What Should My Wrestler's Bag Contain?

What should your wrestler pack in his wrestler's bag? Even though most bags are a No Man's Land of Stink and Pew, here are a few things/ideas to pack, especially to you new-to-wrestling folks.

• Wrestling shoes - one for each foot, you know, one left AND one right
• Spare socks, holes are optional
• Running shoes
• Singlet - if the coach hasn't given it to you
• Headgear - it's the rule
• Warm-up suit - it's really important to stay warm between matches, warm muscles perform better
• Hand towel - for the blood, sweat, and tears, and you might want one for your wrestler too ;~)
• Deodorant, yes, deodorant. You may not notice your hard work aroma, but others will. I promise!
• Mouthguard - if you have braces or don't want to ruin those perfectly spaced expensive teeth that Mom and Dad financed
• Filled water bottle (or two)
• Athletic tape, optional. This stuff is like wrestler's duct tape - you can use it for almost everything
• Apple, crackers, or some quick carbs, just do Mom a favor and remember to take them out at the end of the day, not the end of the season
• Hey, don't you have some homework to do? Hmm, there's an idea of something else to pack.

• Wear appropriate gear including shorts and tight-fitting exercise shirts (i.e., Under Armor ^TM brand)
• Mandatory equipment: wrestling shoes and extra dry T-shirt (to wear after practice)
• Optional equipment: kneepads, mouth guard or ear protection
• ALWAYS shower with an antibacterial soap after each practice
• Bring a filled water bottle - sports drinks are okay
• Report any injury (i.e., rashes, skin conditions, severe bruises, etc.) or sickness (i.e., asthma, fever, severe cough, etc.) that may affect health or performance to coaches
• Notify the coach of any prescription(s) (i.e. inhalers, etc.) that could affect performance
• Keep wrestling clothes clean - only wear clean clothing and gear to practice; shoes, kneepads and headgear should be washed weekly.
• Stay clean! For a list of important hygiene tips, read our Wrestling Hygiene page
• Eat right, you're in training! For diet advice on carbs, protein, and other things that go bump in the kitchen, read our article on Wrestling Nutrition
• Always ask a coach about anything you're not sure about