It was the week of February 24th. We had the regional tournament the past weekend and the top three advanced to states. At the start of the post season I thought we’d have two qualify and if things went well, three. We only had one advance to regionals, but she made the finals and qualified for the state championship.
We had a week between and encouraged the girls to keep coming to practice even though their season was over.
That Wednesday, one of the girls I thought would qualify was in the room. She was recuperating from an injury, but was allowed light sparring no shots.
I went with her. We did hand fighting, it was the first time I’d done sustained wrestling in any form in a while. While we were hand fighting hard I was taking time to show her some things, especially a short drag, reverse headlock, body lock, and defense from over under.
At one point she said it was hardest she went in weeks, I was thinking years!
It is all a matter of perspective.
In work, I learned a long time ago to take the time to show people how to do something. It might take more time in the short term, but in the long term it benefits both people. It saves one person from doing work and empowers another to take on additional responsibility.
On the mat, I was admittedly out of shape, and she was going hard. I was also trying to wrestle to her level and not use my size. I had to make it as realistic as possible for her.
Being a male, 40 pounds heavier, and with a lifetime of experience, against a person with barely two years experience, I had to find focus points that would allow her to get the most out of it.
What are the most important technique points for her to be thinking about? How can I set them up for her to implement them. All the while going hard enough to keep a good sweat going.
Having the perspective of knowing what is trying to be accomplished, what people and factors are at play, and how you can make them all work best together are critical to being successful.
Would it matter if I won every exchange? Would it be beneficial if I got work done quicker by myself instead of taking the time to teach someone?
If your only definition of success is winning, have a good understanding of what that means and why it is so important.
Resilient Seeker Coaching | Ross Raymond Nunamaker 