How to Identify Types of Wrestling

The three most common types of competitive wrestling are folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco-Roman. While they have a number of similarities, there are certain elements that distinguish them from one another. Look for these differences to identify what type of wrestling you're watching.

Instructions

    • 1

      Consider your surroundings. If you're watching a junior high, high school, or college wrestling match in the United States you're most likely watching folkstyle wrestling. Freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling are Olympic and international amateur sports.

    • 2

      Pay attention to how the legs are used in the match. Freestyle and folkstyle wrestling allows the wrestler to use his legs when attacking and in other moves. Greco-Roman wrestlers cannot use their legs in this way nor can holds be done below the waste.

    • 3

      Observe what kinds of moves score points. In folkstyle, points are scored for being in control of your opponent and yourself. Executing such moves as takedowns, reversals, escapes, and nearfalls (almost pinning your opponent) score points. In freestyle and Greco-Roman a wrestler can actually score points without ever having control over his opponent. This is done with moves like tilts, front headlocks, trips, throws and crotch lifts. In all three types of wrestling the pin or fall is the ultimate way to win your match.

    • 4

      Notice what actions are penalized in a match. The throw is not permitted in folkstyle wrestling and may or may not be penalized depending on the situation. In freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling the wrestler can actually be penalized for not being the aggressor in the match.