What Are the Two Most Popular Styles of Wrestling?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling Wrestling is a fascinating sport that has been around for centuries. It combines strength, agility, and strategy to create exciting matches that captivate audiences worldwide. Over time, different styles of wrestling have emerged, each with its own unique rules and techniques. In this article, we will explore the two most popular styles of wrestling: Freestyle and Greco-Roman. Freestyle Wrestling Freestyle wrestling is one of the most widely practiced forms of wrestling around the world. It is an Olympic sport that allows wrestlers to use both their upper and lower bodies to gain an advantage over their opponents. In freestyle wrestling, the main objective is to pin your opponent’s shoulders to the mat for a certain period of time or accumulate points through takedowns and exposure. Techniques In freestyle wrestling, there are various techniques that wrestlers employ to gain points or secure a pinfall victory. These include: Takedowns: Wrestlers score points by taking their opponent down from a standing position to the mat. This can be achieved through moves like single-leg takedowns, double-leg takedowns, or throws. Exposure: Wrestlers can earn points by exposing their opponent’s back to the mat. This can be done through moves like gut wrenches or leg lace. Pinning: The ultimate goal in freestyle wrestling is to pin your opponent’s shoulders to the mat for a certain period of time. If this happens, the match is over, and you are declared the winner. Greco-Roman Wrestling Greco-Roman wrestling is another popular style that focuses on upper body techniques and prohibits attacks below the waist. It is also an Olympic sport and requires wrestlers to use their strength and technique to gain an advantage. Rules Greco-Roman wrestling has some distinct rules that set it apart from freestyle wrestling. These include: No Leg Attacks: Unlike freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling does not allow wrestlers to attack their opponents’ legs. This forces wrestlers to rely on throws, lifts, and upper body techniques. No Holds Below the Waist: Wrestlers are prohibited from using holds below the waist, which means they must focus on executing moves that Target the upper body. No Scoring for Exposure: In Greco-Roman wrestling, exposure does not result in points as it does in freestyle wrestling. The only way to score points is through throws and takedowns. In Conclusion Both Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling have their own unique characteristics that make them exciting to watch and participate in. Whether you prefer the dynamic and fast-paced nature of freestyle or the emphasis on upper body technique in Greco-Roman, there is something for everyone in the world of wrestling. So, whether you are an aspiring wrestler or simply a fan of the sport, understanding these two popular styles will enhance your appreciation for this ancient form of combat. Keep practicing, keep learning, and enjoy the thrill of wrestling!
