Greco-Roman Wrestlers Research Articles

Determination of Anaerobic Power, Agility and Some Physical Characteristics of Turkish Elite Greco-Roman Style Young Wrestlers

Anaerobic power, agility and owned physical characteristics are the most important characteristics that determine sportive success and performance in wrestling. In this study, these characteristics of Turkish Elite Greco-Roman Style Young Wrestlers were determined. Because better preparation of the training programs to increase the performance of the athlete depends on determining the athlete profile in the best way in advance and creating it based on a scientific method. Determining the anaerobic power and agility characteristics of wrestlers will be one of the most important data in predicting their sports performance. 37 elite Greco-Roman style young wrestlers who have achieved success at national and international level participated in the research. The findings obtained because of this study will also contribute to the revision of the wrestlers' training programs. Average age of the athletes is 18.6±1 Years, their body weight is 76±16.1 Kg., their height is 175±1 cm., their body fat percentage is 10.8±4.6, and their body mass index is 24.8±3.8 kg/m2. In the made Wingate Test, the highest anaerobic power for the arm was 9.95±2.51 w/kg, and the average was 4.68±0.7 w/kg. The same measurements were determined as 14.68±2.52 w/kg at the highest and 7.17±0.8 w/kg on average for the leg. Illinois agility test result was found 15.9±0.8 sec. With these results, it has been observed that the measured performance values of Turkish elite Greco-Roman style young wrestlers are above the average and are consistent with the studies found in the literature.Keywords: Agility, Anaerobic Power, Greco-Roman Style Wrestling

Особливості змагальної діяльності на континентальних чемпіонатах 2023 року з греко-римської боротьби

Purpose: to determine the features of competitive activity at the 2023 continental championships in Greco-Roman wrestling. Material and methods. The analysis of scientific and methodical literature, the analysis of protocols and video recordings of competitive activities was used to solve the research tasks; expert assessment; methods of mathematical statistics. 105 matches at the 2023 continental championships were analyzed: Asian Championship (n=30 matches), European Championship (n=30 matches), Pan American Championship (n=24 matches), African Championship (n=21 matches). A total of 210 wrestlers (winners and losers), participants in the final fights (fighting for first and third places) took part in the study. In competitive activity, the following indicators were evaluated: the duration of fights (time of the fight); all technical and tactical actions carried out by wrestlers in fights (number of times); the number of non-standard situations in the rack and parterre (passives, violations of the rules, challenges); effectiveness of the applied technique in the rack and parterre (assessed in points: 1 point, 2 points, 4 points, 5 points). Results: the analysis of the fights made it possible to establish that at most continental championships, athletes performed more technical and tactical actions (TTD) in the rack than in the floor: European Championship (rack – 57,7 %; floor – 42,3 %); Asian Championship (stand – 59,8 %; floor – 40,2 %); African Championship (stand – 52,5%; floor – 47,5 %). At the Pan American Championship, athletes spent more TTD in the floor than in the rack (rack – 31,8 %; floor – 68,2 %). The highest average number of non-standard situations per scrimmage is observed at the European Championship (1,83 non-standard situation per scrimmage), then at the Asian Championship (1.80 non-standard situation per scrimmage), then at the Pan American Championship (0,92 non-standard situation per scrimmage) and African Championship (0,76 non-standard situation per scrum). The highest average performance in a scrimmage is observed at the Asian Championship (7,40 points per scrimmage), then at the European Championship (6,83 points), then at the African Championship (4,76 points) and at the Pan American Championship (4,50 points). Conclusions. An analysis of competitive activity at the 2023 continental championships in Greco-Roman wrestling was conducted. The results of the study indicate the peculiarities of each championship: a different ratio of technical and tactical actions in the racks and parterre; the difference in the average number of non-standard situations and performance in fights. The obtained results will make it possible to provide recommendations on changing the rules of competitions and increasing the spectacle of Greco-Roman wrestling.

