Early Specialization & Retention by Mike Clayton Manager, National Coaches Education Program
Greek Agoge Education and training regimen to produce physically and morally strong males for the Spartan army. Involved learning stealth, military training (e.g. pain tolerance), hunting, dancing, singing and social preparation (communicating).
Encouraged conformity and the importance of the Spartan state over one's personal interest. Aristocratic families from other cities vied to send their sons to Sparta to participate in the agoge for varying periods of time.
Today’s youth coaches often struggle to provide sound, evidence-based, and ageappropriate guidance to players. 
 Of the 2.5 million American adults who serve as volunteer coaches for youth sports, less than 10 percent receive any formal training.
What are our goals to grow Wrestling? Improve Retention Let Kids be Kids - Free Play Fun & Positive Environment Life-long Participation and Physical Literacy (FMS)
How do we turn‌ Into
Facts 70% of American youth are turned off of competitive sports by age 13. 
 Why? Overzealous Parents No Coaching Plans Adult Based Training Programs No Sense of Improvement No Fun
Myth
Facts
My kid can get a scholarship!
270,000 HS Wrestlers
26% of American parents feel their child will go pro
78 NCAA D1 Teams 9.9 Max D1 Scholarships 772 Max D1 Scholarships = .0028 Chance of D1 Scholarship
The average NCAA athletic scholarship amounts to $10,409 or $41,636 over four years (includes all NCAA sports)
Invest $2,500/year @ 7% APR x 12 years (age 6-18) = $44,721
How early specialization may negatively affect your child: Overuse injuries in young athletes (FSS vs FMS) "…young athletes should not spend more hours per week in organized than their age.” Higher ratessports of adult physical inactivity - Dr. Neeru Jayanthi Greater risk for burnout due to stress and lack of enjoyment Poor habit development
Multi-Sport/Multi-Activity Benefits Better Retention = More Membership Income Healthier Kids and Lifetime Health Better Athletes USOC study 80% of elite athletes 
 were multi-sport through age 18
Do You Cut to Win? 2012 USA Olympic Medals in Combat Sports • 10 total medals for the USA • 6 athletes lost less than 5 pounds the day prior • 4 athletes were under weight for competition Healthy weight management starts with the coach and parent
Source: Jenn Gibson, MSc, RD, IOC Dip Sport Nutr, Sport Dietitian, USOC Teach Every Child About Food: https://www.ted.com/talks/jamie_oliver#t-693486
Weight cutting at an early age? Does it improve retention? Make wrestling fun? Improve academics? Improve technical development? Improve growth patterns? Positively promote our sport?
Reasons for multi-sport participation: Better Overall Skills and Ability Smarter, More Creative Players 88% of College Athletes Come From a Multi-Sport Background (2013 survey) 10,000 Hours is not a “rule” - wrestling 6,000 hours Free Play Equals More Play (intrinsically motivating and maximize fun)
Risk of Early Specialization
Don Sabo
Risk of Early Specialization
Don Sabo
Why do kids quit?
33% of kids will restart a sport 
 they've quit.
