Didactic activities for tactical preparation in Greco-Roman wrestling (11-12 Years)

Abstract

Introduction: Tactical preparation is an essential component of a wrestler's comprehensive training, especially from a young age. In Greco-Roman wrestling for 11-12 year olds, deficiencies in tactical performance were identified that negatively impacted competitive results in the town of El Cobre, Santiago de Cuba. This raised the scientific question of how to contribute to the tactical development of these wrestlers. The objective was to develop didactic actions to promote tactical preparation in this age group. Materials and methods: A study was conducted at the Salvador Viña Saeta Sports Complex with a sample of 10 wrestlers. Theoretical methods (analytical-synthetic, inductive-deductive, systemic-structural-functional) and empirical methods (document review, observation, experiment) were employed. Tactical performance was evaluated using indicators such as taking advantage of opportunities, adapting to the opponent, and effectiveness of actions. A pre-test was administered, followed by a program of five specific didactic actions over six months, and finally a post-test. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon non-parametric test. Results: The initial diagnosis (pre-test) revealed low scores on the tactical indicators. After the intervention, the post-test showed significant improvements in all variables evaluated. The Wilcoxon test confirmed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05), rejecting the null hypothesis and accepting that there were improvements in tactical performance after applying the didactic actions. Discussion: The results validate the effectiveness of the proposed didactic actions, which are characterized by their adaptability, clarity, and focus on decision-making under pressure. This finding aligns with previous research that underscores the importance of early tactical preparation. The intervention addressed a gap in training programs, which traditionally prioritize the physical and technical components over the tactical component in school-age categories. Conclusions: The implemented teaching strategies proved to be an effective tool for enhancing the tactical performance of 11-12 year old Greco-Roman wrestlers, constituting a valuable resource for coaches in the studied context.