Is High School Wrestling Folkstyle?

High school wrestling is indeed folkstyle wrestling. Folkstyle wrestling, also known as collegiate wrestling, is the style of wrestling that is most commonly practiced in high schools and colleges across the United States. It is important to understand the key characteristics of folkstyle wrestling and how it differs from other styles such as freestyle and Greco-Roman.

What is Folkstyle Wrestling?

Folkstyle wrestling is a form of amateur wrestling that originated in the United States. It has its roots in traditional European styles of wrestling but has evolved over time to become a distinct style. One of the defining features of folkstyle wrestling is its emphasis on control and dominance on the mat.

Rules and Scoring

In folkstyle wrestling, matches are divided into three periods, each lasting two minutes at the high school level. The objective is to score points by executing takedowns, escapes, reversals, near falls, or pins. The wrestler with the most points at the end of the match wins.

Takedowns: A wrestler earns two points for taking down their opponent from a standing position to a controlled position on the mat.

Escapes: If a wrestler manages to break free from their opponent’s control while on the mat, they are awarded one point for an escape.

Reversals: If a wrestler escapes from their opponent’s control and gains control themselves, they are given two points for a reversal.

Near Falls: If a wrestler manages to hold their opponent’s shoulders at an angle of fewer than 45 degrees from the mat for at least two seconds without securing a pin, they earn two or three near fall points depending on how long they maintain control.

Pins: The ultimate goal in folkstyle wrestling is to secure a pin, also known as a fall. A pin occurs when one wrestler holds both of their opponent’s shoulders on the mat for a specified period, usually two seconds at the high school level. A pin results in an immediate victory.

Differences from Other Styles

Folkstyle wrestling differs from freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling in several ways:

• Mat Wrestling: Folkstyle wrestling places a significant emphasis on controlling an opponent on the mat. This includes riding, turning, and pinning techniques that are not as prevalent in other styles.
• Neutral Position: Unlike freestyle wrestling where both wrestlers start each period in a neutral position, folkstyle wrestling allows for wrestlers to choose between top, bottom, or neutral positions at the beginning of each period.
• Out of Bounds: In folkstyle wrestling, if one wrestler steps out of bounds while executing a move or defending against an attack, the action continues as long as there is potential for scoring. This differs from freestyle wrestling where stepping out of bounds results in a stoppage and restart of the action.

The Benefits of Wrestling Folkstyle

Folkstyle wrestling provides numerous benefits to high school wrestlers:

• Control and Strategy: The emphasis on control and dominance on the mat develops wrestlers’ tactical thinking and strategic decision-making abilities.
• Mental Toughness: Wrestling folkstyle requires mental toughness as wrestlers must endure physical exertion, pain, and discomfort throughout matches.
• All-Around Skills: The combination of mat wrestling, takedowns, and escapes in folkstyle wrestling helps wrestlers develop a well-rounded skill set that can be applied to other styles of wrestling.
• College Opportunities: Folkstyle wrestling is the style practiced at the collegiate level, so excelling in high school folkstyle can open doors for college scholarships and future wrestling careers.

In Conclusion

High school wrestling is indeed folkstyle. Its unique rules, scoring system, and emphasis on control and dominance on the mat distinguish it from other styles such as freestyle and Greco-Roman. By engaging in folkstyle wrestling, high school wrestlers can develop valuable skills, mental toughness, and open doors for future opportunities at the college level.