Modern Wrestling: A Primer for Wrestlers, Parents, and Fans

All aspects of collegiate and scholastic wrestling are covered in this introduction to one of America's most rapidly growing sports. Amateur wrestling is presented as an activity combining the best features of physical education and competitive athletics—a sport open to all who wish to participate, regardless of height, weight, or physical attributes. Information abounds in this book for everyone desiring to know more about wrestling: wrestlers or would-be-wrestlers; their parents or other prospective fans; coaches and officials; school, college, or camp officials considering wrestling programs. The book begins with a brief history of the sport and ends with profiles of ten great wrestlers of the modern era. Among the book's unique features are chapters on the principal wrestling holds and the principle of mechanical advantage explaining them, on training and weight control, and on psychological preparation for competition. Other chapters are devoted to wrestling rules, comparing those of the national college and high school associations; safety measures, showing why the wrestling injury rate is low and getting lower; and officiating, identifying the qualities of a superior official. Dozens of photos and drawings illustrate the text.Wrestling develops all of an athlete's muscles, as this book shows, and promotes quickness, agility, and endurance. It also encourages mental discipline, builds self-confidence, and prepares the participant to accept both success and failure. Spectators enjoy amateur wrestling; parents welcome its healthful influence; and school or college authorities approve its economy and flexibility. Facilities and equipment for a wrestling program are relatively inexpensive, and no wrestling squad is too small or too large. Thus, in the author's view, the growing popularity of amateur wrestling will continue.