Wrestlers Getting Feedback OnTheir Matches

Have you ever wondered as a coach, how can I give my wrestlers consistent feedback on their match performance?  In addition to using video tape, how about using what Coach Hatfield has developed as a Match Skill Record.

Before videotaping was widely used and readily available, I needed a way to quickly recapture and evaluate my wrestlers during their matches. I developed what I called the Match Skill Record. This was a simple form placed on a 51/2 x 81/2 card that I kept in a binder to record rapidly the skills my wrestlers displayed during their matches.  With the age of video, the Match Skill Record enhanced the wrestler’s review and analysis of his/her taped match. The two together have proven to be invaluable in providing essential feedback for the wrestler.

The Match Skill Record includes the following:

• ·         Period by period score sheet
• ·         Essential Data concerning Competitors and match
• ·         Takedown Skills Evaluation
• ·         Bottom Position Evaluation
• ·         Rides and Pins Evaluation
• ·         Comment section for each category

Each of these categories has a quick evaluation checklist divided into good, fair, and poor. The recorder is able to quickly check those levels with a check mark or tally mark in order to provide consistent feedback on the technique or skill. I usually used an assistant or mat squad member to fill out the form based on my comments.

The benefit for you as a coach is that you can quickly comment on what you see during the match in a consistent and efficient manner. The Match Skill Record can also be used a good scouting report against opponents later in the season. I found that my wrestlers could not wait to review the match records. They liked the consistent feedback and the evaluations reinforced what skills they needed to improve.  I also used these to assist me in developing my practices around what needed to be covered in practice.

A sample of just the takedown section:

TAKEDOWNS
	GOOD	FAIR	POOR	COMMENTS
STANCE/POSITION
MOTION
LEVEL CHANGE
PENETRATION
LIFTS
BACKSTEP/BACK ARCH
SET-UPS
SINGLE LEG
DOUBLE LEG
FINISHES
FIREMAN’S

To obtain a free copy of the form, leave a post requesting the form.