Результати виступів українських представників єдиноборств на Олімпійських іграх

Purpose: to determine the results of performances of Ukrainian martial arts representatives at the Olympic Games. Material and methods. The analysis of scientific and methodological literature, protocols and video recordings of competitions of Ukrainian athletes in various types of martial arts (Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle wrestling, judo, taekwondo, boxing, karate, fencing) at the 1996 Olympic Games (Atlanta, USA) was used to solve the research tasks. , 2000 (Sydney, Australia), 2004 (Athens, Greece), 2008 (Beijing, China), 2012 (London, Great Britain), 2016 (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), 2021 (Tokyo, Japan). Results: it was found that in 1996, Ukraine first took part in the Summer Olympic Games as an independent team. Martial arts athletes take an active part in every Olympic Games and bring medals to the coffers of the national team of Ukraine. The largest number of medals was won by martial artists at the 2012 Olympic Games - 10 medals (52,6 % of all medals), then at the 2021 Olympic Games - 9 (47,4 %), 2008 Olympic Games - 9 (37,5 %), -2000 – 8 (34,8 %), OI-2016 – 3 (27,3 %), OI-2004 – 4 (18,2 %). It was determined that the largest number of athletes who took part in the Olympics as part of the national team of Ukraine from 1996 to 2021 was in fencing - 63, then in freestyle wrestling - 61, in judo - 51, in boxing - 48, in Greco- in Roman wrestling - 38, in karate and taekwondo - 3 athletes each. Conclusions. It was established that during the independence of Ukraine, Ukrainian athletes took part in 7 Olympic Games. During this time, martial arts athletes won 49 medals (10 gold, 14 silver, 25 bronze), which is 34,8 % of all medals won by Ukrainian athletes. The following types of martial arts were presented in the Olympic program: Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle wrestling, judo, boxing, karate, taekwondo, fencing. In total, from 1996 to 2021, Ukrainian martial artists took part in the Olympic Games 267 times.

Аналіз виступів кваліфікованих борців греко-римського стилю на чемпіонаті України 2023 року

Purpose: to analyze the performances of the wrestlers at the 2023 championship of Ukraine in Greco-Roman wrestling among juniors (U20). Material and methods. The fights of the 2023 Championship of Ukraine among juniors (U20) in Greco-Roman wrestling were analyzed. All quarter-final, semi-final and final fights in all weight categories were selected for analysis. The analysis was implemented due to the processing of competition protocols. Consider the following indicators of competitive activity: the number of scored points per fight/per minute; duration of the fight. Mean values, standard deviation and Student's value criterion were calculated using the methods of mathematical statistics. Results: for all wrestlers – 4,3±1,9 points, for wrestlers who won – 7,2±2,7 points, and for wrestlers who lost – 1,4±0,8 points. According to the data, the average number of points per minute is: for all wrestlers – 1,2±0,7 points, for wrestlers who won – 1,9±1,0 points, and for wrestlers who lost – 0,4±0,1 points. in addition, almost two-thirds of the fights (65,6 %) ended prematurely, which indicates the high competitiveness and determination of the fighters to achieve victory. The analysis showed that in almost half of all matches (46,7 %) one of the wrestlers did not score a single point, which confirms the dominance of some wrestlers over others and highlights the importance of technical and tactical training. For quarter-final and semi-final matches, the average number of points for all wrestlers is 4,3±2,0 points; for wrestlers who won – 7,4±2,7 points; and for wrestlers who lost – 1,2 ±0,8 points. In the final matches, these indicators change: for all wrestlers – 4,4±2, points; for winners – 7,0±2,4 points; and for those who lost – 1,8±1,1 points. The average duration of the fights in general was 3 minutes 45 seconds, the last finalists competed for an average of 4 minutes 15 seconds, which is 30 seconds more than the other athletes. Conclusions. Patterns were revealed in the indicators of points scored by wrestlers per fight and per minute, depending on the result of the victory and the stage of the competition. The significant difference between the indicators of the winners and the losers is a clear indicator that the ability to effectively use the technical-tactical arsenal in the conditions of competitive wrestling is critical to achieving success in sports wrestling.

