What Is the Difference Between Greco and Freestyle Wrestling?By Coder| August 30, 2023 Wrestling Wrestling is a combat sport that has been practiced for centuries. Over time, different styles of wrestling have emerged, each with its own set of rules and techniques. Two popular styles of wrestling are Greco-Roman wrestling and freestyle wrestling. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are several key differences between the two. The Basics Both Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling are Olympic sports and require athletes to use their skills to pin their opponents or score points. However, the main difference lies in the allowed holds and techniques. Greco-Roman Wrestling Greco-Roman wrestling is a style that emphasizes upper body holds and throws. In this style, wrestlers are only allowed to attack their opponents above the waist. This means that they cannot use any moves that involve grabbing or attacking below the waist, such as leg trips or ankle picks. Freestyle Wrestling On the other hand, freestyle wrestling allows wrestlers to attack both above and below the waist. This style encourages a variety of techniques, including leg attacks like single-leg takedowns and double-leg tackles. Wrestlers in freestyle can also use their legs to defend against an opponent’s moves. Scoring System In both Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling, points are awarded based on various actions during a match. However, there are slight differences in how points are earned. Greco-Roman Wrestling Scoring In Greco-Roman wrestling, points can be earned through three main actions: takedowns, exposures, and reversals. A takedown is when a wrestler successfully brings their opponent from a standing position to the mat while maintaining control. Exposures occur when a wrestler exposes their opponent’s shoulders to the mat. Reversals, on the other hand, happen when a wrestler who is being controlled by their opponent manages to gain control themselves. Freestyle Wrestling Scoring Freestyle wrestling also awards points for takedowns, exposures, and reversals. However, additional points can be earned for actions such as pushing your opponent out of bounds or executing a grand amplitude throw. This makes freestyle wrestling more dynamic and allows for a wider range of scoring opportunities. Uniforms Another notable difference between Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling lies in the uniforms worn by the athletes. Greco-Roman Wrestling Uniform In Greco-Roman wrestling, athletes wear tight-fitting singlets that cover their entire torso and legs. This uniform allows for greater mobility and prevents opponents from gaining an unfair advantage by holding onto clothing. Freestyle Wrestling Uniform In freestyle wrestling, the uniform consists of a tight-fitting singlet similar to that of Greco-Roman wrestling. However, freestyle wrestlers also have the option to wear tight-fitting shorts instead of the singlet if they prefer. Conclusion In summary, while both Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling are popular combat sports with similar objectives, there are distinct differences between the two styles. Greco-Roman emphasizes upper body holds and prohibits attacks below the waist, while freestyle allows wrestlers to attack both above and below the waist. The scoring systems also differ slightly, with freestyle offering more opportunities for points. Additionally, each style has its own uniform requirements. Understanding these differences can help fans appreciate and distinguish between these two exciting forms of wrestling.
