What comes first the chicken or the egg? Talking about technique and conditioning seems like an endless discussion, much like the chicken and egg. Conclusions are really a reflection of your philosophy and approach to training. On one side you have the technique minded who believe flawless technique is tireless. On the other hand you have the conditioning minded who believe in diminishing technical application with time.

I have a good story to share from my college wrestling days. Our head coach, Lennie Zalesky wrestled at the University of Iowa during the Dan Gable days. The team was known for their relentless conditioning, winning matches in the third period. Coach Zalesky is an incredible technician and coach. He shared with us a little secret to their third period victories. They attacked the head. The Iowa wrestlers were taught to relentlessly attack the head from the beginning of the match. Doing so forces the wrestler on defense, it also wears on the person. Try having someone hang on your head for two to three minutes, you’re going to be exhausted. Your neck, upper back, lower back, hips, legs, all start to fade. As a result, the person becomes less technical, giving up positions and even points. Would you call that conditioning or technique, or strategy?

Coach Zalesky would also remind us that everyone is going to be tired at the end of a match. If you’re pushing the pace, you’re going to get tired. There’s no getting out of it. Therefore, you need to accept that feeling and figure out a way to work through being tired. Would you call that conditioning or mental toughness?

Everyone has their philosophy when it comes to training and competition. What’s yours?