THE INFLUENCE OF CHANGES IN COMPETITION RULES ON TACTICS OF WEIGHT CATEGORY CHOICE IN WRESTLING

The article presents the types and specifics of tactics of the weight category choice in women’s, freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. In modern scientific papers participation tactics of athletes in the competition system is covered fragmentally. Moreover, tactics of weight category choice is not described at all. We analyzed the dynamics of performances and results of 72 elite wrestlers who won gold, silver and bronze medals at the Games of XXXI Olympiad 2016 in Rio de Janeiro in different weight categories (four athletes in each one). In general, we compared the results of 24 women, 24 freestyle and 24 Greco-Roman wrestlers. There were discovered eight types of tactics which athletes used during four seasons in 2013–2016 Olympic cycle. Some types provided performances only in one Olympic weight category, while others were connected with participation in tournaments in two or even three weight categories during the same season. In all cases elite wrestlers used one weight category (mainly an Olympic one) as prior, while one or two weight categories were considered as additional. We established that the choice of the particular weight category depended on the specifics of the Olympic qualification system-2016, the prospects of obtaining the Olympic quota place in the International Qualification Tournaments and the results demonstrated at official international events in various weight categories. It was also discovered that in 2013 and 2016 the most popular was a tactics that involved performances in one prior Olympic weight category (70.83% of wrestlers used it). In 2014 and 2015 some athletes (1.39–11.11%) performed in the prior weight category and used one or two of them as additional. The largest number of tactics was used by representatives of women’s and freestyle wrestling as the upper limits of weight categories were changed more than in Greco-Roman wrestling.

Indicators of Spectacle in Wrestling at the 2021 Olympic Games

Background and Study: Spectacle plays a key role in sports wrestling in attracting viewers' attention, creating emotional involvement, and making the sport an integral part of culture. Aim: To identify the most significant indicators of wrestlers' competitive activity based on the analysis of the 2021 Olympic Games, which influence the spectacle in sports wrestling. Material and Methods: The study involved 289 wrestlers. An analysis of protocols and video recordings of 340 matches at the 2021 Olympic Games in three types of sports wrestling was conducted: in women's wrestling – 113 matches (n=96 female wrestlers), in Greco-Roman wrestling – 113 matches (n=97 wrestlers), and in freestyle wrestling – 114 matches (n=96 wrestlers). Expert assessment method was used to evaluate the indicators of competitive activity. Statistical analysis of the data was conducted using licensed Excel spreadsheet packages. Results: For Greco-Roman wrestling and women's wrestling, the ratio of actions performed in par terre and standing is about 70 to 30. Whereas, for freestyle wrestlers, almost 80% of actions are performed in standing. The efficiency coefficient of wrestling in standing for Greco-Roman style wrestlers averaged 1.43 points per action; for freestyle wrestlers, it was 1.78 points per action, and for female wrestlers – 2.01 points per action. The highest number of one-point actions was performed in Greco-Roman wrestling, which significantly and statistically significantly (p<0.05) exceeds the indicators in freestyle and women's wrestling. Meanwhile, female wrestlers and freestyle wrestlers statistically significantly (p<0.05) executed more two-point actions. The average number of actions per match does not significantly differ (p>0.05): 4.23 actions for Greco-Roman wrestling; 4.47 actions for freestyle wrestling, and 4.08 actions for women's wrestling. However, when considering the average number of points scored per match, statistically significant differences were found. Thus, Greco-Roman style wrestlers score an average of 6.95 points, this indicator is statistically significantly lower (p<0.05) than in freestyle (8.12 points) and in women's wrestling (8.07 points). Conclusions: The analysis of matches at the 2021 Olympic Games made it possible to identify competitive activity indicators that influence the spectacle in sports wrestling. Positive indicators include: a large number of technical-tactical actions performed in standing; execution of throws in par terre by Greco-Roman style wrestlers; a high percentage of early victories in matches. Negative indicators: execution of simple one-point and two-point technical-tactical actions; in Greco-Roman wrestling, a large number of matches that ended with a score of 1:1; interruptions in matches (Challenge, Negative Wrestling, Caution), lack of dynamism in the match, and the inability to score too many points. The obtained results will help provide recommendations for changing competition rules and enhancing the spectacle of sports wrestling.

