Tumble into tales where the essence of wrestling is captured more tightly than a decisive hold.
Journey through the victories of Olympic heroes and the insights of veteran mentors, immersing you in the pivotal moments and rugged wisdom of the mat.
Set to lock horns with wrestling’s most compelling stories, chronicling its timeless heritage?
Best Wrestling Books:
- A Wrestling Life – The Inspiring Stories of Dan Gable
- Four Days to Glory – Wrestling with the Soul of the American Heartland
- Winning Wrestling Moves – The Ultimate Guide to Wrestling Techniques
- The Wrestler’s Body – Identity and Ideology in North India
- Foxcatcher – The True Story of My Brother’s Murder, John du Pont’s Madness, and the Quest for Olympic Gold
- Wrestling for Dummies – A Beginner’s Guide
- Wrestling Tough – Mental and Physical Conditioning from One of the World’s Premier Coaches
- American Victory – Wrestling, Dreams, and a Journey Toward Home
- The Wrestling Drill Book – The Comprehensive Guide to Winning Techniques
- The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Wrestling – The Ultimate Guide to Strength Training for Wrestling
- Pinned – A True Story of Challenge and Triumph on the Mat
Table of Contents
- #1 A Wrestling Life – The Inspiring Stories of Dan Gable
- #2 Four Days to Glory – Wrestling with the Soul of the American Heartland
- #3 Winning Wrestling Moves – The Ultimate Guide to Wrestling Techniques
- #4 The Wrestler’s Body – Identity and Ideology in North India
- #5 Foxcatcher – The True Story of My Brother’s Murder, John du Pont’s Madness, and the Quest for Olympic Gold
- #6 Wrestling for Dummies – A Beginner’s Guide
- #7 Wrestling Tough – Mental and Physical Conditioning from One of the World’s Premier Coaches
- #8 American Victory – Wrestling, Dreams and a Journey Toward Home
- #9 The Wrestling Drill Book – The Comprehensive Guide to Winning Techniques
- #10 The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Wrestling – The Ultimate Guide to Strength Training for Wrestling
- #11 Pinned – A True Story of Challenge and Triumph on the Mat
- FAQ
#1 A Wrestling Life – The Inspiring Stories of Dan Gable
- ✍️ Author: Dan Gable and Scott Schulte
- 📆 Year Published: 2015
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies, Youth and High School Wrestling
“A Wrestling Life” offers a glimpse into the soul of a wrestling legend, Dan Gable. This intimate collection of stories articulates his journey from unspeakable personal tragedy to Olympic glory and coaching at the University of Iowa.
Readers will find themselves captivated by the dedication, resilience, and wisdom of a man who has lived through the highs and lows of the wrestling world. It’s an inspiration to wrestlers, coaches, and fans alike—proving that with perseverance, any obstacle can be overcome.
#2 Four Days to Glory – Wrestling with the Soul of the American Heartland
- ✍️ Author: Mark Kreidler
- 📆 Year Published: 2007
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies, Youth and High School Wrestling
In “Four Days to Glory,” follow the enthralling stories of two high school wrestlers from Iowa as they aim for ultimate victory — four-time state champions.
Kreidler captures the essence of determination and the spirit of the American heartland in this engrossing depiction of the athletes’ arduous journey. It’s a narrative that transcends the sport, a testament to the dreams and aspirations rooted in the small towns and tight-knit communities that make wrestling a way of life.
#3 Winning Wrestling Moves – The Ultimate Guide to Wrestling Techniques
- ✍️ Author: Mark Mysnyk, Barry Davis, and Brooks Simpson
- 📆 Year Published: 1994
- 📘 Genre: Strategy and Coaching
“Winning Wrestling Moves” is a comprehensive guide that provides a detailed overview of the fundamental and advanced techniques required to master the mat.
With expert authors like Mark Mysnyk, Barry Davis, and Brooks Simpson, this book stands as a definitive resource for wrestlers and coaches seeking to expand their tactical arsenal, from perfecting takedowns to escapes and reversals. It is an essential tool for anyone aiming to enhance their competitive edge in the sport.
#4 The Wrestler’s Body – Identity and Ideology in North India
- ✍️ Author: Joseph S. Alter
- 📆 Year Published: 1992
- 📘 Genre: History, Biographies and Autobiographies
“The Wrestler’s Body” invites readers to explore the rich cultural significance of wrestling in North India. Joseph S. Alter examines the intricate connection between the wrestler’s physical form and the social constructs of identity and ideology.
This seminal work explores how the sport molds individual identity and reflects broader societal values. It is a fascinating read for those interested in anthropology, cultural studies, and the deeper meanings behind the sport of wrestling.
#5 Foxcatcher – The True Story of My Brother’s Murder, John du Pont’s Madness, and the Quest for Olympic Gold
- ✍️ Author: Mark Schultz and David Thomas
- 📆 Year Published: 2014
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies
“Foxcatcher” is a gripping and tragic autobiography by Olympic gold medalist Mark Schultz. It recounts the harrowing tale of his brother’s murder at the hands of the eccentric millionaire John du Pont.
