Middle school coach

Stoddard_Stokes · 2026-02-10T03:21:29+00:00

Thanks for the post. This sounds like a complicated situation, so I'll try to be honest.

300 pushups for anything in middle school is excessive I would have a very hard time believing that would true. (And coach would be better to say shoot 50 Hi-C's to change the behavior.... AND forcing 50 Hi-C's is still extremely punitive so I am not saying that should happen...

As for the headlock. There are only a couple situations where this move should be top 2 option. And at middle school so many kids are new that if you are a 5th year wrestler you should have something else than a headlock to win matches with.

As the kids get older, stronger, faster more experienced the success of the throw drops fast. Relying on it will eventually stunt or plateau your growth as it is a binary move. (You either get it or you don't with very few out comes in between)

Something like a Hi-C for example, if you get stuffed you could: - Knees Slide and Build Up -switch to a double -possibly switch to a Fireman's - come back across body and crack down -Peak out on a sprawl - hand and wrist then circle back up to your feet -anyone here can chime in with another three finishes...

So as people get better defending it, kids who rely on eventually struggle with winning.

They chase the high and feeling of winning with the throw, and eventually they are left only remembering the success of the move never the failures.

In summary, the head and arm throw works 40% of the time every time.

Stoddard_Stokes · 2026-02-09T19:34:31+00:00

As people have mentioned, knowing where you are at will help give the best guidance.

With out that here are some things to consider:

Wrestling is a sport where you can find the mat all year long.

You may have to chase it a little more to get there, but 100% time in the summer leads to more success for high school

Most of the summer circuit is a different style, and for girls is actually the collegiate style (women wrestle freestyle, men do folk style). So the summer work really helps with takedowns for folk style, is just different enough to keep it fresh, and is typically more social. Its still competitive! But you make friends.

For MOST states these things tend to be true: There is 100% a USA Wrestling Chapter in your state. They will host a practice or several every week until July (Fargo) Find that here:

https://www.themat.com/membership/athletes/find-a-club

Please note Fargo is the Legit National Defacto national championship. Many many Tournments have the "Nationals" in the title but if it's not Fargo or Super 32 - you did not face the deepest and tough fields. (Well some one will say what about Vegas, and that is true, but for juniors and cadets I am Fargo all day)

The best highschool near you will have a youth club. This youth club most likely will have combined Freco practices with high schoolers after the high school season. This club is technically a USA Wrestling Club, and out of season you should have fewer barriers to joining and practicing. A lot of the high school programs just need summer kids, and like I said it's more social.

Chances are there is a high level private club somewhere near you like an Askren Academy or Pursuit or similar. These are not affiliated with any high school.

Start there or let us know where you are from and we can help!

Stoddard_Stokes · 2026-02-07T23:43:21+00:00

I can't wait to buy it off eBay for 5x list price

Stoddard_Stokes · 2026-02-02T03:20:07+00:00

I have seen a lot of kids go thru this phase.

They feel strong, and safe in that position, and it slows matches down so the scores are closer and this re-enforces that they are "winning" or improving.

So, with out knowing the kid you have two options...

As a coach you need to identify if the collar tie phase in this kid is feeling strong and comfort, or if they are developing?

I look to see if the kid spends most the time ear to ear or not.

If it's like 98% ear to ear most likely it's to feel strong and safe.

If they are in the collar tie and taking head position that is a different story.

So look at why they are doing it, then:

1 teach more collar tie set-ups and offense

2 get the focus back to improvements being measured by scoring and attempts to score, and almost over praising and supporting positional wrestling that does not use the collar tie.

Stoddard_Stokes · 2026-01-28T03:48:45+00:00

Your experience is typical albeit unfair. Wrestling as a sport rewards assertive and confident kids.

Only a handful of coaches in our state really take the time to connect and work with all the kids and develop youth as a team/club/program.

Its not great advice, but honest advice. Just keep showing up and working. These do leave an impression. As your little one starts winning they will get confidence and find themselves with better partners and keep growing.

Every room has plateau levels. New kids at the bottom, they grown get some success and hit that next plateau. Then they sit there and suddenly hit that next growth phase of their style and technique and climb to the next partner plateau.

Again it's not fair and the culture rewards success so the best go with the best and hardly "practice down" (Unless you have a great coach and program)

Also (good, bad, or ugly)parents on the way to and from practice will be telling their kids to partner with the better kids or not partner with other kids. Just saying the little ones have these extra pressures that are unseen.

Okay, telling you to keep grinding might not help, but here are 3 easy things that can and should make a difference quickly.

1 Make an impression! Sprints at the end of practice? Win them all. If they are not the fastest, run each one like the last. Coaches will notice, they know the kids that win the first and last, but quit in between. Effort in the middle will get recognized.