Competitive effectiveness of Kazakhstani athletes specializing in Greco-Roman wrestling in the international sports arena

Despite the great popularity of Greco-Roman style wrestling and the success of Kazakhstan athletes in the international sports arena, there is no in-depth analysis of the competitive performance of our athletes at major sports competitions in the literature available to us. The purpose of the study was to analyze the performances of Kazakhstan Greco-Roman wrestlers at major international competitions. Such research methods as analysis of literary sources, analysis of protocols of performances of Kazakhstan athletes at international competitions, analysis of profiles of Kazakhstan athletes in the International Wrestling Database were used. Analyzing the performances of Kazakhstan Greco-Roman wrestlers at such major international competitions as the World Cup and the Olympic Games, we can conclude that their competitive performance has decreased. In recent years, the share of gold medals in the medal standings of the national team has decreased and the share of bronze medals has increased. Kazakhstan Greco-Roman wrestlers are one of the regular participants of major international sports competitions. During the entire period of participation, Kazakhstan athletes at international competitions have won 12 medals of the European Championship, 43 medals of the World Championship and 16 medals of the Olympic Games. However, in recent years there has been a decrease in the competitive effectiveness of our athletes at major international competitions, including the Olympic Games.

Influence of sexual maturation on anaerobic performance of male adolescent wrestlers

This study aimed to examine the impact of sexual maturation on the anaerobic performance of male adolescent wrestlers. Methods: We included a sample of 29 freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers from various clubs in Barinas, Venezuela. Their physical characteristics were as follows (mean ± SD): age, 14.99 ± 1.83 years; body mass, 54.68 ± 16.80 kg; height, 161.06 ± 12.78 cm; body fat, 12.09 ± 4.11%; body mass index (BMI), 20.58 ± 3.79 kg/m2; and training experience, 3.66 ± 2.27 years. Sexual maturation was evaluated using Tanner's criteria, while anaerobic performance was assessed with the 30-second Wingate test for both lower and upper body. Results: There were moderate to strong significant correlations between maturation development and both peak power (PP) and average power (AP) — for both absolute and relative measures — for the lower and upper body. The fatigue index (%FI) for the lower body did not show any correlation with maturation development or with the pubescent and postpubescent maturation categories. Conversely, the %FI for the upper body demonstrated a significant moderate correlation with maturation development and with the postpubescent maturation category. Additionally, a strong significant correlation was observed between the pubescent maturation category and both PP and AP (absolute and relative) for the lower body. A moderate correlation was found between the postpubescent category and PP (absolute) for the upper body. PP (absolute) and AP (relative) for the upper body had a moderate correlation with the pubescent maturation category, while the postpubescent category showed a strong correlation with PP (absolute), AP (absolute), and AP (relative). Conclusion: The stages of sexual maturation significantly influence the anaerobic capacity of adolescent wrestlers, potentially affecting their training adaptations for peak performance. Future research should explore the physiological responses to training protocols tailored to specific stages of maturation.

