The Genius Behind Coach Ivan’s Wrestling Practice Structure: Simple, Smart, and Skill-Driven

Wrestling is one of the most demanding and detail-oriented sports a child can participate in. With so much to learn—technique, timing, positioning, strength, and mental focus—a well-organized practice structure can make all the difference in helping kids absorb, retain, and execute skills effectively. That’s exactly why Coach Ivan’s approach to wrestling practice stands out. It’s not just smart—it’s genius in its simplicity and effectiveness.

Rather than overwhelming young wrestlers with endless drilling or chaotic sparring, Coach Ivan uses a step-by-step structure that meets kids where they are, gently builds confidence, and develops technical skill in a thoughtful progression. In this blog, we’ll walk through the components of Coach Ivan’s practice format and explain why it works so well for youth wrestlers.

1. Active Stretch Warm-Up to Start Things Right

Every practice begins with a short active stretch warm-up, which helps wake up the body and prepare the muscles for movement. This is different from a traditional static stretch session. Instead, Coach Ivan’s warm-up gets kids moving right away—light jogging, arm circles, hip mobility, and movement-based stretches to get the heart rate up and increase flexibility.

The goal here isn’t to exhaust the kids—it’s to prime their bodies and minds for what’s coming. A quick, active warm-up prevents injury and sets the tone for focus and engagement.

2. Skill-Based Games to Develop Core Athletic Qualities

After the initial stretch, Coach Ivan leads the group in warm-up games—but not just for fun. Each game is chosen specifically to help kids develop key foundational skills: balance, timing, rhythm, and reaction. Whether it's a partner mirror drill, a footwork tag game, or a reaction-based movement challenge, every game serves a technical purpose.

This is a brilliant way to engage young athletes, especially those new to the sport. They’re learning to move like wrestlers without even realizing it, building the athletic instincts that support good technique later on.

3. Introducing a Central Idea: Starting with a Simple Concept

Next, the technical portion of practice begins with a clear focus—a central idea or scenario, like what to do when an opponent posts on your head. From this single idea, Coach Ivan builds the rest of practice step by step.

The first move introduced is always simple and easy to learn—a basic setup, motion, or reaction. Kids get a chance to drill this move in a controlled, repeatable way, building confidence as they go.

Then, the second move is a natural follow-up—a logical finish or simple attack that flows directly from the first move. This teaches young wrestlers how to connect actions, rather than seeing moves as isolated techniques.

4. Short Sparring Rounds to Reinforce the Lesson

Once the kids have drilled the move and its finish, Coach Ivan puts them into 30-second short live spars. These aren’t full matches—they’re focused scenarios designed to give wrestlers a safe and limited chance to experiment with the move in real time.

This part of practice is crucial. It allows kids to feel the move against live resistance while still keeping the pace high and the expectations clear. Repetition with purpose builds muscle memory and timing.

5. Skill-Based Game or Quick Break to Reset

Before moving into more advanced material, the group may finish this first block of practice with a short skill-based game or take a quick water break. This rhythm of learning, applying, and resetting helps keep kids fresh, focused, and engaged.

Rather than running them down with nonstop drilling, Coach Ivan gives them space to recover and absorb what they’ve learned—a key part of any good teaching structure.

6. Introducing a More Complicated Extension

After the break, it’s time to revisit the central idea—but this time, with more complexity. Coach Ivan introduces a move that extends the first sequence into a counter-to-a-counter or one that involves more detailed footwork or timing.

This layering of skill is where the genius really shows. The kids are now ready to try something harder because they already understand the basic position. They’re not starting from scratch—they’re building on a foundation.

Again, short 30-second spars follow to help reinforce this harder move under live conditions.

7. Ending with a Simple Technique for Confidence

To finish the technical portion, Coach Ivan brings the energy back down with a final, simple move—something easy to learn and satisfying to hit. This creates a feeling of success and gives kids one more tool to take home feeling accomplished.

By ending on a win, Coach Ivan keeps the environment positive and encouraging, even after tackling more difficult material earlier.

8. Positional Live and End-of-Practice Pow-Wow

The final block of practice often includes positional live wrestling, where kids spar from specific starting positions—like top, bottom, or neutral. This is not a full match, but a chance to apply the day’s lessons in a structured format that still feels competitive.

At the end of practice, Coach Ivan leads a short team pow-wow. This is where the team circles up, reviews the day’s focus, and reinforces key takeaways. Kids are free to ask questions, share something they learned, or just listen and reflect.

Then, they’re released to head home—tired, sweaty, and better than when they walked in.

Why Coach Ivan’s Practice Works

Coach Ivan’s approach to practice is both intentionally structured and incredibly effective. It builds from simple to complex and back to simple again, allowing kids to build confidence, take risks, and grow their skills without getting overwhelmed.

By combining movement, games, technique, sparring, and reflection, Coach Ivan gives young wrestlers a complete experience—one that strengthens their bodies, sharpens their minds, and builds their love for the sport.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes a great wrestling practice, this is it. It’s not just about drilling harder. It’s about teaching smarter. And Coach Ivan does exactly that.