Wrestling is one of the oldest and most respected combat sports, and over time, it has developed into several distinct styles. In the United States, youth wrestling typically involves three primary forms: Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco-Roman. Each style has its own set of rules, techniques, and history.
1. Folkstyle Wrestling (aka Collegiate Wrestling)
History: Folkstyle wrestling is predominantly practiced in the United States and is the style taught in most American schools and colleges. It is rooted in catch wrestling and was developed to focus on control and dominance over your opponent. It differs from international styles in its emphasis on controlling the opponent and riding.
Rules Breakdown:
Objective: To control and pin the opponent's shoulders to the mat, or to outscore them through takedowns, escapes, and near-falls.
Scoring:
Takedown: 2 points.
Escape: 1 point.
Reversal: 2 points.
Near-fall: 2 or 3 points depending on how long the opponent's back is exposed.
Penalty Points: Awarded to the opponent if illegal holds or stalling occurs.
Match Structure: Typically, matches consist of three periods, each lasting 2-3 minutes. Wrestlers start from the neutral position or from the top/bottom depending on the period.
Key Features:
Focuses on controlling and holding down the opponent.
The bottom wrestler can earn escape points or reverse their position to gain control.
2. Freestyle Wrestling
History: Freestyle wrestling has its origins in traditional wrestling styles from Europe and Central Asia. It became an official Olympic sport in 1904. Freestyle is widely practiced across the globe and allows for more freedom in terms of moves, particularly regarding attacking the legs.
Rules Breakdown:
Objective: To pin the opponent or outscore them by executing various throws, takedowns, and exposures.
Scoring:
Takedown: 2 to 4 points depending on the complexity.
Exposure: 2 points for exposing the opponent's back to the mat.
Reversal: 1 point.
Penalty Points: Points awarded for illegal moves or passivity.
Out-of-bounds: 1 point is awarded if the opponent is pushed out of the circle.
Match Structure: Two periods, each lasting 3 minutes. If a wrestler achieves a 10-point lead (technical superiority), the match ends.
Key Features:
The freedom to attack any part of the body, including the legs.
The emphasis on quick, high-scoring moves like throws, leg attacks, and exposures.
3. Greco-Roman Wrestling
History: Greco-Roman wrestling traces its roots to ancient Greece and Rome and has been a part of the Olympic Games since 1896. Unlike Freestyle, this style forbids any attacks below the waist, which creates a unique set of strategies.
Rules Breakdown:
Objective: To pin the opponent or outscore them by using throws, locks, and other upper-body maneuvers.
Scoring:
Takedown: 2 to 5 points, depending on the height and impact of the throw.
Exposure: 2 points for exposing the opponent's back.
Reversal: 1 point.
Penalty Points: Awarded for passivity or illegal holds.
Match Structure: Two periods of 3 minutes. Technical superiority occurs when a wrestler leads by 8 points.
Key Features:
No leg attacks or leg defense; all action is focused on the upper body.
Highly technical throws and body control are critical to success.
USA Wrestling and Event Registration
USA Wrestling is the national governing body for the sport of wrestling in the United States, overseeing competitions in Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco-Roman. USA Wrestling is affiliated with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and is responsible for selecting the U.S. Olympic and World Championship teams.
Registering for Events:
Wrestlers who participate in USA Wrestling-sanctioned events must register for membership, which provides access to local, regional, and national tournaments. Once a wrestler is registered, they gain access to a calendar of events where they can choose which competitions to attend.
Unlike sports like soccer or baseball, where teams follow a strict game schedule, wrestling offers the flexibility to pick and choose events based on family schedules, travel preferences, and personal goals. This gives wrestlers and parents control over their competition calendar, allowing for participation at their own pace. This convenience is particularly appealing for families with busy schedules.
Why Choose Wrestling?
Wrestling is unique among youth sports in the level of personal choice it offers. Families can:
Select tournaments based on location and timing.
Skip events during busy weeks or when focusing on training.
Choose to compete in only Folkstyle, Freestyle, or Greco-Roman seasons, or a combination of all three.
This flexibility, combined with the opportunity to learn a sport that builds strength, discipline, and resilience, makes wrestling an excellent option for youth athletes.
By registering with USA Wrestling and becoming part of a club like Southwest Washington Wrestling Club, young wrestlers can develop their skills while maintaining control over their competition schedule.