Investigation of balance performance of wrestling and kickboxing athletes

Background and Aim. Balance performance is one of the significant requirements to achieve success in wrestling and kickboxing. Although the evaluation of balance performance is important in both sports branches, there are a limited number of studies on this subject. Additionally, there is no study comparing the two branches in terms of balance performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the balance performances of wrestling and kickboxing athletes. Material and Methods. Thirteen Greco-Roman wrestlers (age: 20.69 ± 1.32 years, height: 176.0 ± 4.30 cm, body mass: 75.54 ± 6.81 kg) and thirteen kickboxers (age: 20.23 ± 2.49 years, height: 177. 62 ± 5.03 cm, body mass: 77.08 ± 8.44 kg) who participated in national competitions were included in the study voluntarily. The Biodex Balance System (BBS, Biodex Medical Systems Inc., Shirley, NY) was used to test dynamic balance and three index scores were recorded: overall stability index (OSI), anterior-posterior stability index (APSI) and medio-lateral stability index (MLSI). Dynamic balance measurements of the participants were conducted with eyes open condition. An independent sample t-test was used to compare the outputs of the dynamic balance tests of wrestlers and kickboxers. All statistical analyses were conducted using the SPSS software package, version 24.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results. The comparison of dynamic balance between kickboxers and wrestlers revealed no significant differences in the OSI, APSI, and MLSI parameters (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that despite the inherent differences in technical requirements and training protocols between kickboxing and wrestling, both groups of athletes demonstrate similar levels of proficiency in maintaining dynamic balance. Such parity challenges potential assumptions regarding disparities in balance performance across these disciplines. Conclusions. The balance performances of wrestling and kickboxing athletes are similar, as evidenced by the lack of significant differences in dynamic balance parameters between the two groups. This suggests that balance performance may be influenced by the specific features of each sport and the training levels of the athletes, rather than inherent differences between the sports themselves.

Модельні характеристики сучасної змагальної діяльності кращих спортсменів світу в греко-римській боротьбі

Purpose: to develop model characteristics of the modern competitive activity of the world's best athletes in Greco-Roman wrestling. Material and methods. The research used the following methods: analysis of scientific and methodological information and Internet sources; analysis of protocols and video recordings of competitive activities; expert assessment, methods of mathematical statistics. An analysis of 51 matches at the 2023 World Cup and Continental Championships (Europe, Asia, Pan America) was carried out. The object of observation were the wrestlers who took the first places at the 2023 World Championship in the Olympic weight categories (60 kg, 67 kg, 77 kg, 87 kg, 97 kg, 130 kg). Results: the analysis of scientific and methodological information and Internet resources allowed to determine that the analysis of competitive activity in sports wrestling is important for predicting the success of athletes and building models of the world's strongest wrestlers. The 2023 world champions in the Olympic weight categories also took first place this year and at continental competitions (Europe, Asia, Pan-America), except for the wrestler in the 87 kg weight category - he took second place at the 2023 European Championship. Based on the analysis of protocols and competitive activity, model characteristics of the modern competitive activity of the world's best wrestlers in Olympic weight categories were compiled. The analysis of the model characteristics of the competitive activity of the world's strongest wrestlers of different weight categories showed that each athlete uses basically the same technical and tactical actions during the day, but the tactical algorithm of fighting and conducting techniques is individual for each wrestler. Conclusions. The analysis of fights at the 2023 World Championship in Greco-Roman wrestling made it possible to develop model characteristics of the competitive activity of the best wrestlers in Olympic weight categories. It has been established that the strongest fighters use from 3 to 7 technical and tactical actions to achieve victory in a fight. The most performed tricks on the floor are rollovers and throws with the back belt, and in the rack - fallbacks and push-ups behind the carpet. The evaluation of the structure of the technical arsenal showed the superiority of the parameters of the champion in terms of the number of successful attacks and points won, along with low values of missed attacks and lost technical points. The developed model characteristics of competitive activity of the best wrestlers allow the coach to more effectively organize and manage the training process, timely identify deficiencies in the wrestler's preparation and make certain corrections. Keywords: modeling, competitive activity, indicators, technical and tactical actions, Greco-Roman wrestling, elite athletes.