Wrestling Plus Warm Up Program UWW Scientific Commission (2+ times per week)
Part 1: Running Exercises, Grips, Bridges (8 min) 1 Shoulder rotations
2 Grips
Jog in place while rotating the shoulders forward and backward
The athletes stand facing each other. They pull their partner’s hands up the down
45 sec total
45 sec each
The athletes stand facing each other. They grasp their hands and attempt to pull each other 45 sec each hand
5 Neck
6 Bridge
20 sec each movement
45 sec each
7 Shoving hands
They grasp their hands with arms bent. Both try to shove the hands extending their wrists over their heads
7 Shoving hands in squatting position Both try to shove the hands of the other while both bend knees and extend shoulders
7 Shoving fit-ball
2 sets - 1 min each
2 sets - 1 min each
8 Pulling
8 Pulling alternately
4 Shoving hands alternately
The athletes stand facing each other. Press against each other having one elbow flexed and the other extended 1 min
Grasp their hands with arms extended and knees flexed 90 degrees. Try to flex their knees more and return to original position 2 sets - 1 min each
9 One leg stance
Hold one of your partner’s legs straight while he tries to squat and straighten the other 30 sec each leg
10 Combat with raised legs
The athletes sit with legs slightly bent, soles touching. Push the partner
The athlete sits on the back of his partner and forces the neck in different directions, down & up and side to side
Grasp their hands. Both alternately extend and flex the elbow 2 sets - 1 min each
9 One leg- side rotation
Rotate the standing leg to the side. Try to keep both legs straight while turning the body laterally
3 Pull each other
The athletes stand facing each other. One athlete drops back to bridge position with his partner’s support
Using a fit-ball, both try to shove the fit-ball extending their wrists over their heads 2 sets - 1 min each
8 Pulling in Bosu
The athletes stand on Bosu. Grasp their hands with arms extended and knees flexed 90 degrees 2 sets - 1 min each
9 One leg- side rotation on Bosu
30 sec each leg
Rotate the standing leg to the side. Try to keep both legs straight while turning the body laterally 30 sec each leg
10 Combat with raised legs alternately
10 Combat with raised legs on Bosu
Push the partner and alternately try to extend and flex the knees
The athletes sit on Bosu. Their legs should be slightly bent, soles touching. Push
Attack Injuries
7 Basic Skills Study Guide: (Folkstyle focus) Search YouTube for “USA Wrestling Seven Basic Sills” or click this link https://youtu.be/sC3Vxv_ZI7k (Total video play time 59:14) 0:00-3:40
Highlight Clips
3:40-4:57
Make Your Own Luck Concepts for an Ever Evolving Sport
4:57-10:33
Skill 1 of 7 Position: (5 Key Positions: Head Up, Back Straight, Hips In, Knees Off the Mat and Toe Pressure) What are the 2 basic stances?
1. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (staggered) Wide foot _ _ _ _ _ _ (spread) Legs are _ _ _ _ and coiled (bent) Hands are _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (forward) and elbows are _ _ (in) Chest is forward over the _ _ _ _ (knee) Head is _ _ (up) 2. _ _ _ _ _ _ (square) Wide _ _ _ _ (base) Legs are bent and hips are _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (dropped) creating a power angle Hands are _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (forward) and elbows are _ _ (in) Chest is not as forward over the knee as the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (staggered) stance Head is _ _ (up)
Utilize All Available Resources
The Plan: Educate Inform and Encourage Coaches and Parents through LTAD/ADM 1. Help make adults aware of their actions 2. Take action if something isn’t right
LTAD/ADM Concepts: 1A: Early success and final ability are not highly coordinated 1B: Why? The rate of maturation of children varies greatly
2: Tomorrow’s champions are not born, they are made A. Large numbers at the base B. Quality of the athlete 1. Deliberate play (minimal coaching) 2. Mental work C. Athlete centered (opportunities for many) D. Quality and appropriateness of coaching 3. FMS based (drills, games, feedback, etc.)
FMS in Practice/Training Environments is KEY
LTAD/ADM Concepts: FSS Enjoyment & FMS
Competition
Chronological Age
Age 0-6, Copper
Support Staff
Age 10-12, Copper
Early Childhood
Developmental Stage
Coaches Corner
Age 7-9, Copper
Introduce Kids & Parents to Wrestling to Increase Participation. Goal: Get Kids to the Next Lvl
Parents, Family, Child Care Providers & Community
Instill a Passion & Love for Wrestling. Goal: Get Kids to the Next Lvl
Start the Real Process of Learning Through Routine & Reps Goal: Get Kids to the Next Lvl
Parents, Teachers, Coach & Community
N/A
Introduction to Wrestling; Basic Knowledge of Rules, Tactics & Elite Athletes
Lifestyle & Life Skills
Athletes Cooperate with Others and Show Respect to All Weight Loss for Health Only
Participants Posses Healthy Daily Routines & Nutrition Skills Weight Loss for Health Concerns Only
Elite Performance Support
N/A Matches/Yr = 0-12
Technical
Psychological
Physical
Age 15-19, Bronze
Late Childhood
Knowledge of the Game
Tactical
Age 13-14, Bronze
Matches/Yr = 0-20
Age 15+, Bronze
Participate & Succeed
Excel for High Performance
Young Adult
Promote & Apply Competitiveness, Sportsmanship & Mastery of Wrestling
Parents, Teachers, Local Coach & Regional/National Coach & Staff
Athletes Understand Ethical & Moral Values & Appreciation for Wrestling Some Weight Management Guidelines Introduced
Introduction to Basic Performance Support Staff & Philosophies Matches/Yr = 0-20 Matches/Yr = 12-36
Matches/Yr = 24-48
Young Adult - Adult
Any Age, Copper-Gold Any Stage
Attention to Detail & Refining Skills Previously Learned
Coach & Athlete Collaborate to Create Training & Competition Plan
Educate Next Group of Athletes & Coaches with Knowledge & Experience
Personal Coach, Regional/ National Coach & Staff
Personal Coach & National Coach
Giving Back to the Sport Through Coaching or Volunteering
Utilize Knowledge of Rules, Tactics & Elite Athletes
Possess & Share Knowledge of Rules, Tactics & Elite Athletes
Develop Athletes to Become Intrinsically Motivated & Independent in Thought and Practice. Some Weight Mgt.
