Selected Factors Associated with Wrestling Success

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among total response times for two wrestling take down maneuvers, a strength test, and initial take down ability. Two response time measures of actual take down maneuvers used in wrestling and the 4-Item Total Proportional Strength Test were secured on 100 Illinois high school varsity wrestlers. These measures were compared to actual competitive initial take down performances based on 1029 individual matches and 815 initial take downs during the 1957–58 season. Wrestlers were divided into successful and unsuccessful groups on the criterion of having won a place in the sectional or state tournament. Significant differences beyond the 5 percent level of confidence in favor of successful wrestlers over unsuccessful wrestlers were found on right grip, left grip, and back lift strength measures. Both groups of wrestlers, however, when compared to three different scoring tables were rated average to below average on all strength measures. There was no significant difference between successful and unsuccessful wrestlers on either of the response time measures. None of the measures secured showed significant correlation with the success criterion of competitive take down ability. It was concluded that (1) strength and response time measures secured in this study were of no value in predicting competitive initial take down ability, and (2) more studies are needed concerning factors suspected of being associated with, and essential to, successful wrestling.