and ways to score points—making it difficult for spectators to follow the score and understand whistles and restarts. In Wrestling For Dummies, author and 2008 Olympic Gold medalist Henry Cejudo explains the scoring system and unique rules of wrestling to new competitors, confused parents, and fans of this ancient and captivating sport.

Wrestling For Dummies also explains the rich history of the sport and covers the six styles of competitive wrestling and their distinction from the modern entertainment-based "pro wrestling."

• Covers Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling
• Plain-English explanations of wrestling rules
• Details the history of wrestling

Whether you're just getting started as a wrestler or enjoy it as a spectator sport, Wresting For Dummies makes this sport accessible and easy to understand.

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.

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