Wrestling is one of the toughest sports, both physically and mentally. Every match, every practice, every drill pushes athletes beyond their limits. The last thing they need is extra pressure from the people who are supposed to be their biggest supporters.
Parents and coaches play a crucial role in shaping a wrestler’s experience. If you want to help them succeed—not just in wrestling, but in life—prioritize support and encouragement over criticism and pressure. Here’s how.
1. The Best Thing You Can Say After a Match
Want to know the most powerful phrase you can say after your child wrestles? “I love watching you wrestle.”
That’s it. No overanalyzing. No breaking down what went wrong. Just a simple statement that reinforces that your love and pride aren’t tied to the outcome of a match.
Your child already knows what they need to work on. They already feel the weight of a tough loss. What they need from you is reassurance, not a post-match critique.
2. Wrestling Is Hard Enough Without Extra Pressure
Wrestlers already face enough pressure—from opponents, coaches, and themselves. When parents pile on extra expectations, it only adds to the weight they’re carrying.
Your job is to be their safe space, not another source of stress. If they start associating wrestling with feeling like they’re never good enough, they’ll lose their love for the sport.
The best way to help them stay motivated? Make sure they know that win or lose, you’re in their corner.
3. Criticism Without Encouragement Kills Confidence
If the only thing your child hears from you is what they did wrong, they’ll start to associate wrestling with disappointment instead of growth.
Think about it: How would you feel if your boss only pointed out your mistakes and never acknowledged your hard work? It would be discouraging, right?
The same goes for young wrestlers. Constructive criticism is important, but it should never outweigh encouragement. Confidence comes from knowing that effort is recognized—not just results.
4. Encouragement Doesn’t Mean Ignoring Mistakes
Support doesn’t mean pretending everything is perfect. It means delivering feedback in a way that builds confidence, not tears it down. Here’s how:
- Acknowledge their effort first. Before discussing technique, recognize their hard work.
- Ask questions instead of giving commands. Instead of saying, “You need to finish your shots,” ask, “What do you think you could’ve done differently on that shot?”
- Reframe mistakes as learning opportunities. Losing isn’t failure—it’s a chance to improve.
- Balance critique with praise. For every correction, highlight something they did well.
- Make sure they know you’re proud. Wrestling is about more than winning. Let them know you see their growth.
5. Confidence Grows from Support, Not Criticism
A wrestler who feels supported, no matter the outcome, will develop real confidence—the kind that lasts beyond the mat.
Confidence isn’t built by constantly being told what’s wrong. It’s built when athletes know they have people who believe in them, win or lose.
When your child steps on the mat, they should feel empowered, not afraid of disappointing you. Be the person they can count on, no matter what happens.
Final Thoughts
Your child’s wrestling experience shouldn’t be defined by pressure and criticism—it should be fueled by encouragement and support.
They’ll remember how you made them feel far longer than they’ll remember any match results. Choose to be the voice that lifts them up, that reinforces their love for the sport, and that makes them feel proud of the effort they put in.
At the end of the day, the most important thing isn’t the wins or the losses.
It’s that they know you love watching them wrestle.
