FREESTYLE VS. FOLKSTYLE WRESTLING

Freestyle wrestling is similar to the "folkstyle" wrestling popular in American schools and universities, but with different scoring, match procedures, and strategies.  Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling place little emphasis on control, while folkstyle, control is very important.  In freestyle wrestling, wrestlers are brought to their feet after about 15 seconds of no scoring from the mat.  Since control isn't important, the bottom wrestler isn't expected to do anything but defend their position.

Another difference related to control is the ability in freestyle wrestling to score points without having control of your opponent.  Some moves such as tilts, front headlocks from the knees, and crotch lifts while under attack can score continuously without ever gaining control.

The match starts with the wrestlers standing on their feet.  The wrestlers attempt to take their opponent down to the mat to score points.  Wrestling also occurs down on the mat, known as "par terre".  If no points are scored after 15 seconds, the referee will stop the match and bring both wrestlers back to their feet.

The main objective in wrestling is to pin your opponent.  This is achieved by holding her shoulder blades to the mat for about one-half of a second.  The pin automatically ends the match.  A pin is also known as a fall.

Points are awarded for performing techniques or moves within the rules.  One point is awarded for a takedown when an opponent goes from their feet to the mat.  If the opponent falls directly to their back from the standing position, three-points are awarded.

A five-point takedown, although rare, can be scored for a "grand amplitude" throw.  This maneuver will end the period of a match.

Tactics and strategies are an integral part of the sport.

When wrestling in the par terre position, if an opponent has their back exposed to the mat at an angle less than 45 degrees, two-points are awarded.  If the wrestler who has control can hold their opponent on their back for at least five seconds without scoring a fall, one point is scored.

The duration of the match is divided into three periods of two minutes each with a break of 30 seconds given between each period.  The wrestler who wins two periods is declared the winner of a match.  If the victory can be declared after two periods, the period is suppressed.  A fall automatically ends the match regardless of the period in which it occurs.

At the end of each bout, the arm of the winning athlete is raised.  The wrestlers shake hands with the referee and with their opponent, then with the mat chairman and the judge.