I enjoy watching live competition for many reasons. There is great technique, but you can also see mat strategy, how people come back from a deficit, even moments of communication between coach and athlete.

Today I stumbled on this match between Kyle Snyder of USA and R. Magomedov of Russia from the world wrestling championships. Here is the link 97kg freestyle division. Pay special attention to the last 2 minutes of the match, and listen to the coaching as Snyder works his way back from a 5-0 deficit.

With 2 minutes left, Snyder is down 5-1. That’s a big lead to work your back in for the win. First of all, big props to Snyder who doesn’t lose patience and maintains an elevated but not reckless pace. That showed great maturity in his young age at the international scene.

As the time counts down, Magomedov is warned and put on a 30 second clock (I believe the rule is if he doesn’t attack and score, the other wrestler is give 1 point) As soon as the points are awarded to Snyder, you can hear Coach Zadik shout, “points on the board.” The score now 5-2, within seconds Snyder launches an attacking sequence that scored him 2 points. 5-4 with about a minute left. Snyder strikes again that results in a force out. 5-5 but Magomedov has the bigger point score that has him the winning decision. 30 seconds left. Within 90 seconds, Snyder has closed the lead back to a one move match. I’ll leave you to watch how the match ends.

Regardless of the outcome, this match was a suspense filled ending. Additionally, its a great example of strategic coaching and the follow through in communication between coach and athlete. Zadik’s timing to signal that points were scored, and Snyder’s responsiveness to launch a point scoring takedown. Very very impressive.

I’m willing to bet this scenario has been trained many times in the practice room, and it’s even possible was brought up during the 30 second towel off before the start of the second round. This type of action is less a matter of coincidence and more a result of conscious coaching with responsive athletes in competition.