This study aimed to identify and establish the hierarchy of success factors in wrestling, regardless of fighting style and weight class. Seven key success factors were identified, shedding light on the attributes that differentiate successful wrestlers from their less successful counterparts.
1. Peak Power of Upper Limb Muscles: Ranked at the top, emphasizing the critical role of anaerobic power in achieving high-level wrestling performance. This factor is crucial for executing technical maneuvers and controlling opponents.
2. Strength Endurance: Proven to be a key factor leading to performance success in wrestling. High strength endurance, as measured by continuous pull-ups, was significantly associated with success in both junior and senior wrestlers.
3. Response Time: Identified as an important success factor, as wrestlers need to register, process, and counteract opponents' actions swiftly. Response time to a light signal was considered crucial in the cluster of success factors.
4. Special Endurance: Evaluated through suplex throws, mirroring conditions of an official wrestling fight. Maintaining high intensity during extended periods is vital for success in wrestling.
5. Wrestling-Specific Fitness (B5): Successful wrestlers demonstrated significantly higher results in neck bridge circles, a wrestling-specific skill requiring well-developed cervical extensor muscles. Isometric strength in these muscles is crucial for countering opponents' actions.
6 and 7. Technical Wrestling Skills in a Horizontal Position: The reverse waist-lock from a standing position and trunk grip gut wrench were identified as important success factors. Higher muscle mass and anaerobic power contribute to easier execution of technical maneuvers.
The study suggests that monitoring the training process effectively involves focusing on these seven key variables. The hierarchy of success factors differs from previous findings, possibly due to the inclusion of success factors common to both wrestling styles. The unique value of this study lies in highlighting the order of success factors for wrestlers in both styles, providing insights into optimizing training monitoring processes and minimizing associated costs.
These tests help us understand the basics of what physical strength and endurance is required to be successful in wrestling. Power output and the ability to keep pushing (endurance) are critical, as well as, utilizing clean and decisive technique as to not waste any power or time. Please post any thoughts or comments below. We will be responding to every comment!
The study used for reference:
Cieśliński I, Gierczuk D, Sadowski J (2021) Identification of success factors in elite wrestlers—An exploratory study. PLoS ONE 16(3): e0247565. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. pone.0247565
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