Page 31 - Safe Wrestling

Combat Sports in Youth Development

Table 2.2 Combat Sport-Specific Energy System Profiles
Sport Category Primary Energy Sys- Key Physiological Source
tems Markers
Grappling 90% anaerobic, Anaerobic power, Multiple studies
(Wrestling) anaerobic-alactate muscular endurance
and anaerobic-
glycolytic
Grappling Aerobic and anaero- Handgrip strength, Chaabene et al.
(Judo) bic lower body power (2017)
Striking High-speed explosive Speed, agility, power Hernandez-Marti-
(Taekwondo) actions nez et al. (2025)
Hybrid (MMA) Spectrum of Strength, neuromus- James et al. (2016)
metabolic qualities cular power, anaero-
bic variables

From a biomechanical perspective, wrestling involves frequent trunk
rotations, rapid shifts in the centre of mass, and substantial joint loading
during throws, takedowns, and defensive manoeuvres. These demands
place considerable stress on the shoulder girdle, cervical spine, knees,
and lumbar region, particularly when technical execution is subopti-
mal or fatigue accumulates over the course of training and competition
(Pocecco et al., 2013). Such characteristics further underscore the neces-
sity for discipline-specific training methodologies and injury-prevention
strategies.

Wrestling: Styles, Techniques, and Competitive Structure
The reviewed literature consistently distinguishes between freestyle and
Greco-Roman wrestling, each characterised by distinct technical con-
straints and loading patterns. Freestyle wrestling permits attacks direct-
ed at both the upper and lower body, resulting in a broader repertoire of
movement patterns and a higher frequency of leg-based offensive and
defensive actions. In contrast, Greco-Roman wrestling restricts holds
to the upper body, thereby placing greater emphasis on trunk strength,
upper-body power, and rotational control (United World Wrestling, 2023;
Bartlett, 2014).
Despite these differences, both wrestling styles share several core tech-
nical elements, including takedowns, throws, par terre control, and de-
fensive manoeuvres. Mastery of these techniques requires prolonged
motor learning, progressive exposure to contact situations, and the de-
velopment of anticipatory and reactive skills. Within youth sport con-

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