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Combat Sports in Youth Development:

Disciplines, Technical Characteristics,
and the Specific Role of Wrestling

Saša Jovanovi´ c and Matej Plevnik
© 2026 Saša Jovanovi´c and Matej Plevnik
https://doi.org/10.26493/978-961-293-570-2.2

Introduction
Combat sports constitute a diverse group of organised physical activi-
ties characterised by direct interpersonal opposition, structured rule sys-
tems, and substantial technical, physical, and psychological demands.
Disciplines such as wrestling, judo, boxing, taekwondo, and mixed mar-
tial arts possess long historical traditions and are practised worldwide
across various age groups and performance levels. In recent decades,
combat sports have experienced considerable growth in youth partici-
pation, driven by increased accessibility, institutional support through
school- and club-based systems, and growing recognition of their po-
tential contributions to physical, psychological, and social development
(Pocecco et al., 2013; James et al., 2016).
At the same time, the expansion of youth participation in combat
sports has raised important scientific and practical questions concern-
ing athlete safety, training demands, and long-term development. Young
athletes are increasingly exposed to structured training programmes, in-
tensive competitive calendars, and elevated performance expectations
at earlier stages of development. While such environments may facilitate
skill acquisition and performance progression, they may also increase
risks associated with inappropriate loading, insufficient recovery, and
inadequate pedagogical guidance (Myer et al., 2011; Meeuwisse et al.,
2007). These challenges are particularly pronounced in combat sports,
where direct physical contact, high-force actions, and complex motor
tasks constitute integral elements of performance.

Plevnik, M., & Dobnik, M. (2026). Safe wrestling.
University of Primorska Press.