Plymouth Wrestling Academy (PWA) Philosophy

We believe success in wrestling, as in life, comes through preparation and a sincere commitment to self-improvement. Wrestling can be an opportunity for young athletes to mature mentally and physically and provide them with experiences that will carry over into their adult lives.  We aim to develop ourselves intellectually, socially, spiritually, and physically.

Wrestling Practices and Agenda

Wrestling practice is open to parents to attend, although parent attendance is not mandatory. Parents may sit in chairs provided near the entrance or may sit against wrestling room walls if there is enough room. It is discouraged to have parents/siblings roaming around the hallways of the high school as there are other extracurricular activities going on at the same time; so we ask you to keep the wrestling family together in the wrestling room vicinity. If you have questions about this policy please contact Coach Berri.

Goal Setting

Without a goal our team and wrestlers have no direction. Together, we will work towards setting up goals. Even prior to each practice or match, our wrestlers will be encouraged to set up at least one goal.

• Wrestle for something more than just winning!  

• Foster an aura of positive energy and gratitude to unleash the potential that we all have in us.

• Do the best we can on and off the mat.

Cardiovascular/Endurance Training

We will train the mind and body with challenging activities every practice.

Strength Training

We like to emphasize developing power in the legs and back but ultimately will incorporate some strength training into our practices.

Technique Training

The coaching staff stays on top of the latest and greatest techniques. Wrestlers are encouraged to have their matches recorded and we can always review them with the coaches.  In the end, good technique comes from repetition and quality time/drilling on the mat. 

Fun

We will set aside time for fun events/activities during practice to help keep kids engaged.

Nutritional Education

We, to the best of our ability, try to give the athletes/parents an introduction to thinking about the importance of nutrition and its role in their overall training.

Academic Standards

Our wrestlers are student-athletes. We have an expectation that our athletes will work as hard in the classroom as they do in the practice room. We sincerely believe we can develop quality wrestlers, great students and excellent citizens at the same time.

You Must Outwork Your Opponents

Open group practice sessions are about 2-3 hours per week.  We believe that wrestlers that stand out over time, also put in work outside of the normal practices through private sessions, additional strength and conditioning, home videos, summer camps, mindset training etc. This may or may not be appropriate depending on age, maturity, and goals.  

Practice Gear and General Equipment

Everyone needs wrestling shoes and they can be purchased online (biggest selection) or in stores. We recommend shorts or jogging pants and a t-shirt or long sleeve shirt that are not very baggy/loose. A wrestling knee pad or two and a headgear is recommended but not mandated. Showering thoroughly directly after practice is highly encouraged. You are not required to wear any specific singlet for regular season competition but you may choose to. Recommend no tank tops. We are not allowed to wrestle shirtless and please avoid clothing with zippers or other things that may be abrasive. No jewelry during practice. Please silence phones.

Tournaments and Competition

Parents take wrestlers to and from competitions. We are registered for USA wrestling and MYWAY wrestling. If you and you child want to compete, then we will aim to always conduct ourselves in a manner that will reflect pride upon the community, team, and ourselves at all competitions. More information about upcoming competitions and weigh in procedures will be distributed throughout the season as they come out.

Sportsmanship

Classy behavior is expected of every member of the Plymouth Wrestling Academy family.  Coaches, wrestlers, parents and fans all represent who we are as a program.  “That is one classy team,” is what we expect other clubs and observers to say about us.

Parent and Student Responsibilities and Tips 

Parents

• Encourage your wrestler to participate in all team activities. Encourage your wrestler to be on time and ready for all activities.

• Encourage your wrestler to be a good listener and learn as much as possible.

• Encourage your wrestler to ask questions whenever necessary.

• Always stress learning and giving your best effort as opposed to winning.

• Treat your wrestler the same in wins and losses.

• Concentrate on the positive aspects of your wrestler’s performance, not the negative.

• Emphasize the importance of sportsmanship and humility.

• Support the coaches.  If there is a disagreement, speak with the coaches privately.

• Be as involved as you possibly can.

Wrestlers

• Show up on time or early

• Be a good listener

• Try to learn a new technique or strategy at every practice.

• Watch wrestling.  Observe your teammates, and other successful wrestlers.  Notice what works for them and make plans for yourself.

• Ask questions when needed.  The only dumb question is the one not asked.

• Listen to constructive input from your parents, coaches or teammates.  Put to use what you can.

• Be mentally and physically ready for all practices and competitions.

• Be humble.  Show class in victories and defeats. No acting negative emotions on the mat.

• Support wrestling, bring a friend to get involved if you like.

Safety and Emergency Action Plan

Coach Berri is BLS/CPR certified and there is an emergency action plan in place with access to an AED device in the case of emergency. All incidents of safety or serious injury concerns will be recorded in the form of a written incident report.

Youth Wrestling Head Coach:      

Hassen Berri

PlymouthWrestlingAcademy@gmail.com