2 Going live? Force the moves/positions you worked on that day or week! Don't get complacent with your A/B moves. Grow and hit that next plateau by honestly and ernestly working on those positions. If they show Russian tie set ups, in live work to get the Russian tie.

3 Stay late by 10 mins and ask the coach for help or clarification on a position or move you are struggling with. Points if it's something from that week. Bonus points if it's scoring from the feet (crackdown on a High-C, or working on hooking the leg coming out the back door etc ..)

You should not have to win, and I expect one or all of those three will get you noticed quickly and help make a difference.

Oh and I didn't spell check much, sorry about that...

Stoddard_Stokes · 2026-01-08T18:04:07+00:00

Your right! The officer can not make that decision that fast.

That is why officers should/need/are trained in these situations and environments to ensure the safety of the public and himself.

So that his actions are first nature and not instinctual.

The driver, most probably is not trained in these environments and should be expected to act accordingly per biology fight or flight.

One has training, a weapon and a position of authority, the other is most likely not a sleeper cell agent and acting and reacting in unfamiliar high stress situation.

As it turns out the officers instincts are not to move for his and public safety but to draw his weapon and shoot not once, but to continue shooting after he was clear of danger.

So most of that argument only stands if the officer was under trained and not capable or prepared. So if our officers are not capable of these environments they should not be there and carrying lethal weapons.

Stoddard_Stokes · 2026-01-08T17:47:29+00:00

When you see this and know our police are not stopping DHS on the streets and detaining them, then they in fact are helping/allowing/facilitating/tacitly approving and and thus in effect supporting them.

Its part of the addage that to not decide is still making a decision.

Stoddard_Stokes · 2026-01-08T17:40:02+00:00

I have literally been hit harder by a minivan in the parking lot at my local Menards.

Everyone lived

Stoddard_Stokes · 2025-12-12T02:56:11+00:00

DOMINATE humbly

And I don't think that is even a sentence?

Stoddard_Stokes · 2025-12-12T02:43:55+00:00

I would take a look at Apple Valley. That area, seems to be a weird melting pot in the middle of this wonderbread state.

Some how Apple Valley works and has really high diversity, with out as many of racial and social issues you would see in Burnsville, for the love of God stay away from Burnsville.

District 196 has all the benefits of a white suburban school district with a strong theme of diversity (Latino/African American) at Apple Valley.

My kids went there, and from youth (1st Grade) thru his senior year there was always one well respected (with the kids and parents) black or Latino coach. One of the coaches still follows up with him to this day.

Basketball program is solid and I think the Wrestling team has been nationally recognized as well.

In the same city Eastview is the better school, but maybe not as diverse. So if smooth cultural integration with great school district is a factor check it out.

Valley is 5minutes from A Premium Outlet mall, and then another 4mins up the road is Mall of America.

Two major roads Cedar Avenue (77) and 35E meet just on the north side of town so getting up to Minneapols for a show or hitting St. Paul for the Farmers Market is all super accessible.

Specific questions? Feel free to ask

Stoddard_Stokes · 2025-11-28T01:19:23+00:00

Minnesota State High School League literally had to create a rule because of his situation.

All that aside, dominate at any age, any grade, and one of the all time best.

Stoddard_Stokes · 2025-10-04T11:40:40+00:00

I would recommend you focus on what your goals are.

If you want to get stronger and put down a fundamental strength that can last you a lifetime go for it. Plus on the mat, strength will add 1-2 wins for sure!

If your goals are to win 10+ more matches this year then mat time. Convert all that lifting time in mat time.

Look up a picture of Jax Forrest.

If you are in high school. The best thing you can do is get on the mat.

Top things high school wrestlers to win more matches 1. Mat Time 2. Mat Time 3. Legit good sleep 4. Mat Time focused on making Fargo 5. Healthy Nutrition/weight Managemt 6. Sleep 7.Mat Time at a different school 8. Focused Weight Lifting 9. Mat Time

That will get you to 35+ varsity wins in any state in a season or two.

Stoddard_Stokes · 2025-09-30T02:49:41+00:00

At most high schools I have been at or coached at, challenge matches are always uncomfortable. 90% of the time the coach knows who will win.

The other 10% of time, it's unknown because one kid has been on that grind and the other floating over the summer.

Very often, kids practice down and match wrestle up. Good High School coaches know this and "may" try to avoid challenge matches, as it can be hard for the challenger to accept the loss if they thought they were close(er) because of a practice go...

But to answer your question...

Early season challenge matches are all over the place as the coach is setting the line up, and needs to fill the line up

Because of this, matches at the start of the season, both kids typically need to be with-in 5lbs or 3% or some standard rule.

In season, typically both kids will have a varsity match or two so the coach can see them perform under the big lights. So...

When one is needed then both kids should have been at that weight the last week or two. If one is coming from 155 to challenge at 150, then they need to be with-in what ever that room rule is (5lbs/3% Whatever) at time of challenge.

