Freestyle vs Folkstyle
Understanding the different styles of wrestling.
The Three Major Wrestling Styles
Where Each Style is Used
| Level | Style |
|---|---|
| Youth (USA Wrestling clubs) | Folkstyle & Freestyle |
| Middle School | Folkstyle |
| High School (NFHS) | Folkstyle |
| College (NCAA) | Folkstyle |
| Off-season / USA Wrestling | Freestyle & Greco |
| Olympics / World Championships | Freestyle & Greco |
Folkstyle Wrestling
Folkstyle (also called "scholastic" or "collegiate" wrestling) is unique to the United States and is the style used in American schools and colleges.
Key Folkstyle Characteristics:
- ✓ Riding time: Points for controlling opponent on mat
- ✓ Escapes worth 1 point: Getting away from bottom scores
- ✓ Emphasis on control: Reward for mat wrestling dominance
- ✓ 3 periods: Standard match structure
- ✓ Ref's position: Start 2nd/3rd periods on mat (if chosen)
- ✓ Near fall points: 2-3 points for exposing back
Folkstyle Philosophy
Folkstyle rewards control and mat wrestling. Being able to ride an opponent (stay on top) is valued. The escape point encourages the bottom wrestler to work to get away rather than stall.
Freestyle Wrestling
Freestyle is the international style wrestled at the Olympics and World Championships. It's faster-paced with more emphasis on explosive scoring.
Key Freestyle Characteristics:
- ✓ No riding time: Mat control doesn't accumulate points
- ✓ Exposure points: Points for any back exposure (even brief)
- ✓ Pushout points: Point for forcing opponent out of bounds
- ✓ Leg attacks legal: Can attack legs (unlike Greco)
- ✓ 2 periods: 3-minute halves with 30-second break
- ✓ Quick restarts: If stalemate on mat, return to neutral quickly
Freestyle Philosophy
Freestyle rewards action and big moves. Throws and high-amplitude takedowns score more points. The action stays fast because wrestlers are quickly returned to neutral if mat wrestling stalls.
Greco-Roman Wrestling
Greco-Roman is the oldest Olympic wrestling style, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. The defining rule: no attacks below the waist.
Key Greco-Roman Characteristics:
- ✓ No leg attacks: Cannot grab opponent's legs or use your legs to attack
- ✓ Upper body throws: Emphasizes throws from the clinch
- ✓ Par terre: Special ground position to restart on mat
- ✓ High amplitude: Big throws score big points (up to 5)
- ✓ Gut wrenches: Turning move from par terre position
Greco Philosophy
Greco rewards upper body strength and technique. Without leg attacks, wrestlers must use throws, arm drags, and body locks. It's often considered the most physically demanding style.
Key Scoring Differences
| Action | Folkstyle | Freestyle | Greco |
|---|---|---|---|
| Takedown | 2 pts | 2-4 pts | 2-4 pts |
| Escape | 1 pt | 1 pt | 1 pt |
| Reversal | 2 pts | 1 pt | 1 pt |
| Exposure/Near Fall | 2-4 pts | 2-3 pts | 2-3 pts |
| Riding Time | 1 pt max | N/A | N/A |
| Pushout | N/A | 1 pt | 1 pt |
| High Amplitude Throw | 2-4 pts | 4-5 pts | 4-5 pts |
Why Learn Both Styles?
Become a More Complete Wrestler
Freestyle wrestling improves your ability to score quickly and scramble. These skills transfer directly to folkstyle competition.
Year-Round Competition
Folkstyle season is November-March. Freestyle and Greco season is April-July. Wrestling both keeps you sharp all year.
College and Beyond
College wrestlers compete folkstyle, but many also wrestle freestyle. After college, international competition is freestyle/Greco only.
Olympic Dreams
The Olympics only include freestyle and Greco-Roman. To represent Team USA, you need international style experience.
Transitioning Between Styles
Folkstyle → Freestyle Tips
- • Attack more, don't wait
- • Work on throws and big moves
- • Don't rely on riding - return to feet
- • Be aggressive at the edge
- • Practice quick exposure scoring
Freestyle → Folkstyle Tips
- • Develop your riding game
- • Work escapes from bottom
- • Be patient, control the pace
- • Learn referee's position starts
- • Value mat time accumulation