Freestyle wrestling is an exciting sport famous worldwide. It is an important part of the Olympic wrestling games and many international tournaments. In this format of wrestling, wrestler can use both their arms and legs to attack or defend. Knowing the freestyle wrestling rules helps players perform better. It also helps fans to understand the game really well. Points rules of Freestyle wrestling explains how points are scored and how long a match will last. This article will be the best guide for fans to understand the freestyle wrestling points rules.
What Is Freestyle Wrestling?
Freestyle Wrestling is a popular form of amateur wrestling. It allows wrestlers to use their entire bodies during the game. Wrestlers can use their legs and arms to make this game more flexible. Unlike Greco-Roman wrestling, Freestyle wrestling allows wrestler to use their arms and legs as well. Because of this, games are mostly fast, exciting and entertaining.
Freestyle wrestling mostly focuses on speed, strength and balance. Wrestlers must stay active during the game and look for opportunities. The game is controlled by the United World Wrestling, UWW. This organization set clear and standardized rules for Freestyle wrestling. These rules are followed in all the competitions, like the Olympics and World Championships.
Match Duration & Structure in Freestyle Wrestling:
A Freestyle Wrestling Match is a very organized sport, to ensure that the match remains a competitive event. The match is separated into two equal parts, and the two matches will have a total of six minutes of active competition with two three minute divisions separated by a thirty second rest period. The thirty second rest period allows the wrestler time to recover before the start of the next match. Because the match has a total active time of six minutes, three minutes of the first division and another three minutes of the second division, the intensity of every match is constantly maintained.
During each period, wrestlers try to score points by using legal techniques. A match can also end early if one wrestler wins by fall. The fall mostly happens when both of the opponent’s shoulders are held at the same time on the mat. If no pin occurs, then the wrestler with the most points will win the game automatically. Freestyle wrestling games take place on circular mats to maintain safety. The competition area has a 9-meter diameter. It gives wrestlers enough space to attack, defend and move freely.
| Element | Description |
| Total Match Time | 6 minutes |
| Periods | 2 periods (3 minutes each) |
| Break | 30 seconds |
| Mat Size | 9-meter diameter competition area |
Scoring System in Freestyle Wrestling
The scoring system used in freestyle wrestling is based entirely on an athlete’s ability to use skill, technique and control over another athlete with an objective of taking control over one’s opponent. When using skill and technique, freestyle wrestlers can perform moves that will place themselves in a position of dominance over others through use of the takedown (2-point scoring move) and/or the pinning method of takedowns.
A takedown includes bringing your opponent to the mat while you are in control of your opponent and earning 2 points. Whether or not your opponent’s back was exposed to you at the time of the takedown will be important for determining the total score if there are additional points earned, but the important thing to remember is that this score represents your ability to control your opponent through your use of the technique.
This technique is called exposure in Freestyle wrestling. Using this technique, a wrestler can get 2 to 3 points depending on the control or duration. Another important technique which is widely used in Freestyle wrestling is the high-amplitude throw.
In a high-amplitude throw, the opponent is lifted and thrown with force and control. It is considered a high-risk move to help a wrestler earn 4 to 5 points. A reversal occurs when a defensive wrestler switches to an attacking position. It helps the wrestler earn a 1 point. If a wrestler forces the opponent out of the competition area, it results in a step out worth 1 point. The referee can also give 1 point when an opponent commits fouls or slows passivity.
Check out the table to better understand the scoring system of Freestyle wrestling.
| Action | Points Awarded |
| Takedown | 2 points |
| Exposure (back to mat) | 2–3 points |
| High-amplitude throw | 4–5 points |
| Reversal | 1 point |
| Step-out (opponent exits mat) | 1 point |
| Penalty to opponent | 1–2 points |
Conclsuion
Freestyle wrestling is an exciting and powerful sport that requires a mix of physical strength, quick movement and clear strategy. It helps viewers to understand the freestyle wrestling rules, scoring system and match structure. For a beginner, learning these rules really helps to understand the core of the game. For a wrestler, it is important to build a strong strategy and improve performance. For fans, it adds another level of excitement and clarity to watching the freestyle wrestling game. Overall, mastering these rules helps everyone enjoy freestyle wrestling with a better understanding and deeper appreciation. Check out the top Folkstyle wrestler in the world.
FAQs
- What is freestyle wrestling?
A Freestyle wrestling is a form of wrestling in which athletes uses both his arms and legs.
- How long is a match?
Freestyle wrestling consist of 6 minutes consist of 2 divisions with a short break of 30 seconds.
3 How are points scored?
In Freestyle wrestling points are scored through take-downs, exposures, throws, reversals, step-outs, and penalties.
- What moves are illegal?
Choking, striking, joints lock, headbutts and dangerous slams are dangerous in Freestyle wrestling.
- How is freestyle different from Greco-Roman?
In Freestyle wrestler can use their legs and arms which is not the case in Greco-Roman.
