British Wrestling recently played host to a United World Wrestling (UWW) Level 3 coaching course, held at the British Wrestling Academy in Salford. From 27th November to 1st December, coaches from around the globe gathered for an immersive learning experience led by Zac Dominguez, a distinguished UWW educator from the USA.
Zac Dominguez, a UWW Certified Coach Educator and Gold Certified Coach for USA Wrestling, brought his wealth of expertise to the course. Participants had the privilege of delving into a comprehensive curriculum that covered diverse aspects of coaching in the sport of wrestling.
Dr. Saam Falahati, UWW Doctor and Chief Medical Officer for British Wrestling, enriched the course with a session on nutrition and hydration tailored specifically for wrestling. This essential knowledge ensures that coaches are well-equipped to guide their athletes towards optimal performance and well-being.
Vaclav Scheiner, a Category 1S official from the Czech Republic and UWW educator, contributed invaluable insights during a session focusing on rules and coach-referee relationships. Coaches had the unique opportunity to step into the shoes of referees during mock matches, gaining a firsthand understanding of the pressures associated with officiating.
The course emphasised two main areas crucial for wrestling coaches. The first centred on the implementation of periodisation in training, exploring different training phases and strategies. Through practical microteaching sessions, coaches not only planned but also implemented training sessions aligned with specific goals for each phase.
The second focal point was the development of a coaching philosophy statement. Participants examined how their core values, purpose, and coaching style could be integrated into a written statement. This philosophy would serve as a guiding force in practice planning, leadership development, and overall coaching conduct.
Additionally, the course explored the utilisation of video analysis to establish and integrate goals into practice plans. Coaches gained valuable insights into strategies for coaching during competitions, covering tactics to employ before, during, and after bouts. The course also delved into methods for fostering athlete belief in the overall training programme.
Course attendee Stevie McKeown said “After successfully finishing both levels 1 and 2 of the United World Wrestling coaching course, I was eagerly anticipating the opportunity to engage in the UWW level 3 course held in Manchester. During the program, I gained valuable insights into periodization in planning, video analysis, coaching philosophy development, evaluation of holds for Freestyle, Greco-Roman, and Women’s Wrestling, as well as nutrition and hydration for wrestling.”
GBR National Coach Mick Sudron said “I learnt how to plan better for my athletes for a season and to peak for a specific competition, something I can take into my work with athletes on the National Development Squad”
The international nature of the event was highlighted by the diverse group of coaches in attendance, representing countries such as Australia, the Netherlands, and, of course, Great Britain. The course not only provided a platform for the exchange of coaching methodologies but also facilitated cultural sharing of ideas among the global wrestling community.
In conclusion, the UWW Level 3 coaching course at the British Wrestling Academy was a resounding success, contributing significantly to the ongoing development and global exchange of coaching expertise in the world of wrestling. British Wrestling remains committed to fostering excellence in coaching and propelling the sport to new heights on the international stage.
