How to Freestyle Wrestle

Freestyle wrestling, along with Greco-Roman wrestling, are the two forms permitted at the Olympic games. When engaging in freestyle wrestling, your goal is to pin your opponent on the mat using your arms and upper body, not your legs. While you can use your legs to defend yourself, you will not score points using your legs to pin the other person down. This style of wrestling is intense, creative and challenging for those who choose to learn it.

Things You'll Need

  • Singlet
  • Wrestling shoes
  • Handkerchief
  • Headgear (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Your name and your opponent's name will be called. You will meet your opponent and the referee in the center of the mat. The referee will inspect your singlet, headgear and shoes to make sure they are regulated for use. Shake hands with your opponent to signify the beginning of the match. Most freestyle wrestling matches last for three 2-minute rounds.

    • 2

      Make sure you approach your opponent using your arms and upper body. Legs are only used in defensive moves. Use your upper body strength to bring your opponent to the ground. Use different wrestling moves such as the takedown or the gut wrench to pin your opponent to the mat.

    • 3

      If, after 45 seconds, neither you nor your opponent have made an attempt to take down that other one, the wrestler who is considered less aggressive will not receive any points for the round. This is called passivity and should be avoided if possible.

    • 4

      To properly pin your opponent and win the match, you must pin down your opponent's shoulders for one second. If you're successful, you will be declared the winner of the match. The referee will call an end to the match. Shake hands with your opponent. The referee will raise your arm in the air to publicly declare you the winner.

    • 5

      You can win a freestyle wresting match even if you don't pin down your opponent. Each move you make during the match is rewarded a certain amount of points if it is done effectively. You need 3 points to win the match. If neither wrestler earns 3 points during the match or fails to pin down their opponent, the match will go into overtime. The winner will be determined by how many points each wrestler has earned after the overtime round is over.

    • 6

      If a wrestler is injured during a match, the match may be forfeited. If you are too aggressive during a match and cause an injury, you may be disqualified. Use your handkerchief as a temporary covering for any injuries you have as a result of the match.