From Booklist
Gr. 5-10. No mention of atomic body slams and professional wrestling here. The focus is on the less glitzy world of amateur wrestling, as practiced at the elementary-school level through college. The first few pages cover such basics as the rules and equipment needed, but most of the text examines holds and takedown techniques, along with some tips on strategy. Color photographs, featuring wrestlers of different ages, illustrate these points, and while some of the pictures are a bit stilted and poised, most of the them manage to get the point across. The growing world of girls' wrestling is only briefly mentioned. Nonetheless, this is a solid choice for the young wrestler. A glossary is appended. Todd Morning
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Book Description
It's like playing chess with your body--moves and countermoves that outwit and overpower your opponent. Once you learn the basic rules of school-style wrestling, and the strategies for winning matches, you're on your way to being a champion. And, whatever your age, size, or athletic ability, there is a place for you in the sport. It's a matter of getting yourself physically and mentally fit. Find out the right equipment to buy, especially shoes and headgear. Then, practice starting positions, following the instructions and photos of each stance. Add the essential offensive and defensive strategies, including inside step series, level changes, takedowns, and common countermoves. Learn to move and feint to create proper angles of attack, and control your opponent at will. A master plan shows how to set and reach weekly, monthly, and season-long goals. Sidebars feature famous people who got their start in wrestling.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

It's like playing chess with your body--moves and countermoves that outwit and overpower your opponent. Once you learn the basic rules of school-style wrestling, and the strategies for winning matches, you're on your way to being a champion. And, whatever your age, size, or athletic ability, there is a place for you in the sport. It's a matter of getting yourself physically and mentally fit. Find out the right equipment to buy, especially shoes and headgear. Then, practice starting positions, following the instructions and photos of each stance. Add the essential offensive and defensive strategies, including inside step series, level changes, takedowns, and common countermoves. Learn to move and feint to create proper angles of attack, and control your opponent at will. A master plan shows how to set and reach weekly, monthly, and season-long goals. Sidebars feature famous people who got their start in wrestling.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature