What should the wrestler pack in his wrestler's bag? Here are a few things/ideas to pack.

• Wrestling *shoes (*NOTE: ensure there is a shoe for each foot - one left AND one right)
• Spare shirt
• Running shoes
• Singlet (for tournaments/duals)
• Headgear - it's the rule
• Warm-up suit - (if you're not already wearing it). You'll be required to wear the entire warm-up suit between matches, because warm muscles perform better
• Hand towel
• Deodorant (non-aerosol, if possible)
• Mouthguard - if you have braces
• Filled water bottle (or two)
• Athletic tape, optional - you can use this stuff for almost everything.

• Mandatory equipment: wrestling shoes, headgear, and an extra T-shirt (to wear after practice).
• Wear appropriate gear including shorts and T-shirt or tight-fitting exercise shirt.
• Optional equipment: kneepads, mouth guard, etc.
• ALWAYS shower with an antibacterial soap after each practice as soon as you get home if possible.
• Bring a filled water bottle - sports drinks are okay, too.
• 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.) being taken.
• Keep wrestling clothes clean - only wear clean clothing and gear to practice; shoes, kneepads and headgear should be sprayed/disinfected with Lysol often and washed WEEKLY. You can place the shoes into a pillow case and wash them in the washing machine.
• Stay clean! For other important hygiene tips, read my 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 my article on Wrestling Nutrition
• Always ask a coach about anything you're not sure about.