Preface

Originally designed as a syllabus for teachers and students in the restling skills and techniques classes at Springfield College, the materials in this book have also been successfully used as a self-teaching manual by wrestlers and coaches throughout the country. The content and its arrangement is the result of many years of experience in developing an effective wrestling program. A student's comment or action in class and discussion with other instructors, coaches, and wrestlers have provided many of the ideas and techniques.

This guide presents the fundamentals of effective wrestling in a progression specifically designed for efficient learning. From the numberless holds, counters, and blocks that constitute skillful Wrestling, this book explains and illustrates in detail 65 maneuvers, arranging them in 38 sequences and drills.

The sequences teach the basic wrestling techniques through step-by-step instructions, with each step given in full detail and keyed to an accompanying illustration. In learning the various moves and holds, the wrestler uses them in combinations that progressively develop his skills in a sure and logical manner.

The basic positions and movements are practiced in the warm-up and conditioning activities, and are then followed by the sequences. The holds
and maneuvers are also listed in summary according to the usual categories of take-downs, rides, pins, and reversals. An outline for 30 lessons suggests a scheme for individual or class instruction.

The author wishes to express his grateful appreciation to all persons who have shared in the preparation of this book, especially to the students, practice teachers, graduate assistants, and instructors who have participated in the wrestling classes at Springfield College and in the Navy V-5 program. Special acknowledgment is made to the coaches of wrestling who responded to the writer's requests for suggestions and materials.The photographs were taken by Allen Kidoguchi. Demonstrating the various maneuvers with the author is Eric Beardsley, now wrestling coach at Central Washington College of Education. He appears in the white tights. The author is extremely grateful to these men for their patient cooperation and effective work.

RAYMOND E. SPARKS

Springfield, Massachusetts

August 1960