Have you ever wondered as a trainer, how can I give my fighters consistent feedback on their performance in combat? In addition to using a videotape, how about using what Coach Hatfield has developed as a record of match skills?

Before video recording was widely used and readily available, I needed a way to quickly retrieve and assess my fighters during their matches. I developed what I called the Match Skill Record. This was a simple form placed on a 51/2 x 81/2 card that I kept in a binder to quickly record the skills my wrestlers displayed during their matches. With the age of video, Match Skill Record improved the wrestler’s review and analysis of their recorded match. The two together have proven invaluable in providing essential feedback to the fighter.

The match’s skill log included the following:

Period by Period Score Sheet

Essential information about the competitors and the match

Knockdown Skills Assessment

Lower position assessment

Evaluation of attractions and pins

Comments section for each category.

Each of these categories has a quick assessment checklist divided into good, fair, and bad. The recorder can quickly verify those levels with a check mark or tally mark to provide consistent feedback on technique or skill. I usually used an assistant or a member of the mat team to fill out the form based on my feedback.

The benefit to you as a manager is that you can quickly comment on what you see during the game in a consistent and efficient manner. The Match Skill Record can also be used as a good scouting report against opponents later in the season. I found that my wrestlers couldn’t wait to review the match logs. They liked the constant feedback, and the evaluations reinforced the skills they needed to improve. I also used them to help me build my practices around what I needed to cover in practice.

To see a sample Match Skill log, go to my blog post below. To get a free copy of the form, leave a post requesting the form.

Coach Hatfield