Super 32 Survival Guide: How to Succeed at the Super 32

The Super 32 Wrestling Tournament is one of the toughest and most prestigious preseason events in the country. 

With the best high school and youth wrestlers competing, it’s essential to approach each match with the right mindset and preparation. 

Wrestling Mindset is excited to attend once again and help wrestlers at our vendor booth. 

Here’s your guide to surviving and thriving at the Super 32:

1. Recharge and Reset Between Matches

Tournaments like the Super 32 can be long and intense, making it crucial to manage your energy. Avoid getting mentally drained by watching too many matches. Instead, take breaks away from the wrestling area. Step outside to clear your mind, relax, and breathe fresh air. Detaching from the tournament between matches can help you reset and refocus for your next bout. 

If you find yourself overanalyzing a previous match, use the Black Box technique: visualize the situation or technique you are overanalyzing, visualize throwing it into a black box, close the box, throw a lock on it, and don’t open it until the day after the tournament. 

2. Avoid Turning the Tournament into a Big Event

The Super 32 is more similar to other tournaments than you may think; you wrestle multiple matches, similar rules and mats, just like in practice. Don’t let the size and reputation of the tournament distract you from the things you can control; effort and attitude. Treat each match as an opportunity to perform at your best, rather than an obligation to wrestle or win. 

3. Don't Overanalyze the Brackets

Brackets can create unnecessary stress if you focus too much on potential opponents. Stick to what you need to know: your next opponent and which mat you’re wrestling on. Overthinking the bracket or playing out "what if" scenarios can distract you from staying present in the moment. 

Wrestle one match at a time and stay in the present moment. Don’t dwell on past mistakes or think too far ahead. If you had a tough loss, don’t let it affect your next match. Likewise, if you had a big win, don’t become complacent. Stay hungry and focused for every match. Remember, the worst seed is the opponent who has to wrestle you next!

4. Establish a Pre-Match Routine

Having a pre-match routine is a game-changer, especially at high-pressure tournaments like the Super 32. This is a skillset Wrestling Mindset is constantly emphasizing and helping athletes develop and master. 

Follow this five-step routine to prepare yourself mentally and physically for each match:

• Deep Breathing: Start with deep breathing exercises to calm nerves and reduce anxiety. This also helps you focus on the present moment and stay grounded.
• Dynamic Stretching: Engage in dynamic stretching to warm up your muscles and elevate your heart rate. Stretching movements should mimic the ones you’ll perform during the match to ensure your body is ready for intense action.
• Positive Self-Talk: Reinforce your confidence with affirmations like “I am strong” and “I’ve got this.” Positive self-talk keeps you mentally sharp and helps you enter each match with self-belief.
• Hands-On Drilling: Instead of just pacing or bouncing around before the match, get hands-on with some drilling. Practice your go-to setups and moves to reinforce muscle memory and sharpen your focus.
• Inject Fun: Remember why you started wrestling – because you love it! Inject some fun into your pre-match routine, whether that’s listening to a favorite song, cracking a joke with a teammate, or enjoying the moment. This helps reduce pressure and keeps the sport enjoyable.

By following these tips and establishing a strong pre-match routine, you’ll be mentally sharp to face the challenges at the Super 32 this weekend.

Be sure to visit Wrestling Mindset’s booth at Super 32 to learn more about our 1-1 coaching and how we can help you build the mindset to succeed at the highest level!