Take Ownership of Career & Choices That Impact Career Weight Management Taught and Practiced as Necessary
Appreciation for Sport Skills & Learned Life Skills. Apply Those Skills in Daily Life Weight Mgt for Healthy Living
Utilize Performance Support Staff & Embody Philosophies Matches/Yr = 12-36
Utilize Performance Support Staff & Create Own Philosophies Matches/Yr = 24-48
N/A Matches/Yr = Based on Periodization Planning
Athlete Develops Personal Strategy According to Strengths & Weaknesses
Utilize Own Skill Set in Comparison to That of Our Opponent’s Skill Set
Ability to Articulate Knowledge Learned to Enhance the Nest Generation
Possess and Demonstrate Knowledge of Rules, Tactics & Elite Athletes.
Expect Little to No Tactical Development at This Age
Introduction to Structured Practices
Introduction to Basic Sport Offensive & Defensive Strategies
Expect Little to No Technical Development at This Age
Basic Athletic Movements Are Learned
Basic Skills in Wrestling Are Learned
Exposing Athlete to the Core Skills of Wrestling
Exposing Athlete to Core Techniques of Wrestling
Understanding Variations, Purpose, Timing & Intensity of Mat Techniques
Athletes Know, Understand & Master Their Own Skill Set
Paying the Knowledge Gained From Wrestling Forward to Future Athletes
Social Interaction with Peers & Maintaining Fun or Activity
Positive Outlook, Cooperation with Others, Social Interaction & Fun
Passion for Wrestling, High Self-Esteem Perceived by Self & Mastery Climate
Ability to Focus Throughout Practice & Openness to Learn New Techniques
Take Criticism as Critical Feedback & Understand Causes of Winning/Losing
Focus & Understanding of Individual Needs, Process Goals, Peak Performance Process
Prepare for Unexpected, Balance of Sport & Life Identity Roles
Knowing Self-Worth Outside Sport & Utilize Learned Life Skills
Understanding Own Strengths & Limitations in Both Technical Movements & Training
Optimal Functioning Capabilities for the Purpose of Peaking Through Periodization
Staying Physically Active & Knowing Personal Limitations In Training.
Explore Basic Body Skills, Coordination & Gross Motor Movements
Developing Awareness, Coordination & Body Skills Through Games & Activity
Understanding Strategy of Mat Technique (Action/Reaction)
Advancing Basic Movements & Combinations of Movements Through Repitition
When Should We Start Lifting?
