We value your privacy. We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze our traffic. By clicking "Accept", you consent to our use of cookies. Privacy Policy.
The Mat Tests
More Than Your
Body.
The Wrestling Mindset Worksheet helps wrestlers learn how to respond to pressure, adversity, and failure — so one bad period never becomes a lost match.
Created by Next Leavell Inspiration · No spam. Just mindset tools.
Wrestling Mindset Worksheet
Valid Emotions. Better Responses. — For Wrestlers.
The Takedown Isn't The Problem.
The Response Is.
Every wrestler faces adversity on the mat — getting taken down, put in a bad position, losing a close match, or dealing with a tough referee call. Those emotions are valid. But when wrestlers don't know how to reset and refocus, one bad moment can spiral into a lost match, a lost season, or a lost belief in themselves.
Giving up a takedown in the first period
Getting put in a tough position and fighting panic
Losing a close match by one point
This worksheet gives wrestlers a better response before the next period.
Score
The Next
Point.
You can't take back the takedown. You can't undo the bad period. But you can control the very next second — your breath, your body language, your mindset. That's the "Score The Next Point" mentality.
Feel It
Give yourself 3 seconds to feel the frustration. It's valid. Don't suppress it.
Reset
Take a breath. Adjust. Shake it off. The ref isn't watching your reaction — your team is.
Compete
Lock in. The next period doesn't know what just happened. Go earn the next point.
One bad period doesn't have to become a bad match. Score the next point — that's where champions are made.
— DeCoreus Leavell, Next Leavell Inspiration
The Mental Edge
"Wrestling is the loneliest sport on the mat. It's just you. That's why your mindset has to be your most trained weapon."
— DeCoreus Leavell, Next Leavell Inspiration
What's Inside The Worksheet
6 sections built specifically for competitive wrestlers at every level.
Spot the Difference — compare invalid vs. better responses to real wrestling moments
Control the Controllables — two-column clarity exercise for mat-day focus
The Ripple Effect — trace how one bad response affects your next period and your team
Flip the Script — the G.R.E.A.T. teammate framework built for wrestlers
Match-Day Commitment — your personal written mental game plan for competition
Interactive digital version — fill it out online or print it
What This Worksheet Will Help You Do
Identify Your Emotional Triggers
Recognize what breaks your focus on the mat — before it costs you the match.
Build a 'Score The Next Point' Response
Reset in seconds after giving up a takedown or big move. Don't let one moment become a loss.
Control the Controllables
Lock in on what you can change — period by period, position by position.
Lead Your Room
Understand how your attitude and energy affect your teammates and your team culture.
Develop Mental Toughness
Train your mind as hard as you train your body — with intention and purpose.
Create a Match-Day Mental Game Plan
Walk into every competition with a written mental plan, not just a physical one.
Who This Is For
Any wrestler, parent, or coach serious about the mental side of competition.
Wrestlers
Middle school through college athletes who want to compete stronger mentally when it matters most.
Parents
Moms and dads who want to support their athlete's mental growth on and off the mat.
Coaches
Coaches building a mental toughness culture and accountability into their wrestling room.
Club Programs
Wrestling clubs and organizations investing in the full development of their athletes.
"Coach Dee has had a powerful impact on our son, Wes, in a way that goes far beyond sports. When Wes first began working with him, he struggled with confidence and often doubted himself when things became difficult. Coach Dee helped him shift his mindset from fear of failure to understanding that growth comes through effort, consistency, and perseverance. Through wrestling, Wes learned how to handle adversity, stay disciplined, and keep showing up even when things didn’t go his way..."
— Brent and Meagan Lacks
Parents of Wes
Why I Created This
Wrestling is one of the most mentally demanding sports in the world. There's nowhere to hide on the mat. I've watched talented wrestlers get taken down once and completely fall apart — not because they lacked strength or skill, but because they never learned how to control their response to adversity.
This worksheet gives wrestlers a system to process what they feel and choose how they respond. It's not a pep talk. It's a practical tool they can hold in their hands and use before every competition. The wrestlers who master their mental game give themselves the best chance to win the physical one.
— DeCoreus Leavell, Next Leavell Inspiration
Want More Than A Worksheet?
Take Your Wrestler's Mental Game
To The Next Level
Our 1-on-1 wrestling mindset coaching program builds confidence, resilience, and mental toughness specifically for wrestlers competing at the high school level and beyond.
Explore Wrestling Mindset CoachingGet The Free
Wrestling Mindset Worksheet
Download your free worksheet and start building a stronger response today.