Importance of Leg Strenght in Wrestling –

mini review
Mario Baić¹; Nebojša Trajković2; Damir Pekas¹
1
Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
2
Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia

INTRODUCTION: Success in wrestling depends on many different factors. A large

number of wrestling coaches believe that strength is the most important, especially leg
strength. Most points in a wrestling match are won using gut wrench and lifts from
parterre (Dokmanac, & Slačanac, 2018; Roklicer, et al, 2020). The study aim is to
summarize the relevant literature in one place, which includes studies that have
analyzed leg strength in wrestlers, regardless of style (greco-roman and freestyle) and to
determine which tests are most commonly used to assess different types of strength.

Methods: A literature search of 3 databases (Google Scholar, PubMed and Science

Direct) was conducted. The identified studies had to meet the following criteria: year
of publication (2010-2021), published in English, wrestlers as sample of participants,
who do not suffer from acute and chronic injuries.

Results: A total of 22 studies were included, with a total of

1207 participants, both genders. Countermovement jump has
been tested in 8 studies, leg dynamometry in 7 studies (static
power), standing long jump and squat (1RM) in 6 studies.
Followed by squat jump and vertical jump (different procedure
and equipment), which were used in 3 studies. Different
methods of isokinetic testing were used in 4 studies (dynamic
power). Drop jump (by using 40 cm box) was used in only 1
study.

Conclusions: The most commonly used tests for evaluating different types of leg strength in wrestlers
are countermovement jump, followed by leg dynamometry, squat and long jump. They are followed by
vertical jump and long jump. We can conclude that additional testing equipment that requires certain
financial resources from wrestling clubs or federations is not expensive and that most wrestling clubs
or federations use this equipment. With these tests, it is possible to compare the achievements of
wrestlers in a clubs or national teams. Monitoring the results in tests for different types of leg strength
is important because most of the points in a wrestling match are won with gut wrench and lifts from
parterre and in both cases leg strength is extremely important. Norms in the tests for the assessment of
leg strength could be a goal in future research on a population of wrestlers.

Key words: Greco-Roman, freestyle, exercise, leg strength, success in wrestling, physical fitness

References
1.Dokmanac, M., Slacanac, K. Analysis of the Most Important Parameters in Wrestling Matches from the Senior World Championship 2017, the Senior European Championship 2018
and the World Championship 2018. // 2018. International Journal of Wrestling Science, 8:2, 18-29.
2.Roklicer, Roberto; Dokmanac Milorad; Curby, G. David; Lakicevic, Nemanja; Trivic, Tatjana; Slačanac, Kristijan; Baic, Mario; Drid, Patrik Performance Data Analysis of Greco-
Roman Wrestling Matches Of The 2019 European Championships // International Journal of Wrestling Science, 10 (2021), 2; 1-10

corresponding author: damir.pekas@kif.hr