Phase Objective
Age 15 Plus, Bronze
Encourage Free Play, Fun and Love for All Activities. Sport Skills - BASIC Sport Focus - RECREATION
Encourage Fun & Participation. Over Time, Add Sport Fundamentals. Sport Skills - BASIC Sport Focus - RECREATION
Stage 1 - Discover, Learn & Play (Age 0-12) Critical to Get Wrestlers Staying Past Age 13
Build Foundation of Wrestling Knowledge Through Education & Repetition Sport Skills - SPECIFIC Sport Skills - SPECIFIC Focus - Introduction Focus -Applied Process
Training Becomes Specialized & Incorporates All Aspects of Winning Process Sport Skills - REFINED Focus - HIGH PERFORMANCE
Sport Skills - SPECIFIC Focus - PERFORMANCE
Implementing Life Skills Into Daily Life Sport Skills - BASIC Focus - RECREATION
Stage 3 - Train & Compete (Age 13-19) Stage 2 - Develop & Challenge (Age 10-16) Stage 4 - Participate & Succeed OR Excel for High Performance (Age 15+) Stage 5 - Thrive & Mentor (Age, For Life)
Athlete Development Model (ADM) Athlete Training Standards from USA Wrestling’s National Coaches Education Program
Age 5-8
Age 9-12
Early Years • • • • • • •
Focus is on FUN, games and activities Daily agility, balance and coordination drills 5-12 hours/wk physical activity (including wrestling) No weight loss other than for health Focus on long-term learning over winning Learn wrestling rules and basic techniques Learn respect for opponents, coaches & officials
Age 13-17
Age 18-22
Late Childhood to Young Adult • Introduce wrestling specific strategies • Learn to focus through a full practice • Increase levels of competition
• Implement complex coordination and movement training • Solid technique in every position
Age 22+
World-Class • Speed, strength, endurance, power and flexibility • Well defined competition style
• Intrinsic motivation key
• Competitive weight management
For Parents
For Parents
For Parents
For Parents
At this age, it is essential that your child learns basic Fundamental Movement Skills.
Ensure goal setting skills are introduced
Trust your coaches, enjoy the sport and support your athlete
Early success is not a good indicator of future success in wrestling. Provide a fun and nonjudgmental environment so your child can enjoy wrestling into the next age group.
Promote confidence and self-discipline
Your athlete should be self-reliant and independent
Athletes will typically specialize in one sport
Excellent attention control and positive self-talk
Emphasize rest and recovery periods after training & competition Multi-sport approach
Athletes learn to take criticism as feedback and they understand winning and losing
Children don’t fully understand competition, they just want to make their parents happy.
Athletes should be eating and hydrated daily w/ balanced diets
Healthy diets with well structured gradual weight descent plans
Elite national & international competitions
For Coaches
For Coaches
For Coaches
For Coaches
For Coaches
2-3 practices/wk of 45-60 minutes
4-6 practices/wk of 60-90 minutes
5-10 practices/wk of 90-120 minutes with rest between sessions
10-15 practices/wk of varying intensity
1.5-2.5 hour practices + key recovery plans
Tumbling and FUN
Routine and repetitions Group and Individual
Focus on routines, core strength and flexibility
Periodization planning should be utilized and presented to athletes
Sport science specialists essential
Free Play > Technique Recommend 10-25 matches/year
Recommend 20-40 matches/year
Ask your child about practice and events but respect their privacy if they choose not to talk about them. Let them know you care.
Recommend 30-60 matches/year
Mastery of technique with advanced concepts
Test and track all training program results
10 Factors for Athlete Development: Physical literacy, Specialization, Age, Trainability, Intellectual/Emotional/Moral Development, Excellence Takes Time, Periodization, Competition, System Alignment, Continuous Improvement
2015 USA Word Team Members Men’s Freestyle Head Coach, Bruce Burnett Women’s Freestyle Head Coach, Terry Steiner Greco-Roman Head Coach, Matt Lindland
photos by Jen G Images
Athlete Development Model (ADM) Athlete Training Standards from USA Wrestling’s National Coaches Education Program
Age 5-8
Age 9-12
Early Years • • • • • • •
Focus is on FUN, games and activities Daily agility, balance and coordination drills 5-12 hours/wk physical activity (including wrestling) No weight loss other than for health Focus on long-term learning over winning Learn wrestling rules and basic techniques Learn respect for opponents, coaches & officials
For Parents
Age 13-17
Age 18-22
Late Childhood to Young Adult • Introduce wrestling specific strategies • Learn to focus through a full practice • Increase levels of competition
For Parents
• Implement complex coordination and movement training • Solid technique in every position
Age 22+
World-Class • Speed, strength, endurance, power and flexibility • Well defined competition style
• Intrinsic motivation key
• Competitive weight management
For Parents
For Parents
Athlete Development Model (ADM) Athlete Training Standards from USA Wrestling’s National Coaches Education Program
Age 5-8
Age 9-12
Early Years • • • • • • •
Focus is on FUN, games and activities Daily agility, balance and coordination drills 5-12 hours/wk physical activity (including wrestling) No weight loss other than for health Focus on long-term learning over winning Learn wrestling rules and basic techniques Learn respect for opponents, coaches & officials
Age 13-17
Age 18-22
Late Childhood to Young Adult • Introduce wrestling specific strategies • Learn to focus through a full practice • Increase levels of competition
• Implement complex coordination and movement training • Solid technique in every position
Age 22+
World-Class • Speed, strength, endurance, power and flexibility • Well defined competition style
• Intrinsic motivation key
• Competitive weight management
For Parents
For Parents
For Parents
For Parents
At this age, it is essential that your child learns basic Fundamental Movement Skills.
Ensure goal setting skills are introduced
Trust your coaches, enjoy the sport and support your athlete
Your athlete should be self-reliant and independent
Early success is not a good indicator of future success in wrestling. Provide a fun and nonjudgmental environment so your child can enjoy wrestling into the next age group.
Promote confidence and self-discipline
Athletes will typically specialize in one sport
Excellent attention control and positive self-talk
Ask your child about practice and events but respect their privacy if they choose not to talk about them. Let them know you care.
Emphasize rest and recovery periods after training & competition Multi-sport approach
Athletes learn to take criticism as feedback and they understand winning and losing
Mastery of technique with advanced concepts
Early Years • • • • • • •
Focus is on FUN, games and activities Daily agility, balance and coordination drills 5-12 hours/wk physical activity (including wrestling) No weight loss other than for health Focus on long-term learning over winning Learn wrestling rules and basic techniques Learn respect for opponents, coaches & officials
Late Childhood to Young Adult • Introduce wrestling specific strategies • Learn to focus through a full practice • Increase levels of competition
• Implement complex coordination and movement training • Solid technique in every position
World-Class • Speed, strength, endurance, power and flexibility • Well defined competition style
• Intrinsic motivation key
• Competitive weight management
For Parents
For Parents
For Parents
For Parents
At this age, it is essential that your child learns basic Fundamental Movement Skills.
Ensure goal setting skills are introduced
Trust your coaches, enjoy the sport and support your athlete
Your athlete should be self-reliant and independent
Early success is not a good indicator of future success in wrestling. Provide a fun and nonjudgmental environment so your child can enjoy wrestling into the next age group.
Promote confidence and self-discipline
Athletes will typically specialize in one sport
Excellent attention control and positive self-talk
Emphasize rest and recovery periods after training & competition Multi-sport approach
Athletes learn to take criticism as feedback and they understand winning and losing
Children don’t fully understand competition, they just want to make their parents happy.
Athletes should be eating and hydrated daily w/ balanced diets
Healthy diets with well structured gradual weight descent plans
Elite national & international competitions
For Coaches
For Coaches
For Coaches
For Coaches
For Coaches
2-3 practices/wk of 45-60 minutes
4-6 practices/wk of 60-90 minutes
5-10 practices/wk of 90-120 minutes with rest between sessions
10-15 practices/wk of varying intensity
1.5-2.5 hour practices + key recovery plans
Tumbling and FUN
Routine and repetitions Group and Individual
Periodization planning should be utilized and presented to athletes
Sport science specialists essential
Free Play > Technique
Focus on routines, core strength and flexibility
Recommend 10-25 matches/year
Recommend 20-40 matches/year
Ask your child about practice and events but respect their privacy if they choose not to talk about them. Let them know you care.
Recommend 30-60 matches/year
Mastery of technique with advanced concepts
Test and track all training program results
10 Factors for Athlete Development: Physical literacy, Specialization, Age, Trainability, Intellectual/Emotional/Moral Development, Excellence Takes Time, Periodization, Competition, System Alignment, Continuous Improvement
about them. Let them know you care.