Особливості психічного стану у кваліфікованих борців

Purpose: research of psychical state in qualified wrestlers in stage of special basic fitness. Material and methods. The study involved 31 skilled Greco-Roman wrestlers aged 14-16 years, pupils of the wrestling club in Kremenchuk. To assess the mental state of skilled wrestlers, the Luscher color test was used. According to the results of the study, the following indicators were obtained: performance, fatigue, anxiety, deviation from the autogenous norm, eccentricity, concentricity, vegetative coefficient, heteronomy and autonomy. Heart rate variability was studied as an indicator of mental stress. The cardiac monitor «Fazagraf» was used. Based on the results of the study, we obtained statistical processing indicators and spectral characteristics of cardiac intervals. Non-parametric statistics with the determination of the median, lower and upper quartiles were used to assess the differences between the studied parameters. Results: in wrestlers with high tension of the autonomic regulation system, a deterministic functional system aimed at ensuring the mental state is revealed. At the same time, an increase in the tension of autonomic regulation is accompanied by mental fatigue, anxiety, passivity and the presence of mental stress. Prevention of mental stress in skilled wrestlers may be associated with the activation of the athlete to external environmental stimuli, optimism and a mood for positive behavior. The relationship between the indicators of mental state and the parameters of mental functions in skilled wrestlers was revealed. The moderate tension of the heart rate regulation system in skilled wrestlers is accompanied by an increase in mental performance and a decrease in anxiety. In turn, the increase in the tension of autonomous regulation is reflected in the presence of internal psychological discomfort and independence in the formation of decision-making. However, there is an increase in anxiety and a decrease in mental performance. Conclusions. The relationship between indicators of mental state and parameters of psychical functions in qualified wrestlers was revealed. Moderate tension of the heart rhythm regulation system in qualified wrestlers is accompanied by an increase in mental capacity and a decrease in anxiety. The increase in the tension of autonomous regulation in qualified wrestlers is reflected in the presence of internal psychological discomfort and independence in decision-making. Keywords: mental state, qualified wrestlers, heart rate regulation, indicators, analysis.

Dynamics of strength capabilities of the organism in conditions of ecological and biological well-being

Regular physical activity is of great importance in relation to the formation of all human physical qualities. Differences in the level of strength development within individual sports are recognized. Taking into account this fact, it seems important to study the level of development of strength quality as athletes-athletes grow older. The aim of the study: to evaluate the dynamics of age-related changes in strength abilities in different categories of unicycling athletes. Eighty-one male athletes in adolescence or young adulthood, who regularly trained in judo, hand-tohand combat or Greco-Roman wrestling sections, were studied. A group of adolescents (14 individuals) who had not practiced sports during their lives and a group of non-sports-connected young men (13 individuals) were examined. Hand muscle strength was recorded by hand dynamometry with calculation of Student's t-criterion. During the evaluation of the level of strength in unicycling athletes, it was found that its greatest development was in wrestlers in adolescence and adolescence. In judoists and hand-tohand athletes it was a little less pronounced and comparable. The lowest level of it took place in non-sport-related examinees. As growing up, for all categories under consideration, an increase in strength capabilities in adolescence compared to the level in adolescence was noted.

The Effect of 8 Weeks Preparatory Training Program on Body Composition and Blood Parameters in Elite Wrestlers

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of an 8-week training program applied during the preparatory period of elite-level wrestlers on blood parameters and body composition. This study involved the voluntary participation of 10 Greco-Roman wrestlers competing at the national team level and achieving rankings in international tournaments. The participants had an average age of 22.00 ± 3.2 years, an average height of 172.00 ± 8.4 cm, and an average weight of 80.50 ± 11.9 kg. These wrestlers had approximately 12 years of wrestling experience. An 8-week preparatory training program, prepared by experts and coaches, was implemented for participant wrestlers. This training program was applied at the national team level and in the adult category. It was carried out following a 20-day active rest period during the offseason. The following tests and measurements were conducted at the beginning and end of the training program. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 10.0. The mean values and standard deviations of the measured parameters for all participants were calculated. The paired-sample t-test was applied to identify differences between pre and post 8-week preparatory training program. When the participants' blood lipid values were examined, no significant difference was observed in HGB and HCT values between the pre-test and post-test, while RBC and WBC values showed a statistically significant increase (p0.05). When the participants' body composition values were examined, a significant decrease was observed in body fat percentage (BFP) and body fat mass (BFM), while there was a significant increase in lean body mass (LBM) (p0.05). In conclusion, it has been determined that the 8-week preparatory training program has positive effects on weight, body fat percentage, lean body mass, MaxVo2, strength, and immune health.Keywords: Body Composition, Hematological Parameters, Training Program

