Do Wrestlers Wear Cups? How do they Protect Yourself (2024)

The groin is one area that is sensitive and needs enough protection. Many people ask this question, or some search it on the internet: “Do wrestlers wear cups?”

Generally, wrestlers don’t wear cups they wear jockstraps, regular briefs, singlets or tight-fitting wrestling apparel for proper movement and grip to protect their sensitive parts.

There are two main reasons for wrestlers not to wear cups. Cups can be heavy and restrict a wrestler’s movement, which is important for running moves and putting on a strong performance.

Additionally for wrestlers, wearing a cup might be seen as a sign of weakness or a lack of toughness among wrestlers.

In fact, some wrestlers have even gone on record to say they don’t wear cups.

In this ultimate guide, I will answer that question and provide everything you need to know about protecting your nether regions on the mat.

Contents Show

What is a Wrestling Cup?

Before diving into whether wrestlers wear cups, let’s define a cup. A cup is a hard-shell device that fits comfortably over the groin area, offering protection from impact during physical activity.

They come in various sizes and materials and can be worn by anyone who wants to protect themselves from potential harm in the groin area.

Can Wrestlers Wear Cups?

So as I discussed at the start of the article that generally, wrestlers don’t wear cups they wear jockstraps, regular briefs, singlets or tight-fitting wrestling apparel for proper movement and grip to protect their sensitive parts.

However, some wrestlers wear cups, while others do not. The decision to wear a cup ultimately comes down to personal preference. Sometimes, coaches or team policies might influence or recommend wearing a cup, but this largely depends on individual preference.

Read More: How Does WWE Decide Who Wins the Wrestling Matches?

Let’s discuss some popular methods that wrestlers use to protect their private parts.

6 Methods: Wrestlers Protect Their Groin Area?

Wrestling is a physically demanding sport that requires excellent coordination, balance, and strength. Professional wrestlers put their bodies on the line whenever they enter the ring.

One area of their body that needs extra protection is the groin area. A hit in the private parts (genitals) during a match can cause severe pain and possibly cause long-term damage. So, how do wrestlers protect their groin area?

Let’s explore the three most popular ways wrestlers protect their genitalia in the ring.

1. Jockstraps Keep a Wrestler’s Private Parts Safe

Jockstrap are undergarments designed to support and protect the male private parts (genitalia) during physical activities. It consists of a waistband, a support pouch for the genitals, and two straps that go around the thighs and fit snugly over the penis and testicles to keep everything in place. As shown in the image below;

Jockstraps are perhaps the most popular option for wrestlers to protect their groin area. These garments have been around for many years and offer excellent protection for the genitals.

One thing to note is that jockstraps are uncomfortable to wear at first, as they can be somewhat bulky.

However, wrestlers, like other athletes who use them, become normal to wear them over time. Because of their superior protection, jockstraps are the go-to choice for most professional wrestlers.

2. Wearing a Cup – The Essential Protection

A cup is a protective gear that wrestlers wear to protect their groin area from low blows. A typical protective cup is made of hard plastic, which provides a hard barrier against any hits to the groin area. Worn under wrestling trunks, it is an essential gear for wrestlers.

Additionally, several types of cups vary in size, shape, and comfort. Here are the different types of athletic cups generally available:

Traditional Cup: This is the most common type of cup, offering a hard plastic shell for protection and a comfortable pouch.
Jockstrap Cup: This cup integrates with a jockstrap for added support and stability. Jockstraps are especially helpful for sports with a lot of running and jumping.
Compression Shorts with Built-In Cup: These are essentially compression shorts with a built-in cup pocket. They can be comfortable to wear and offer a more streamlined look.

3. Proper Technique

While wearing a cup provides an excellent barrier against low blows, wrestlers must also learn techniques to minimize the risk of getting hit.

Proper technique involves protecting the groin area while moving, such as tucking in their legs to prevent them from being hit or circling away from their opponent.

These moves come with practice, and experienced wrestlers know how to protect themselves better.

4. Compression Shorts Allow for Good Movement

Compression shorts are another popular option for wrestlers. These shorts are made of a stretchy, breathable material that perfectly molds to the body, allowing for greater freedom of movement.

Compression shorts come with an inner pouch holding a soft or hard plastic cup to protect the genitalia.

The main benefit of compression shorts is that they provide more mobility. Since they are relatively tight to the skin, they do not restrict movement while wrestling.

These shorts are perfect for wrestlers who take high risks in the ring and need maximum flexibility.

5. Mental Toughness – Combatting the Pain

Apart from wearing a cup and executing the proper technique, wrestlers must have the extreme mental toughness to combat the pain of a low blow.

The pain can be debilitating and linger even after the match ends. Wrestlers train their minds to keep pushing, even through serious pain, to continue the match.

