As a coach, have you ever thought about how to give your wrestlers constant feedback on their matches? Coach Hatfield’s Match Skill Record is an alternative to videotape.
Videotaping didn’t exist before then. I wanted a fast way to capture and assess my wrestlers in their matches. What I call the Match Skill Record is what I came up with. To quickly track the skill of my wrestlers, I used a very simple form that was placed on a card 51/2×81/2. Match Skill Record, which was made possible by the advent of video technology, allowed for the review and analysis of each wrestler’s taped match. Both of these tools are invaluable to providing valuable feedback to wrestlers.
This was the match skill record:
· Period by period score sheet
· Essential Data concerning Competitors and match
· Takedown skills evaluation
· Bottom position evaluation
· Rides and pins evaluation
· Comment section for each category
There is a checklist that can be used to quickly evaluate each category. It’s divided into three categories: good, fair and poor. To provide consistency in feedback, the recorder will quickly be able to check these levels by adding a checkmark to each level or using a tally marker. I often used an assistant, or a mat squad member, to complete the form.
As a coach, you have the advantage of being able to quickly and efficiently comment on matches. Also, the Match Skill Record is useful for scouting opponents at later stages of the season. My wrestlers loved reviewing the match records. It was a pleasure to receive consistent feedback. The evaluations helped them identify areas they could improve. They also helped me develop my practices around how to cover these topics in practice.
Below is a link to a sample match skill record. You can request a free copy by leaving a message.
Coach Hatfield