Using the Specific Means of Greco-Roman Wrestling to Increase the Level of Strength in Juniors (16-18 Years Old)

The present paper aims to both investigate the level of strength indices in cadet athletes and experiment with a system of means for strength development. The research participants were 18 athletes, who represented several weight classes and were members of the Cadet Wrestling Section within the School Sports Club No. 5 in Bucharest. The experiment was conducted between 2021-2022, including both the preparatory period and the competitive period. The two participating groups (experiment and control) were applied an initial, intermediate and final test to check their strength levels. The average rate of progress recorded higher values for the experimental group compared to the control group in all six tests applied. The obtained results confirm the research hypothesis and show that the increase in strength found in the experimental group is the effect of applying the independent variable, more precisely, of using the set of specific exercises developed by us.

TECHNICAL AND TACTICAL TRAINING
 HIGHLY SKILLED GRECO-ROMAN STYLE WRESTLERS

In the article, based on a theoretical model of technical and tactical training of athletes, the structure of the
 training process for highly qualified Greco-Roman style wrestlers has been developed. The features of technical and
 tactical training of athletes at the stages of training conditioned, deliberate, deliberate-impromptu and impromptu motor
 actions have been established. Highly qualified athletes pay the main attention to improving tactical skills in choosing
 ways to resolve motor situations at the stage of learning deliberate impromptu motor actions, as well as increasing the
 level of motor potential necessary to perform the techniques used during fights with the required efficiency. Considerable
 attention is paid to improving the skills of reflexive management of an opponent’s activities. General and specific
 objectives of the training stages are identified, and means and methods for solving them are recommended. The developed
 structure for training highly qualified Greco-Roman wrestlers was tested in the process of many years of author's sports
 activities.

Optimising the Competitive Performance of Junior Greco-Roman Wrestlers by Consolidating and Improving Their Takedown Techniques

In elite wrestling, achieving the best results in major competitions is the primary goal of all activities, and the secondary goal is to provide a recreational, compensatory, or therapeutic approach. In this regard, one of the current concerns in establishing the competition system focuses on children’s competitions. For this reason, specialists in this field are turning their attention to getting as many children as possible involved in sports competitions. They will later represent the base of the secondary selection that will deliver juniors aspiring to important titles. This paper aims to improve the takedown technique's performance in the training process through effective means developed after video analysis of the elemental mechanisms that constitute the action studied. The research was carried out between 19 February and 9 September 2022 within the Greco-Roman Wrestling Section of the School Sports Club no. 5 in Bucharest. The participants were advanced junior athletes aged between 15 and 17 years, competing in the Individual National Greco-Roman Championships. For the study scope, they were divided into two groups (a control group of 9 athletes and an experimental group of 9 athletes). Although both groups obtained similar results in the initial test, the experimental group achieved clearly better results in the final test compared to the control group, which demonstrates the difference between the types of training performed by the two groups.

Artificial Intelligence Program for Predicting Wrestlers' Sports Performances.

To date, there are conflicting opinions about the effectiveness of the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies in sports. In this regard, the purpose of the study was to develop and integrate an intellectual program for predicting competitive success into the process of selecting wrestlers to increase its effectiveness. The authors developed a program for predicting the sports performance of wrestlers on the basis of artificial intelligence technology. To implement the study, the individual data of Greco-Roman wrestlers (n = 72) were collected and processed on 36 comparison traits, ranked into categories according to three key areas: sports space, hereditary data and individual achievements. As a result of data processing through means of deep neural networks and machine learning algorithms, two prediction categories were identified: athletes who performed at the sport rank or the highest standard and athletes who did not achieve this standard. Control testing of the created program showed only 11% of error probability in predicting a given wrestler's competitive performance. As for the functionality of the program in the area of classification of the features by category, the authors' artificial intelligence program with 100% probability identified key categories of traits that reliably affect the results of the future sports performance of a young wrestler. Thus, the use of neural networks and machine learning algorithms, according to the results of the study, improves the quality of sports selection, which will allow further timely individualization and improvement of the training process of young wrestlers.

