FAQs

Key Features of Freestyle Wrestling:

Freestyle wrestling is a combat sport where two competitors aim to take each other down, control their opponent, and score points using various techniques such as takedowns, throws, and pins. It is one of the two wrestling styles featured in the Olympics (the other being Greco-Roman).

  1. Leg Attacks Allowed – Unlike Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle allows wrestlers to use their legs for offense and defense.

  2. Takedowns & Throws – Points are awarded for successfully bringing an opponent to the mat.

  3. Exposure Points – Rolling or turning an opponent’s back toward the mat earns additional points.

  4. Pins (Falls) – A match ends immediately if a wrestler holds both of their opponent's shoulders to the mat.

  5. Match Structure – Typically consists of two periods, each lasting 3 minutes, with a 30-second break in between.

  6. Scoring System – Wrestlers earn points based on the execution of moves, control, and near-falls.

Freestyle wrestling is known for its fast pace, dynamic movements, and strategic grappling, making it an exciting and physically demanding sport.

What is the difference between Freestyle and Folkstyle wrestling?

Freestyle and folkstyle wrestling are both popular grappling sports, but they differ in rules, scoring, and objectives. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:

1. Primary Focus

  • Freestyle Wrestling: Emphasizes exposure points, dynamic attacks, and controlling an opponent’s back to the mat. Wrestlers can use both their upper and lower bodies for offense and defense.

  • Folkstyle Wrestling: Focuses on control and dominance. Wrestlers aim to maintain control over their opponent, escape from bad positions, and score points by riding or pinning them.

2. Leg Attacks & Usage

  • Freestyle: Leg attacks, trips, and throws are heavily used. Wrestlers can also use their legs for defense.

  • Folkstyle: Leg attacks are allowed, but there is more emphasis on controlling an opponent once taken down rather than just exposing their back.

3. Scoring System

  • Freestyle: Wrestlers score by executing takedowns, exposing their opponent’s back (rolling moves), and getting a pin. A big throw can score up to 4 or 5 points.

  • Folkstyle: Points come from takedowns, escapes, reversals, and riding time. Exposure doesn’t automatically score points unless control is maintained.

4. Pins and Near Falls

  • Freestyle: If a wrestler exposes their opponent’s back to the mat (past 90 degrees), they score points. The match ends immediately if they achieve a pin (both shoulders on the mat).

  • Folkstyle: A near fall (exposing back to the mat) must be held for at least 2 seconds to score points. A pin is held longer before being called.

5. Out-of-Bounds Rules

  • Freestyle: Wrestlers can still score on the edge of the mat, and stepping out gives the opponent a point.

  • Folkstyle: Wrestlers are reset to the center if they go out of bounds, with no automatic scoring.

6. Match Structure

  • Freestyle: Two periods of 3 minutes each. Matches can end early if a wrestler leads by 10+ points (technical superiority).

  • Folkstyle: Three periods of 2 or 3 minutes each. The focus is on control and riding time rather than quick, high-scoring moves.

7. International vs. U.S. Popularity

  • Freestyle: An international Olympic sport, practiced worldwide.

  • Folkstyle: Primarily practiced in the U.S., especially at the high school and college levels.

Summary:

  • Freestyle is more dynamic and encourages explosive, high-amplitude moves.

  • Folkstyle emphasizes control, positioning, and endurance over time.

If you're watching the Olympics, you'll see freestyle. If you're watching NCAA wrestling, that's folkstyle!