Background: The front hook technique in freestyle wrestling requires exceptional upper-body push power and precise timing for successful execution. Velocity-based training (VBT) offers a novel approach to strength development through real-time monitoring of movement velocity, potentially optimizing power adaptations and technique-specific performance in young wrestlers.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of velocity-based training on upper-body push power development and front hook technique accuracy in under-20 freestyle wrestlers.

Methods: Thirty-two under-20 freestyle wrestlers (aged 17-19 years) from six wrestling clubs in Kirkuk were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=16) receiving velocity-based training, and a control group (n=16) following traditional percentage-based training. The 12-week intervention included 3 sessions per week, utilizing linear position transducers to monitor velocity zones and optimize training loads. Measurements included upper body push power (bench press throw), front hook success rate, execution accuracy, and power endurance capacity.

Results: The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements compared to the control group (p<0.05) in upper body push power (847±89 to 1124±97 watts, +32.7%), bench press 1RM (78.4±8.6 to 97.2±9.1 kg, +24.0%), front hook success rate (58.3±9.4% to 81.7±7.2%, +40.1%), technique accuracy score (6.9±1.2 to 9.1±0.8 points, +31.9%), and power endurance index (76.2±8.4 to 91.6±6.7%, +20.2%).

Conclusion: Velocity-based training effectively improved upper body push power and front hook technique accuracy in under-20 freestyle wrestlers. The individualized training approach enhanced both power development and technical precision, demonstrating superior adaptations compared to traditional percentage-based training methods.