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Published September 1st, 2025 by Wrestling Mindset

The Importance of Pressure in Wrestling with Coach John Azevedo

The Importance of Pressure in Wrestling with Coach John Azevedo | Wrestling Mindset Podcast

In this episode of the Wrestling Mindset Podcast, Gene Zannetti speaks with Coach John Azevedo about the true vocation of being a coach, the critical role of pressure in wrestling, and why athletes often change their mentality when facing an opponent with a big name. The conversation dives into both the technical and psychological aspects of wrestling — showing how pressure shapes not only performance, but also mindset.

Episode Highlights

6:45 – Showing freestyle to Kalika.
10:43 – Coaching from multiple perspectives.
13:03 – The vocation of being a coach.
15:34 – Wrestling culture on the East vs West coast.
17:37 – Why pressure is so important in wrestling.
24:45 – How your pressure impacts your opponent’s performance.
27:08 – The mentality shift that happens when facing a “big name.”
32:23 – The importance of faith in wrestling and life.

Why This Episode Matters

Coach Azevedo reminds us that pressure is more than a tactic — it’s a mindset. How wrestlers apply pressure, and how opponents respond to it, often decides the outcome of matches. He also speaks to the deeper calling of coaching, highlighting why perspective, culture, and faith are just as vital to an athlete’s growth as drills and conditioning. This episode is a must-listen for coaches, athletes, and parents who want to understand the mental and spiritual side of wrestling.