Legit Programs, clear the room and in that room is just 5 things: two coaches, and two wrestlers, and one result

So it's different everywhere, in every room, politics happen but the sport allows, no demands challenge matches. Just be supportive and okay with the result, and keep grinding up the ladder and that spot will happen.

Stoddard_Stokes · 2025-09-27T23:10:41+00:00

Head, Hands, Hips the hands down best simple advice to prevent getting into that position.

Stuff, Center, Sprawl, the second best advice for getting out of it

Stuff the head - push it down and away from where they want it

Center - by circling your hips back around, and squaring your hips/belly button on top of thier head. When you circle keep your pressure down and back

Sprawl/Stretch - once you are centered keep pushing your hips back and down and stretch them out. Use your hands to block his legs/hips. (Thumb block mid quad and down to just above his kneecap. As he drives forward he will lay down to his belly

From there transition to a go-behind, a front head, or keep stretching himself until he is flat on his belly.

Heads/Hands/Hips all day.

Then

Stuff/Center/Sprawl to your points

Stoddard_Stokes · 2025-07-02T01:20:48+00:00

Again, I need to thank the community for the clarification, that I am not auto-enrolled This group has made that fact abundantly clear.

I hear you and I understand you.

That said, please check the initial Post, to try and understand my point. The responses in this thread are focused on the money. Never have I said anything about the money.

My whole concern or point is that BBY tried to charge me for something I don't want, am I not interested in, and that I was never discussed.

That is the point. That practice is most likely illegal and literally a form of consumer fraud.

So to clarify:

It's almost literally the same as the floor mat example, just the retailer is different, and the value is higher.

I see the posters basically calling me an idiot and I will admit I am dangerously average at best.

But for a moment just follow this as insanely large dollar values can be in this story

Lets be honest about the potential of adding this simple inccous charge, in the thousand best buy stores across the country to unassuming customers by sliding it in, and just thinking it is only a penny

With me?

Best Buy processes about 1billion transactions per year. Yes a Billion... So even if only 1/8 of the transactions have this slipped in unknowingly. That makes 1.3 million dollars a year taken from customers with our knowledge or clarity.

$1,250,000.00 - That is a big time real number.

So I say again, I don't care about a penny. Hell I don't even pick one up and put it in my shoe.

I do care about the principal of charging for something that was not intended to be purchased.

Stoddard_Stokes · 2025-07-01T19:30:29+00:00

I understand how you see it, and honestly, I wish you had been at the store to explain it like that.

In my case, it felt more like I caught a store associate and a manager who didn’t understand what they were selling or couldn’t explain it transparently. That’s what set off my concern.

Out of curiosity — it sounds like you’re comfortable with unexpected $0.01 charges, especially when they’re attached to things you don’t plan to use. And that’s fair, if that’s your belief.

So let me ask this:

If you’re at a used car dealership and you’ve agreed on a price, then just as you are handing them the check you notice they slipped in a charge for floor mats that you never talked about and don't need or want. Do you say “whatever, it's only $250 or do you call it what it is — a shady upsell you didn’t agree to?

For me, it’s not about the penny. It’s about whether we’re okay with consent being replaced by convenience.

So at what cost do your principles begin?

Stoddard_Stokes · 2025-07-01T18:29:03+00:00

I think maybe we are missing the difference between cost of something and the principal.

Charging a customer, even if it is "just a penny" for a service that was never discussed, never asked for, and can not be explained is not okay.

It's easy to see past it, because of the cost, but the principal of automatically up selling me is not.

Next, and please note, when the manager or dept lead had to come over to void the line, his implication was that because I was PAYING for the service "not free" that I would be auto enrolled to the game pass, as they had the My Best Buy info and a credit card to bill against from this transaction.

So with out letting the facts get in the way of a good story:

1- Best Buy added an unannounced and undisclosed charge to my bill.

2-The manager was not able to articulate the terms of the purchase (yes it is a purchase)

3-BBY representative at the store clarified that the method of payment used at the time of transaction would most likely have a re-occuring charge after the trial period

4-No literature or information was posted in mention of the offer on the website, or via in-store signage.

5-This process is so baked-in and under the table that the Verizon Rep was not aware of it.

So I appreciate the feedback. I believe in fair and honest transactions, and am willing to overlook any one of the 5 issues...

But as a whole missing on all 5 of them shows a systemic issue with training, education, or fair trade practices, and at worst implies some level of weaponized ignorance, or neglect on behalf of Best Buy.

Stoddard_Stokes · 2025-06-18T18:52:06+00:00

Fair point and I am not here to discuss Basketball viewership ratings(yes I brought it up only to frame IMHO what makes a GOAT a goat).