Multi-sport approach
winning and losing
with advanced concepts
Children don’t fully understand competition, they just want to make their parents happy.
Athletes should be eating and hydrated daily w/ balanced diets
Healthy diets with well structured gradual weight descent plans
Elite national & international competitions
For Coaches
For Coaches
For Coaches
For Coaches
For Coaches
2-3 practices/wk of 45-60 minutes
4-6 practices/wk of 60-90 minutes
5-10 practices/wk of 90-120 minutes with rest between sessions
10-15 practices/wk of varying intensity
1.5-2.5 hour practices + key recovery plans
Tumbling and FUN
Routine and repetitions Group and Individual
Periodization planning should be utilized and presented to athletes
Sport science specialists essential
Free Play > Technique
Focus on routines, core strength and flexibility
Recommend 10-25 matches/year
Recommend 20-40 matches/year
Recommend 30-60 matches/year
Test and track all training program results
10 Factors for Athlete Development: Physical literacy, Specialization, Age, Trainability, Intellectual/Emotional/Moral Development, Excellence Takes Time, Periodization, Competition, System Alignment, Continuous Improvement
2015 USA Word Team Members Men’s Freestyle Head Coach, Bruce Burnett Women’s Freestyle Head Coach, Terry Steiner Greco-Roman Head Coach, Matt Lindland
photos by Jen G Images
10 Key Factors for Athlete Development: 1 of 10: Physical Literacy
Key Concepts: 1. Provide unstructured play time 2. Teach the importance of exercise, nutrition and sleep 3. Use a wide variety of activities 4. Teach simple rules and sport ethics 5. No weight cutting recommended
Training Standards for Ages 0-12
Physical literacy is when kids learn basic fundamental movement skills and fundamental sport skills. Kids age 0-12 need health-enhancing physical activity in a fun and positive environment. Physical literacy takes practice. Remember when you learned to read? Were you a fast reader right from the start? Physical literacy takes time too. Whether your young athlete has goals of Olympic fame or is in wrestling for fun, physical literacy is the key component that wrestlers should develop early on and continue to practice throughout life.
Key Points: • • • • • •
Learn basic body movements Combine those body movements into a series (roll, crawl, tumble, run) Use them in wrestling situations (example: forward roll to a partner then hit a double leg) Physical literacy builds a child’s confidence for any activity or competition Physical literacy builds life-long healthy habits Kids gain a healthier respect for themselves, for others and for their environment
Individuals who are physically literate move well in physically challenging situations. These individuals learn to “read” the environment they are in. They anticipate what to do and how to respond appropriately. Athletes 12 and under are encouraged to participate in at least two or three sports. This will help them develop physical skills and a passion for competition. Four basic environments to build physical literacy: 1. On the ground 2. In the water 3. On snow and ice 4. In the air - the basis for gymnastics Keys for Ages: 0 to 6
“Even if parents and coaches know and understand ageappropriate principles for children, I think they would be reluctant to accept them because they would fear their child would fall behind…” - Kirk Anderson, Director of Coaching Education for the US Tennis Association
Fear Cycle Fear
Self-Destruction
Anger (a “D” away from Danger)
Causes of Fear in Youth Sports Letting down your parents Letting down your coach Letting down your teammates Fear of failure Zeke Moisley, WVU
Who are we as a sport? Do we disagree? Match Rules Training Programs Duals vs Tournaments Match Limits Youth Nationals Weight Management
We Agree on Core Values Balancing academic, social and athletics experiences.
Integrity and sportsmanship. Enhancing the sense of community/volunteerism Inclusive culture for equal participation for all student-athletes Career opportunities for coaches and administrators from diverse backgrounds.
Thank you! Mike Clayton mclayton@usawrestling.org
References:
ESPN: http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/9469252/hidden-demographics-youth-sports-espn-magazine Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agoge Changing the Game Project: http://changingthegameproject.com/is-it-wise-to-specialize/ Early Specialization Study: http://www.newswise.com/articles/intense-specialized-training-in-young-athletes-linked-to-serious-overuse-injuries Long Term Athlete Development by Balyi