Dan Gable, a legendary wrestler and coach, has a unique perspective on helping kids and their parents get started in the sport of wrestling. As the grandfather of 14 boys and girls, most of whom have also wrestled as kids, Gable has witnessed firsthand the development of young athletes and the challenges they face. In this insightful interview, Gable shares his thoughts on the key elements that can help children discover their passion for wrestling and lay the foundation for a successful journey in the sport.

Unleashing the Natural Wrestler Within

The Spark That Ignites a Passion for Wrestling

Unlike other sports, where children may first see the action on television, Gable explains that the interest in wrestling often stems from a family connection. "When kids grow up, most are tumbling around the living room with a sibling or close friend. They don't really know what wrestling is or they may never have watched a wrestling match." This natural inclination towards physical play and exploration can be the starting point for a child's journey into the world of wrestling.Gable recounts his own observations of his grandchildren, noting that "when my grandkids come over, it's like there is a wrestling match every day with them and someone is on top." These spontaneous moments of playful grappling can be the catalyst that sparks a child's interest in the sport.

Harnessing the Power of Throwing Dummies

Gable emphasizes the importance of providing children with the right tools to nurture their natural wrestling abilities. One such tool is the throwing dummy, which Gable believes can be a game-changer in a child's development. He shares an anecdote about his four-year-old grandson, Mac, who "picked up this big five-foot-long stuffed fish and watched him whip and throw and beat the heck out of this fish for 15 straight minutes." Gable was impressed by the confidence and natural wrestling skills displayed by the young child, and it inspired him to think about creating new attack moves and techniques specifically tailored for kids working with throwing dummies.The throwing dummy, Gable suggests, can be a valuable tool in helping children transition from the natural movements of tumbling to the more structured skills of wrestling. By allowing them to explore and experiment with throwing and grappling, the dummy can help build their confidence and reinforce the fundamental movements that are essential to the sport.

Preserving Natural Abilities Through Proper Coaching

While natural abilities are a great starting point, Gable emphasizes the importance of proper coaching to help children develop their skills correctly. He notes that "a lot of wrestling skills, tactics and strategies can be learned, but are not being taught as much as they could be at these young ages." Gable believes that if children don't learn the correct skills right away, they are likely to develop bad habits that can be difficult to break later on.Gable draws inspiration from the Russian system of wrestling, where children often spend more time on gymnastics drills rather than wrestling drills. "Gymnastics is more about balance and body positions. And in applying that to wrestling and a leg tackle, if your arms get away from your body, you are going to be extended and weaker and won't be able to finish the takedown." By focusing on these foundational skills, coaches can help children build a strong technical foundation that complements their natural abilities.

Individualizing the Approach to Maximize Potential

Gable emphasizes the importance of tailoring the coaching approach to each individual child. "You don't have a group of kids and teach them all the same thing. You have a group and want to know something about each of them." He suggests that coaches should observe and understand the unique strengths and characteristics of each child, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.This individualized approach extends to the specific skills and techniques that are taught. Gable explains, "One kid might be tall and good at using leverage, while another might be shorter and stronger. You don't have a group of kids and teach them all the same thing. You have a group and want to know something about each of them."By recognizing and nurturing the natural abilities of each child, coaches can help them develop their full potential and avoid the pitfall of "beating a dead horse" by trying to force a child to master a skill that may not be their natural strength.

Balancing Mastery and Exploration

Gable acknowledges the delicate balance between mastering a specific skill and exploring a variety of techniques. He advises, "You do want to master something, but you can't just beat a dead horse." The key, he suggests, is to find the right pace and progression for each child, allowing them to develop a solid foundation in core skills while also exposing them to a diverse range of techniques and strategies.Gable emphasizes the importance of coaches being observant and adaptable, constantly assessing the needs and abilities of each child. "Coaches don't know what they've got until they witness it. If you are the one teaching it, you are wasting time if you are trying to teach something one kid already knows."By striking this balance between mastery and exploration, coaches can help children develop a well-rounded skill set while maintaining their natural enthusiasm and passion for the sport.