Cross-training for Wrestlers: By Stan Tzogas, 2006-09-01
The concept of cross-training is the practice of participating in a sport for the benefit of improving in another sport. The best training for any sport is periodized (a scientific systematized approach to training) and specialized year-round training. Sometimes life’s challenges make it so that we might need to participate in another sport. I have prioritized sports in order of most beneficial to a wrestler in this article. The purpose of this article is to provide understanding for young wrestlers considering a participation in other sports.
To be an excellent wrestler an athlete needs to possess the strength and explosive power of an Olympic weight lifter, the cardio vascular fitness of a two miler, the mindset of a chess player, and the mental toughness of an ancient Roman gladiator.
Wrestling is unique. It is not only a sport but also means to developing self-defence. Wrestling is not for everyone, there is no bench, no substitutes, not line shifts, no place to run or team-mate to hid behind, and no one to blame. Wrestling is not a game, we do not play it, we are not players, we are wrestlers who battle for victory and if we are successful, the official raises our hand and restrains our opponents hand lower for everyone to see. What separates wrestling from the rest is that it is an individual combat sport that requires athletes manage their body weight. You want to talk about toughness, try dieting to lose weight, then go out with on empty stomach and compete. Be proud to be a wrestler. Wrestling is for individuals of uncommon strength of character.
“Once you wrestled, everything else in life is easy.” – Dan Gable
In order of most to least beneficial for a wrestler, below I have ranked all the high school sports. With all due respect, to excel in any sport requires commitment, hard work and a high degree of athleticism. Participation in any sport is better than not working-out on your own or not participating in any sport. Be active as much as possible. If you plan on being a good wrestler carefully consider the other sports you choose to participate in.
| Rank | Sport | Main Benefit for a wrestler |
| 1 | Wrestling | The more sports specific the training, the better |
| 2 | Gymnastics | strength, power, body awareness |
| 3 | Weight training club | Strength and power |
| 4 | Rugby |
Cardio, agility, mental toughness |
| 5 | Hockey | Cardio, quickness, teamwork and pain management |
| 6 | Swimming | Cardio, body awareness |
| 7 | Field lacrosse | Agility, cardio, pain management |
| 8 | Soccer | Agility, cardio |
| 9 | Field hockey | Agility, cardio |
| 10 | Tennis | Agility, quickness and co-ordination |
| 11 | Basketball | Cardio, quickness |
| 12 | Track and Field middle or long distance sprints. | Cardio- excellent pre-season training |
| 13 | Cross-country running | Excellent pre-season aerobic base development |
| 14 | Track and Field short sprints | Anaerobic explosive power |
| 15 | Football | Mental toughness, aggressiveness |
| 16 | Badminton | Agility, quickness |
| 17 | Skiing/ snowboarding | Coordination |
| 18 | Track and Field events other than running | Coordination |
| 19 | Volleyball | Teamwork |
| 20 | Baseball | Teamwork |
| 21 | Golf | Money management skills |
To improve in any sport it is important to attend as many training sessions as requested by the coach, attend clinics and camps, read books, ask questions, view videos, practice in the off-season, attend as many practices as offered, and seek and take training advice from coaches. Association by assimilation, you will become a product of your environment. Surround yourself with successful people.
You get back usually what you give. The sport one participates can lead us to assume the type of person one can be. Being a wrestler means being a tough person! The average wrestler in
Canadawill wrestle for four to five years, and s/he will remember those years for the rest of their lives. Make those years memorable. Training hard never beats training smart.