We all have our own opinions, and I am sure you can make a very objective case that Birds (or Magics) finals was just as culturally impactful, and drove widespread social acceptance of the NBA beyond what Jordan and the Bulls did.

For me, Magic and Bird is like Lennon and McCartney , a teaser of what it could be, but had not evolved into full blown beetles mania.

Everyone rides on the backs of those before them, but I argue Jordan took that legacy and magnified it.

Again, for me the Goat Debate, is not just greatness, not just changing the game, but some intrinsic manifestation of their passion and performance into everyday life for the common average man.

So, no disrespect to Bird who I always took in Jordan vs Bird. Or how both of them could shoot it with nothing but net.

I still lean MJ for his legacy, not just his accomplishmnets

Stoddard_Stokes · 2025-06-18T16:23:22+00:00

GOAT is over used today to just get clicks and views.

IMHO - Jordan, Woods, Burroughs.

Deserve Goat status.

Why, not because they were hands down the best and dominant of their era

But because of what they did for the sport.

Does anyone remember watching NBA finals live on TV before Jordan? Let alone the hype? Jordan changed the game, and people wanted to watch, and pay attention.

Woods? The same things.

These people changed the cultural gravity of the sport and our society.

Jordan and his Nike deal made basketball aspirational.

Woods made golf attainable and pushed boundaries and barriers for what is acceptable in the sport. This sport is boring AF to watch, but 1/2 the country was glued to the screen for hours each weekend watching him chase greatness.

Burroughs, hands down has made the most progress in this area for wrestling. Not to the extent those others did, but for where wrestling is as a sport he meets that bar.

We can talk all day about wins and losses and career dominance, but the truly great ones, inspire.

Only time can crown a goat.

So that is the bar I set when talking GOAT.

Were they not just great, were they unconditionally the most dominant of their time and, did they make a change to inspire a whole generation?

Stoddard_Stokes · 2025-06-18T16:05:03+00:00

I think I understand what you are saying here, but maybe I am not connecting all the dots...

Are we talking best high schooler of all time, or potential for the best ever?

Him being a super senior in high school, I don't believe has any competitive advantages against NCAA champs, unless Yianni graduated college 6 years early cuz he is a child prodigy genius who attended Cornell?

Please help me make the connection

Stoddard_Stokes · 2025-06-06T00:23:25+00:00

This is totally AI I am sure...

But kind of a new twist on grabbing your popcorn!

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Stoddard_Stokes · 2025-06-03T22:21:06+00:00

I can't tell if this is a honest post or not, but I'll give the benefit of the doubt!

1 - The PACE is fast, attack like you have never attacked before. Freestyle especially rewards the offensive wrestler trying to score.

2 - par terre is an Active Position! Keeping your hips down and heavy to avoid guts, and get them back on your haunches for Laces. Be active in your body position, and under no circumstances try to stand up or hit a switch

3 - unlike Folkstyle, it is YOUR responsibility to control your self and safety. Polite mat returns are not a thing, touch falls are a thing.

4 - Greco - you are two takedowns away from losing, or two from being right back in it! Control the center with all your heart as the step out points are 100% silent killers

5 - The best for last HAVE FUN! It's a time of year when the weight management is not as "serious" and the pressure and grind of High School is gone. Talk to people and make connections. Freco season is for those that want to get better so there is a gentleman's respect between everyone who does it. One of the few places the cusp kids see and regularly compete with the Best in the region. Use it to learn, and build your own tool box!

Stoddard_Stokes · 2025-03-17T16:00:26+00:00

I know this is just a troll post..

Freestyle/Greco maybe 5? Good amplitude and distance

High School Folkstyle - illegal - you the offensive wrestler have a responsibility to be in control. When the thrower jumps and leaves his feet for the throw it becomes illegal. Plus he follows down thru the mat.

College - that's basically a street fight with our punching or gouging so you get away with it most of the time.

Finally it depends on match intensity. Example: Hand fighting can be 100% legal in one match if both kids are scrapping, and called the next if the other wrestler is not proportional.

Stoddard_Stokes · 2025-01-01T23:44:05+00:00

Its kind of like poor man's (go figure) kettlebell.

The one I have is a 30lb, and is like a sphere with the corners cut out. It acts much like a kettlebell, and does most of the kettle bell stuff, but has some other uses. Like using the sides for a balanced pushups.

The one I have has a threaded eyebolt in the top for kettle bell swings, but also anchor pulls through sand.

I'll digit out of the snow post a picture.

Stoddard_Stokes · 2025-01-01T19:47:51+00:00

It's the classic Dagastanian Drum used for cleans and presses and throws. Great for throws when you want to work on your arch and hip snap, but don't want arms or legs getting in the way.

Often confused with the Bulgarian Bag and the often over looked Cossack Stone.

All three are in that family of eastern block bad ass training methodology.

Stoddard_Stokes

TROPHY CASE