Brian Antonelli's Blair Academy Wrestling Series: Match Strategy

with Brian Antonelli,
Blair Academy Head Wrestling Coach;
2019 NHSCA National High School Wrestling Coach of the Year;
since taking over as head coach in 2014, has led Blair Academy to National Prep Team Titles from 2015 through 2019;
#1 ranking in the USA for 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018 and 2018-2019

Brian Antonelli has helped continue the rich tradition of the wrestling program at Blair Academy and was recognized for his efforts by being named the 2019 NHSCA National High School Wrestling Coach of the Year. In this video, he breaks down many of the coaching choices that have allowed his team to excel on the mat so that you can learn and apply them to your own wrestling program.

Match Strategy

The first third of this video is dedicated to explaining Coach Antonelli's thoughts on important pieces of match strategy, including:

• Understanding the Wrestling Area
• Choice in the 2nd Period
• Control
• Staying Humble

He places an emphasis on being prepared as possible ahead of every match, and recognizing what you can and can't control through the course of a match. An overarching thought Antonelli reminds his team - throughout the season is - 'there aren't any excuses - do everything you can to put yourself in position to win and don't sweat the rest!'

Common Questions

Coaching at one of the best wrestling schools in the country has led to many questions that Coach Antonelli gets asked on a regular basis from people who want to find similar success. He addresses these questions in succession, providing answers related to his team, how they train, what their goals and philosophies are, their in-match strategy, and more. You'll walk away with Antonelli's methods for evaluating his team, his ideal practice length, goals related to conditioning/fitness and how to peak at the right time during the season.

Coaching Efficiency & Drills

A huge part of being a successful coach is knowing your wrestlers. Coach Antonelli explains that you must know what "makes them tick on the mat" and how he goes about finding out those things at Blair Academy. Additionally, you'll find out how Antonelli utilizes match and practice film review as a tool to better prepare wrestlers for every match.

The final portion of this video includes two drills that specifically contribute to match strategy. On the mat, Coach Antonelli walks athletes through high crotch scores when the need for big points arises, as well as an on-top return while trying to stay inbounds.

There is a bunch of knowledge packed into this video that will be immensely beneficial to wrestling coaches of all levels, but especially those seeking to take their high school program to the next level. Coach Antonelli's experience has been built over the course of many years and you're sure to get ideas that will help your wrestlers improve their match strategy.

48 minutes. 2020.