Is Greco-Roman Wrestling Better Than Freestyle?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling Greco-Roman wrestling and freestyle wrestling are two popular styles of wrestling that are practiced globally. Both styles have their own unique characteristics and rules, which often spark a debate among wrestling enthusiasts about which style is better. In this article, we will delve into the key differences between Greco-Roman wrestling and freestyle wrestling to determine if one is superior to the other. The Basics Let’s start by understanding the basic principles of each style. Greco-Roman Wrestling In Greco-Roman wrestling, athletes can only use their upper bodies and must avoid any attacks below the waist. This means that leg attacks, such as single-leg takedowns or ankle picks, are not allowed. The emphasis in this style is on throws and upper body control. Freestyle Wrestling Unlike Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle wrestlers can attack both the upper and lower body of their opponents. This opens up a wide range of techniques, including leg attacks, which adds more versatility to the sport. Scoring System The scoring systems in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling also differ. Greco-Roman Wrestling Scoring Takedown: A wrestler earns 2 points for executing a successful takedown by controlling their opponent’s upper body. Exposure: If a wrestler exposes their opponent’s back to the mat at an angle of less than 90 degrees, they earn 2 points. If the angle is greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees, they earn 4 points. Reversal: If a wrestler reverses the position from being controlled to being in control, they earn 1 point. Freestyle Wrestling Scoring Takedown: Similar to Greco-Roman wrestling, a wrestler earns 2 points for executing a successful takedown by controlling their opponent’s upper body. Exposure: If a wrestler exposes their opponent’s back to the mat, they earn 2 points. Unlike in Greco-Roman wrestling, there are no variations based on angles. Reversal: Similar to Greco-Roman wrestling, a wrestler earns 1 point for reversing the position. Pushout: If a wrestler forces their opponent out of the designated wrestling area, they earn 1 point. Tactics and Strategies The differences in rules and scoring systems often lead wrestlers to adopt different tactics and strategies in each style. Tactics in Greco-Roman Wrestling In Greco-Roman wrestling, since leg attacks are not allowed, wrestlers focus heavily on upper body tie-ups and throws. This requires superior upper body strength and technique. Wrestlers often aim to control their opponents’ arms and gain advantageous positions for executing powerful throws. Tactics in Freestyle Wrestling In freestyle wrestling, with the inclusion of leg attacks, wrestlers have more options for takedowns. Quick footwork and setups for leg attacks play a significant role. Wrestlers also need to be adept at defending against leg attacks while maintaining control over their opponents’ upper bodies. The Verdict So, is Greco-Roman wrestling better than freestyle wrestling, or vice versa? The answer is subjective and depends on personal preferences and goals. Greco-Roman wrestling emphasizes upper body control and throws, making it a great choice for athletes who prefer a style focused on strength and technique. On the other hand, freestyle wrestling offers more versatility with its inclusion of leg attacks, appealing to athletes who value a broader range of techniques. Ultimately, both styles have their own merits and challenges. They require different skill sets and tactics. Whether you choose to specialize in Greco-Roman wrestling or freestyle wrestling depends on your individual strengths and goals as a wrestler. Regardless of which style you choose, both Greco-Roman wrestling and freestyle wrestling provide thrilling displays of athleticism, technique, and strategy that make them captivating sports to watch and participate in.
