How to Outsmart Your Opponent: Innovative Strategies for Wrestlers

Hey wrestling parents! If you’ve ever watched a match and wondered, Why did that wrestler win?—chances are, it wasn’t just strength or speed that made the difference. Wrestling is often called "physical chess" because it’s as much about strategy as it is about muscle. The smartest wrestlers—those who can outthink their opponents—have a huge advantage.

So how does a wrestler develop mat intelligence and use strategy to win matches? Here’s a breakdown of innovative ways wrestlers can outsmart their opponents, plus tips for parents on how to help your wrestler develop a tactical mindset.

The Mental Side of Wrestling

Before we dive into specific strategies, let’s get one thing straight: Wrestling isn’t just about who’s stronger or faster—it’s about who can make better decisions, adapt faster, and stay one step ahead.

A smart wrestler: Predicts their opponent’s moves before they happen. Controls the pace of the match instead of reacting to everything. Sets traps that force their opponent into mistakes. Knows their strengths and plays to them.

With the right mindset and preparation, your wrestler can beat opponents who may be physically stronger but less strategic.

1. Study Your Opponent Like a Detective

Wrestling is all about patterns. Every opponent has habits, tendencies, and favorite moves. The best wrestlers watch and analyze their opponents before stepping on the mat.

How to Scout an Opponent

Watch their previous matches (if possible). Look for:

• Their go-to takedowns (single leg, double leg, high crotch?).

• Their stance (are they defensive or aggressive?).

• Their weaknesses (do they struggle on bottom?).

📌 Pro Tip: If your wrestler doesn’t have access to match footage, scout in real time. If they’re at a tournament, they should watch their opponent’s earlier matches before they wrestle them.

How Parents Can Help: If your wrestler is competing regularly, encourage them to take mental notes on common opponents. Even jotting down a few observations after a match can help them remember what to work on next time.

2. Control the Tempo: Don’t Let the Opponent Dictate the Match

One of the biggest mistakes wrestlers make is letting their opponent control the pace of the match. A smart wrestler dictates the rhythm and forces their opponent to wrestle on their terms.

Ways to Control the Pace

Start strong: The first 30 seconds set the tone. An aggressive first move can shake an opponent’s confidence. Slow it down or speed it up: If an opponent thrives in high-paced scrambles, slow them down with tie-ups and mat control. If they’re more methodical, push the pace to wear them out. Change up the rhythm: Mix in fake shots, resets, and level changes to keep them guessing.

📌 Pro Tip: If your wrestler controls the center of the mat, they’re dictating the match. Avoid backing up too much—aggression wins close matches.

How Parents Can Help: Encourage your wrestler to focus on energy management in practice. Teach them that it’s not about going all-out the entire match—it’s about knowing when to explode and when to conserve energy.

3. Set Traps and Make the Opponent React

A smart wrestler doesn’t just attack randomly—they set traps. The goal is to make the opponent react in a predictable way, then capitalize on that reaction.

Examples of Setting Traps

Fake a shot to get them reaching, then attack. Snap their head down, then hit a quick ankle pick when they pop back up. Let them in on a weak shot, then counter with a whizzer or go-behind.

📌 Pro Tip: The best wrestlers don’t force their moves. They create openings and then take what’s available.

How Parents Can Help: If your wrestler struggles to create opportunities, encourage them to practice feints and fakes during drills. Learning to bait an opponent into a mistake is a huge skill.

4. Stay Calm Under Pressure and Adapt

Ever seen a wrestler panic when they get in a bad position? The best wrestlers stay calm and adjust—even when things aren’t going their way.

How to Improve Mat Awareness

Drill bad positions (like defending a single leg or escaping from bottom). Wrestlers who practice these situations remain composed under pressure. Recover quickly—even if a wrestler gets taken down, they should immediately work toward an escape or reversal instead of dwelling on the mistake. Think two moves ahead—if a takedown attempt fails, have a follow-up move ready.

📌 Pro Tip: A great wrestler doesn’t just react—they adapt on the fly and find ways to win even when things don’t go as planned.

How Parents Can Help: Teach your wrestler to let go of mistakes quickly. Instead of saying, “You shouldn’t have gotten taken down,” say, “What’s your plan for getting the next point?”

5. Win the Mental Battle

Wrestling is 90% mental. If an opponent believes they’re going to lose, they probably will. The best wrestlers build mental toughness and use it to gain an edge.

Mental Strategies to Stay Ahead

Confidence is key—A wrestler should step onto the mat believing they can win, no matter who the opponent is. Eye contact matters—Making strong eye contact before a match can intimidate an opponent. Positive self-talk—Encourage your wrestler to replace negative thoughts (like "I'm gonna lose") with actionable goals (like "Stay aggressive, get to my attacks").

📌 Pro Tip: A mentally strong wrestler never shows frustration—even when losing. Staying composed can rattle an opponent who expects them to fold.

How Parents Can Help: Confidence comes from preparation. Remind your wrestler that every hard practice is a deposit in the bank—and on match day, they get to make a withdrawal.

Final Thoughts: Outsmart, Outwork, Outlast

The best wrestlers aren’t just physically strong—they’re strategically smart. By studying opponents, controlling the pace, setting traps, staying calm, and winning the mental battle, your wrestler can outthink and outmaneuver their competition.

So, wrestling parents—encourage your athlete to train their mind as much as their body. Because in wrestling, the smartest wrestler is often the one who gets their hand raised.