The Relationship Between Relative Age and Tournament Success for 11-Year-Old Male Wrestlers in Turkey

Children born in the first months of the same year are physically more advantageous than those born in the last months, and this advantage decreases as the athletes gets older. Athletes born in the last months of the year and unsuccessful may leave their careers at a young age. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between tournament success and birth months in 11-year-old Freestyle and Greco-Roman style wrestlers. It was hypothesized that wrestlers born in the first months of the year would be more successful than those born in the last months. Tournament ranking and birth date information of 327 wrestlers who participated in the Turkey 11-Year-Old Male Freestyle and Greco-Roman Style Wrestling Tournament were used. In order to examine the relationship between athlete success and birth months, Chi-Square analysis was performed by grouping birth months into four quarters of the year. It was observed that the success rankings of both Freestyle and Greco-Roman style wrestlers decreased from the first quarter to the last quarter of the year (Freestyle: χ2 = 42.749, df = 3, p = .000; Greco-Roman style: χ2 = 25.627, df = 3, p = .000). It is thought that birth months should be given importance when grouping at young ages, especially in sports branches such as wrestling, where physical contact is high.

Occupational Therapy Program for sportsmen (veterans) who specialize in Sambo wrestling of the "Masters" category

According to the Results of the analysis of Scientific-Methodical, Special and reference literature by the members of the Scientific Research Group, it was established that insufficient number of Scientific works are devoted to the urgent issue of the organization of the System of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy of athletes of older age groups (veterans) who specialize in wrestling (Martial Arts). This emphasizes the relevance and practical component of the chosen direction of Scientific Research. The main goal of the study is to develop an occupational Therapy Program for athletes of older age groups (veterans) who specialize in Sambo wrestling after knee joint injuries. Research Methods: axiomatic, idealization, historical and logical, descent from concrete, formalization (experience of physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy).
 As a result of an Empirical study, an Occupational Therapy Program was developed for wrestlers of older age groups (Veterans «Masters category») who specialize in Sambo wrestling after knee joint injuries. The Results of the empirical Research are implemented in the System of Physical Therapy of veteran athletes who Specialize in Sports types of wrestling (Judo, Sambo wrestling, Freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling). Prospects for further Research in the chosen field of Scientific Research involve the determination of factors that affect the longevity of an individual in the chosen type of sports (combat).

What Determines the Competitive Success of Young Croatian Wrestlers: Anthropometric Indices, Generic or Specific Fitness Performance?

Identifying factors influencing wrestling performance is important for determining which capacities should be developed the most. This research aimed to investigate whether anthropometric indices, generic fitness, and specific fitness performance determine the competitive success of young wrestlers. This research included 49 Croatian Greco-Roman male wrestlers aged 17.75 ± 1.51 years. Variables included training and competing experience, anthropometric indices, generic fitness (countermovement jump and handgrip strength), and specific wrestling fitness test (SWFT). Wrestlers were separated into medallists and non-medallists (i.e., wrestlers who won a medal at the previous National Championship and wrestlers who did not win a medal, respectively). The t-test for independent samples was used to determine the differences between the two categories in all variables. Moreover, discriminant analysis was performed to identify differences in a multivariate manner. Medallists and non-medallists did not differ in anthropometric indices and wrestling experience. Medallists had better results in the countermovement jump (t = 2.55, p < 0.01), handgrip strength (t = 2.77, p < 0.01), and SWFT performance (t = 2.29, p < 0.05) than non-medallists. The discriminant analysis confirmed that performance categories differed in generic and specific fitness tests (Wilks' Lambda = 0.73, p < 0.05). It could be suggested that coaches should develop both the generic and specific fitness of their wrestlers to become more successful at competitions.