Bill Zadick: Neutral Position and Mental Preparation

with Bill Zadick,
US National Freestyle Head Coach;
2018 UWW World Cup Champions (Freestyle);
2017 World Team Champions (Men's Freestyle);
2006 Freestyle World Champion,
1996 NCAA Division I National Champion (University of Iowa)

U.S. National Freestyle head coach Bill Zadick spends countless hours analyzing the best wrestlers in the world. This has given him the opportunity to realize that mastery of the fundamental positions are not only important for success, but are also often overlooked in preparation.

The key to winning big matches is a wrestler's ability to demonstrate mastery of the fundamental positions. Coach Zadick demonstrates how to use the body properly to not only defend an opponent but to also open an offensive attack, such as adjusting the head position in order to clear an underhook for an offensive leg attack. He provides a clear and precise understanding of exactly why the best wrestlers in the world are the best in this video.

The Fundamentals of Neutral

You will learn how wrestlers can use their body effectively in order to put themselves in a good position to defend and score. Coach Zadick explains why developing the fundamentals will complement any wrestler's unique style.

In this section, Zadick covers why a superior head position makes a difference in winning matches at the highest level. He also helps you understand how to close the gap with an opponent in order to open up scoring opportunities. Additionally, you'll discover why circling an opponent isn't the most effective way to create angles, and instead you should drive into your opponent.

The Fundamentals of Clearing Ties and Scoring

Coach Zadick demonstrates a variety of ways to clear ties in order to set-up scoring opportunities, including:

• How adjusting head position will allow a wrestler to clear a tie, such as an underhook, and put themselves into a scoring position.
• How good hip position is the difference maker in finishing a takedown underneath an opponent.
• How a wrestler can get to their feet with the opponent's leg locked that they have 92.9% chance of scoring.

Coach Zadick also demonstrates how a wrestler can score on a lead leg attack, as well as in a more unconventional fashion by attacking the trail leg.

The Mental Game

Zadick finishes by discussing how the mentality of Kyle Snyder, Jordan Burroughs, and other top-tier wrestlers makes the difference in their preparation and performance. He's developed an understanding of how a wrestler should be fully engaged in order to excel. You'll learn why having a fully committed mentality is the difference maker in finishing takedowns, as well as how an offensive/defensive wrestler can elevate their performance against elite competition.

Coach Zadick provides insight into how wrestlers can be more effective and perform at a higher level through mastering fundamental skills. You will learn simple and effective tactics that make a big difference in tough matches.

50 minutes. 2019.