How to Be the Only Girl on the Wrestling Team (School)

Last Updated: December 1, 2021

Wrestling is traditionally categorized as a 'boys' sport - but it doesn't have to be! If you're a girl interested in joining an all-male wrestling team, then take the right steps and you'll be beating up on the best of them.

Part 1

Part 1 of 6:

Dressing for Wrestling

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Wear under-armor under your T-shirt, or tuck your shirt in so it doesn't go up while wrestling. Don't have cleavage because that will be uncomfortable for your coach and team.^{[1]
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Don't be embarrassed to wear a singlet. Look confident out there! You've got your armor underneath anyway.

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3
When weighing in, if you are allowed to, just go down to your bra and underwear. It will be easier to get to the most accurate weight; it may be awkward but it tells all the other girls at the tournament that you are serious. Choose really good quality sports underwear so that it feels as if you're wearing a swimsuit.

Part 2

Part 2 of 6:

Having the Right Attitude

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Keep a good attitude and don't complain. Everyone is doing the same thing. Even if it is tougher for you (because girls naturally have less muscle and more body fat), complaining is just annoying and it makes you look bad.
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Be prepared to do the same thing the guys too. You are all equal.^{[2]
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Show no fear while out there on the mat. Some guys will take advantage of any show of fear. Show only determination to succeed.
- Don't let what other guys might say get to you. If they say something like, "You're not tough enough" just think: "I'm tougher than all of them by being the only girl and doing this sport!" Be yourself, and they will respect you and treat you like one of the team.
4
Don't be beat before you wrestle in a match. If you have a negative mind, saying things such as "I'm going to lose" or "I'm going to get my butt kicked", chances are that's exactly what will happen. Instead, have a positive mind, and say "I'm going to beat him!".^{[3]
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Don't expect any special treatment from the coach just because you're a girl. Act tough and make it clear you want to be there. Don't complain.
- Of course, this doesn't mean to ignore any pain you're in; get physical injuries attended to promptly.

Part 3

Part 3 of 6:

Knowing the Moves

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Practice the wrestling moves. Aim to get really good. Always try to improve, and try to master a few key moves.^{[4]
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Come early to practices. Use the additional time to practice on shooting or moves you don't need a partner for.
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Watch the other opponents you'll be wrestling with intense studiousness. Look for patterns or tricks they have and rely upon. It's a window into the future when you understand their typical moves and approaches.
- Even take notes if it helps you to remember.

Part 4

Part 4 of 6:

Developing Your Endurance

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Work out hard. Physically speaking, guys have more upper body strength than most girls do, and it takes a lot to gain that strength, especially for most girls. Work hard, lift weights, do push ups etc.
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Improve your fitness levels. While lots of guys will be stronger than you, you can win matches if you are fitter (and faster) than they are.^{[5]
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- Work hard to survive the first few minutes of your match and then concentrate on weakening your opponent. Time is on the side of the fittest wrestler.
- As your opponent begins to fade, switch over to offense. Try to force your opponent to make a mistake that you can exploit.
- Pinning is winning. Even if you are behind on points, you can set up a game-changing pin if your opponent becomes too tired to defend themselves.
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If you wrestle another girl in a match wrestle as if she's also a guy. You still want to beat her even though she is a female. It doesn't matter, boy or girl don't treat them any differently. You are there to be the best at it.

Part 5

Part 5 of 6:

Being Part of the Team

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Hang out with your teammates. It is nice to have a bond with a few if not all of your teammates, so you will fit in better and be a stronger team. Your team will eventually become like family to you, even if you start off not knowing anyone.
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Help out other less experienced wrestlers, and get help from better wrestlers. You want your team to be as good as possible, even if they are better than you.^{[6]
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Be circumspect around opposing teams. Don't talk to your competition too much, or to members of their team. By all means ask them questions such as "what's your record?", "What's your weight?", "How have you been doing?" and so forth, but do not make buddies with they will take advantage of that and you may well lose.

Part 6

Part 6 of 6:

Dealing with Discrimination

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If you think that you are being treated unequally by your teammates or by your coaches because you are a girl, have a talk with your coach. Approach them and ask if you can speak in private. Explain your concerns with clear examples of why you think you are being treated unequally. Remember that coaches are there to support you!

Community Q&A

Question

What should I do if my coach treats me poorly?

Community Answer

Stand up to him and demand respect; his behavior is unprofessional. You could ask your parents to intervene.
Question

How do I wrestle if I'm on my period?

Community Answer

Wrestling on your period isn't fun, but will definitely happen to you. The best thing to do is to wear a tampon and if you get cramps, take some painkillers before practice or your match.
Question

My teammates make a big deal of playing with my breasts during practice. What should I do?

Community Answer

This is sexual harassment and must be stopped. Does your coach know this is happening? Tell him or another trusted adult.

Warnings

If you think a boy is constantly touching your boob, etc., even if you only think it's possible that the guy is performing inappropriate touching, tell someone. This could be sexual intimidation or harassment and it is not to be tolerated.

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Beware of injuries and medical concerns that come with the sport. Things like ringworm, mat herpes, cauliflower ear, and tons of bumps and bruises. Take care of any injuries you get and get checked out by a doctor if necessary.

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If another girl joins, don't let it affect you, just act normal and not catty. If she gets more attention, then be her friend. Most of all, see it as growing the cadre of women in this sport!

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Especially if this is one of your first years, don't expect that you will win all the time. If you lose, don't let it get to you. use it as motivation to help you win next time!

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Some teams may not be willing to have a girl on the team. Just remember: If there is no team for girls and only one team, you can sue them (in the USA) for not letting you join. (Other jurisdictions may have similar rules, find out by talking to a lawyer or legal adviser.) Also, talk to the athletic director if this comes up.

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Some guys may not be willing to wrestle a girl. Whether it's because of their choice, parents, peers, coach, etc. Don't get angry. It happens.

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