West Virginia Wrestling

WEST VIRGINIA MAT THOUGHTS

by Dr. Bill Welker

... on Conducting Mini-Clinics

Hey, wrestling enthusiasts, did you ever consider putting on a "mini-clinic?" The most attractive feature of this approach is that championship coaches and wrestlers from all over the U.S. can be brought to your backyard.

But first, what is a mini-clinic? Well, it's a one-day clinic comprised of two sessions for the wrestlers and one for the coaches. Due to the short stay of the expert, each mini-clinic must place emphasis on one facet of wrestling. For example, if local boys are having trouble while wrestling on their feet, then you have a mini-clinic devoted exclusively to "takedowns." Of course, you could sponsor more than one mini-clinic during the year, each stressing a specific area of the mat sport. Now let's see what this concept has to offer local coaches and wrestlers.

Advantages for coaches -- Many West Virginia schools can not afford to send their mat tutors to coaching clinics. However, organizing your own mini-clinics will bring the specialists to you. And not only will you be able to observe top wrestling technique, but also play an important role in the administration of the clinic. Furthermore, with the expert in charge of the coaches' question-and-answer period, you will have the opportunity to inquire about those mat problems you are experiencing.

Advantages for wrestlers--The one-day clinic is very inexpensive for the participants. An entry fee of $25 to $30 per wrestler would more than pay for the services of the visiting clinician. Plus, the demonstration is nearby, eliminating travel costs as well as room and board expenses. This financial set-up is perfect for those boys who could not afford the longer, far-away clinics.

These mini-clinics could also be more rewarding for some of the matmen than the traditional "five- to seven-day" clinics. Why? Because during the course of a week-long wrestling school, the grapplers are confronted with many, many new moves from all facets of the sport. This bombardment of maneuvers is often very confusing and frustrating to them. However, with the mini-clinic approach, the wrestlers have ample time to evaluate the moves they have learned in just one phase of the activity. And finally, their coaches (who would have no trouble attending a local clinic) could help them on the spot.

Thus, by conducting mini-clinics, area mentors and athletes are exposed to the "best in wrestling"--positive encounters that might otherwise never have been realized. So, don't be afraid to try one. Mini-clinics have worked for me, and I know they can work for you.


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Updated July 21, 1997