Build a Backyard Wrestling Ring for Your Aspiring WWE Stars

Building an At-Home Wrestling Ring for Your Kids

If your kids are big wrestling fans, you've probably caught them jumping off the furniture and "clotheslining" each other more times than you can count. While their enthusiasm is admirable, safety should be the number one concern when kids are emulating their favorite WWE superstars at home.

Start With a Quality Mat

The foundation of any good at-home wrestling setup is an appropriate mat or pad. Rather than using old blankets or cushions which can slip around, look for firm interlocking puzzle mats. These provide decent shock absorption and traction for wrestling antics. For the most authentic experience, choose mats that are around 2 inches thick.

Life size wrestling rings used by the professionals feature padded canvas mats secured over a steel frame and shock-absorbing springs or pads underneath. Replicating an actual ring surface at home is difficult, but thick puzzle mats are the next best option.

Define the Wrestling Area

Lay down your puzzle mats to designate a clear wrestling zone in your home. For young kids just starting out, an 8x8 foot area is sufficient. Older kids with more experience may want a larger 12x12 or 16x16 foot ring.

Use border mats around the edges secured tightly with tape. This contains the wrestling surface and prevents the mats from separating. Place the set-up over carpet for the safest under-surface. Avoid concrete floors or wood which are too hard.

Set Up Props and Accessories

No wrestling ring is complete without props that make it look and feel authentic! Turnbuckles covered in padded foam and toy championship belts are prime accessories that set the scene. You can also craft pretend microphones, folding chairs, and wrestler entrance ramps from household items.

For added realism, use rope or captive tape to create fake "ring ropes" attached to the turnbuckle posts around the edges. This takes some DIY skills but transforms a plain mat into a wrestling-ready ring.

Safety Tips for Home Wrestling

While it's great fun to emulate pro wrestling at home, safety should always come first. Not every house has padded canvas mat floors and steel supports like the WWE ring. Here are some key tips to keep your DIY wrestling safe:

Always Supervise Kids

Unsupervised wrestling often leads to injuries. An adult should referee matches to enforce rules and prevent dangerous moves. Spotters can also help catch kids if they fall from raised surfaces.

Ban Hard Surfaces Nearby

Clear away furniture, weights sets, tiles, radiators or anything else with sharp or hard edges from the wrestling zone. Tuck away toys to avoid tripping hazards too. Only soft household items should border the ring.

No Replicating Dangerous Moves

Some famous wrestling moves are too risky for amateur players to attempt at home. Ban piledrivers, chair shots or jumping from heights taller than 2 feet. And no choking hold submissions! Modified safer versions of trademark moves are fine under supervision.

Stress that wrestling at home is purely for fun. The goal should never be to hurt or intentionally injure opponents.

Teaching Wrestling Etiquette

Backyard wrestling can get competitive, but good sportsmanship is key. Teach kids to follow wrestler etiquette rules:

Agree Moves in Advance

All players must consent to moves to avoid accidents. Never apply a hold, trip, grapple or takedown on an opponent without their prior agreement.

Tap Out to Submit

Use the universal "tap out" sign (repeatedly tapping hand or mat) to immediately end a hold that's uncomfortable or causing pain. Opponents must release a submission hold as soon as they see a tap out.

Check on Injured Opponents

Accidents happen, even with safety measures in place. If a wrestler gets hurt, ends the match immediately and check they're OK before continuing play.

Following basic etiquette rules helps prevent backyard wrestling from getting too aggressive. After all, the priority is fun and building bonds, not trying to rack up real wins and championship belts.

FAQs

What's the best affordable mat for a home wrestling ring?

Interlocking anti-fatigue foam mats, around 2 inches thick, provide decent shock absorption without costing too much. They're a step up from blankets but can't truly emulate the professional ring's padded canvas.

Is it safe for kids to wrestle at home?

Home wrestling can be safe if you take precautions - clear hard objects from the area, ban dangerous moves, provide padding, and supervise matches. Stress that the priority is fun, not trying to injure opponents.

How much space do I need for a backyard wrestling ring?

For young kids, an 8x8 foot area is adequate. Older more experienced wrestlers will want more room to grapple and perform takedowns, so consider a 12x12 or 16x16 foot zone.

What accessories help set the scene?

Turnbuckle posts, toy title belts and microphones add authenticity. You can also craft pretend entrance ramps, folding chairs, and rope "ring ropes". Get creative with household items!