Schultz delves into the complexities of their relationship with du Pont and the haunting events leading up to the tragedy. This chilling narrative extends beyond the wrestling community, touching on themes of mental illness, wealth, and the corruptive potential of power.
#6 Wrestling for Dummies – A Beginner’s Guide
- ✍️ Author: Henry Cejudo and Philip J. Willenbrock, Ed.D.
- 📆 Year Published:
- 📘 Genre: Strategy and Coaching, Youth and High School Wrestling
“Wrestling for Dummies” is a practical and accessible introduction for those new to the sport.
Co-authored by Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo and Dr. Philip J. Willenbrock, this book serves as an excellent primer, covering the basics of wrestling techniques, rules, and equipment. It empowers novices with the knowledge they need to start their journey in the wrestling world, providing a solid foundation for future success on the mat.
#7 Wrestling Tough – Mental and Physical Conditioning from One of the World’s Premier Coaches
- ✍️ Author: Mike Chapman
- 📆 Year Published: 2005
- 📘 Genre: Strategy and Coaching
Mike Chapman’s “Wrestling Tough” is a deep dive into the psychological and physical facets necessary to excel in wrestling.
The book is a treasure trove of advice from one of the world’s premier wrestling coaches, offering strategies for mental preparation, strength, and conditioning. “Wrestling Tough” stands out as a must-read for those aiming to push their limits and forge the resilience and mental fortitude required to thrive in this demanding sport.
#8 American Victory – Wrestling, Dreams and a Journey Toward Home
- ✍️ Author: Henry Cejudo with Bill Plaschke
- 📆 Year Published: 2009
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies
In “American Victory,” Henry Cejudo, with co-author Bill Plaschke, shares his remarkable journey from a childhood of poverty to standing atop the Olympic podium.
Cejudo’s narrative is a testament to the power of dreams and determination, providing an inspirational account of overcoming adversity through the sport of wrestling. It’s an uplifting story that resonates beyond athletics, speaking to the heart of the American dream and the drive that propels us toward success.
#9 The Wrestling Drill Book – The Comprehensive Guide to Winning Techniques
- ✍️ Author: William A. Welker
- 📆 Year Published: 2005
- 📘 Genre: Strategy and Coaching, Youth and High School Wrestling
Authored by William A. Welker, “The Wrestling Drill Book” emerges as an extensive compilation of drills and techniques pivotal for wrestling excellence.
Aimed at enhancing skills across all aspects of the sport, the book is invaluable for athletes and coaches seeking structured and effective practice methodologies. It is a wellspring of knowledge for all experience levels, driving growth and reinforcing the fundamentals and advanced maneuvers necessary for competitive wrestling.
#10 The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Wrestling – The Ultimate Guide to Strength Training for Wrestling
- ✍️ Author: Rob Price
- 📆 Year Published: 2005
- 📘 Genre: Strategy and Coaching
Rob Price’s “The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Wrestling” is a focused fitness resource for wrestlers aiming to amplify their physical power. This book provides a season-long, sport-specific workout plan, tailored to enhance the wrestler’s strength, quickness, and endurance.
With clearly defined regimens and expert insight into weight training for wrestling, Price offers both beginners and veterans the tools to achieve their physical peak and gain a competitive edge in the ring.
#11 Pinned – A True Story of Challenge and Triumph on the Mat
- ✍️ Author: Alfred C. Martino
- 📆 Year Published: 2005
- 📘 Genre: Fiction and Literature, Youth and High School Wrestling
“Pinned,” a stirring novel by Alfred C. Martino, explores the arduous experiences of two high school wrestlers grappling with personal struggles and the pursuit of athletic supremacy.
As their paths collide in pursuit of a state championship, the book deftly portrays the physical and emotional challenges inherent to the sport. Blending the raw intensity of competition with compelling character development, “Pinned” is an evocative fiction that captures the essence of youth wrestling and the profound impact it can have on young lives.
Understand why athletes dedicate themselves to what many consider the hardest sport by reading why wrestling is the hardest sport.
FAQ
What are the best Wrestling books of all time?
“A Lion’s Tale” by Chris Jericho, “Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling” by Bret Hart, “Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks” by Mick Foley, “Pure Dynamite” by Tom Billington, and “Wrestling for My Life” by Shawn Michaels are the best Wrestling books of all time. These books explore the lives, careers, and experiences of legendary wrestling figures.
What is the best Wrestling book for adults?
“Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks” by Mick Foley is the best Wrestling book for adults, depicting the gritty reality and the humorous side of professional wrestling through Foley’s eyes.
What are the best books for Wrestling fundamentals and strategy?
“Winning Wrestling Moves” by Mark Mysnyk and Barry Davis, and “Wrestling Tough” by Mike Chapman are the best books for Wrestling fundamentals and strategy, offering detailed techniques and the mental aspects of wrestling success.