Freestyle Wrestling

Freestyle Wrestling

Freestyle wrestling is one of the oldest sports in history. Unlike its cousin, professional wrestling, in which competitors perform choreographed moves, freestyle wrestling is considered an amateur form of wrestling. Freestyle wrestling is an international sport that divides players into four categories. Schoolboys consist of those aged fourteen to fifteen. Cadets are those aged sixteen to seventeen. Juniors are those aged eighteen to twenty. And seniors are those twenty and older. Each of these categories is then further divided by weight class in which players are weighed prior to a match and must be at or below their weight class level to compete. Wrestlers wear singlets which, as the name implies, is a single form-fitting body suit that clings to the body and allows for maximum flexibility and movement. The singlets are usually made of spandex, nylon or lycra and are typically red or blue. In freestyle wrestling, players are also required to carry a handkerchief to wipe up bodily fluids following a competition. They wear special flexible shoes with rubber soles for gripping the mat and extra support for the ankles which can get twisted and turned easily while competing. Many players also wear headgear for further protection, although this final piece is optional.

Freestyle Wrestling Moves

A wrestling match starts out with the opponents standing, facing each other. The ultimate object is to pin both the opponent's shoulders down flat on the mat. With freestyle wrestling moves, both legs and arms are used to execute holds or defend oneself against an opponent. While points are usually scored by one person gaining control or a hold over another, points can also be scored by certain moves such as holds, trips, crotch lifts, throws, tilts, front headlocks. By allowing freestyle wrestling moves to qualify for points, this type of wrestling allows for more scoring opportunities for the players.

Womens Freestyle Wrestling

Womens freestyle wrestling is similar to mens in terms of categories such as schoolgirls, cadets, juniors, and seniors. In womens freestyle wrestling, opponents wear special singlets to cover their chest area. Other than this minor difference, womens freestyle wrestling abides by essentially the same rule and regulations as does the mens. Since no United States organizations sponsor womens freestyle wrestling, many American teams often compete outside the United States.

Freestyle wrestling is considered fast and exciting since players can score points from various moves, not just by pinning an opponent.