Mental toughness allows wrestlers to shrug off the pain and continue with the match despite the incident.

6. Briefs Give Wrestlers More Comfort While Wrestling

Briefs are the option wrestlers have to protect their groin area. These undergarments come with a pocket in the front to hold a cup. Briefs also offer excellent support and comfort, allowing wrestlers to concentrate more on their performance on the mat.

While briefs protect the groin area, they do not offer the same level of protection as jockstraps or compression shorts.

They are an excellent choice for wrestlers who prioritize comfort over protection. Briefs come in various materials, including cotton and polyester, and have different support levels.

Read more: What is Leg Wrestling? A Guide to the Technique and Rules

Do Freestyle Wrestlers Wear Cups?

The short answer is no. Freestyle wrestling, which is a style of amateur wrestling, does not require the use of a protective cup.

This is because the rules of the sport prohibit grabbing or striking below the belt. Therefore, the risk of an accidental hit to the groin area is minimal.

Additionally, wearing a cup could affect a wrestler’s mobility and hinder their performance. Hence, most freestyle wrestlers opt not to wear one.

Do Olympic Wrestlers Wear Cups?

Olympic wrestling, a freestyle wrestling, does not mandate using a cup. As with the case of freestyle, the rules of the sport prohibit striking or grabbing below the belt. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) does not require wrestlers to wear a cup.

However, some wrestling federations may have their own rules and regulations. So, it is advisable to check with the organizers beforehand.

Why Wrestlers don’t Wear Cups?

In addition to the rules mentioned above and regulations, there are several other reasons why wrestlers prefer not to wear cups.

Cups can be uncomfortable and restrict movement, which is a hindrance when it comes to grappling and takedowns.
Cups can shift around or dislodge during a match, causing discomfort or injury.
Cups can attract unnecessary attention and make the wearer feel self-conscious.
The risk of a cup becoming a weapon (if a wrestler intentionally or accidentally hits an opponent) is a concern.

Additional Information

However, if you’re interested in a cup for a different kind of wrestling, like amateur wrestling, MMA, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, here are the some things that you should know benefits of wearing a cup, How to Choose a Cup? and proper cup usage.

What are the Some Benefits of Wearing a Cup?

If you do choose to wear a cup, there are many benefits to doing so. First and foremost, a cup protects the groin area, which is especially important in a sport like wrestling.

Even minor impacts to the groin can be extremely painful and distracting. Wearing a cup helps minimise this pain, allowing wrestlers to focus on their performance rather than recovering from an injury.

It can also stop shameful and painful injuries like groin pulls or strains. Additionally, a cup can boost your confidence on the mat, knowing that you take every possible precaution to protect yourself.

How to Choose a Cup?

Choosing the right one is important if you decide to wear a cup. The first thing you’ll want to consider is the size.

Ensure the cup fits tightly but comfortably over the groin area. Material is also important; some cups offer more ventilation and moisture-wicking properties than others.

Make sure to select the hard shell for maximum protection.

Many cups are made with a hard plastic shell for protection and a softer, more comfortable pouch.

Look for cups with ventilation holes or breathable materials to prevent excessive sweating and discomfort.

Use Reputable Brands such as Shock Doctor, Diamond MMA, McDavid, or Under Armour.

Additionally, you can also speak to your coach or a trained professional to help you find the perfect cup for your needs.

Proper Cup Usage

Just wearing a cup is not enough – knowing how to use it properly is important.

Ensure the cup fits correctly and is secured in place with a jockstrap.
Never wear the cup without a jockstrap or tight-fitting shorts, as this can shift the cup and cause discomfort.
Finally, regularly clean and inspect your cup for wear and tear.

Conclusion

So hopefully you have got your answer with details that most of the time, wrestlers did not wear the cup, they wear special underwear called jockstraps, tight shorts, or singlets that help them move better.

Why don’t they wear cups? Well, cups can be heavy and make it hard to move quickly, which is super important in wrestling. Plus, some wrestlers think wearing a cup makes them look weak.

But don’t worry, wrestlers still protect themselves! They use other methods like jockstraps, compression shorts, or briefs with a pocket for a cup as explained in the above. These help keep everything safe down there.

Now, there are different types of wrestling, like freestyle and Olympic wrestling, where they don’t usually wear cups because it’s against the rules to hit below the belt.

So, whether they wear cups or not, wrestlers always make sure to keep themselves safe while they’re wrestling. That’s what matters most!

So, next time you see wrestlers in action, you’ll know why they don’t wear cups, and you can enjoy the sport even more.

Do Wrestlers Wear Cups? How do they Protect Yourself (2024)

What is a Wrestling Cup?

Can Wrestlers Wear Cups?

6 Methods: Wrestlers Protect Their Groin Area?

1. Jockstraps Keep a Wrestler’s Private Parts Safe