The biggest block to aggressiveness is nerves—fear, anxiety, and worry. And when are they most likely to strike? In the 15 minutes before stepping on the mat.
Warmups an hour before the match are done with your team, keeping your mind engaged. But as the match approaches—when you’re on deck or just moments away—that’s when your mind can wander, and nerves start to creep in.
For many wrestlers, this is when aggression fades instead of amplifying. The key to staying consistent under pressure is building a pre-match routine. With the right habits, you can align your thoughts, emotions, and actions to perform your best every time.