Become Fighter
Corner communication and reading opponents: Wrestling guide
Use your corner well and read your opponent between and during periods.
Your corner sees things you cannot. They see your opponent's tendencies, the clock and the score. Agree a few simple cues before the match.
Reading an opponent is a skill too. Watch their stance, their hands and what they do after a miss.
Keep corner advice short. In the break, you need one or two instructions, not a lecture.
Key points
- Agree three cues with your corner before the match.
- Listen to one instruction at a time.
- Read your opponent's stance, hands and reactions.
- Note which shot they defend and which they do not.
- Stay calm after bad moments and reset.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Ignoring your corner. They see things you cannot.
- Changing everything. Change one thing so you can see if it works.
- Arguing with the corner. Save feedback for after the match.
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Match craft module of Wrestling foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Match craft
- Folkstyle, freestyle and scoring: Wrestling guide
- Period strategy and game plan: Wrestling guide
- Competition day: Wrestling guide
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.