Freestyle Wrestling Rules & Moves

Freestyle wrestling features a wide variety of moves and rules that dictate what happens during a match. You must take your opponent down and score points or pin him to win a match. You also must avoid committing illegal moves, as they can lead to the assessment of penalties.

Double-Leg Takedown

A double-leg takedown occurs when you grab both of your opponent's legs and take him to the mat. You begin by either stepping between your opponent's legs or to the outside of them with your head just outside of his hip. From this position, you can lift your opponent off the ground, drag him to the mat or use one of your legs to trip him. If your opponent attempts to sprawl to stay on his feet during your double-leg, continue driving through him while pulling his knees together, as this can make him lose his balance.

Half Nelson

If your opponent goes to his stomach, you need to get him to his back to finish a pinning combination. When applying a half nelson, you put one arm underneath his arm and your hand from the same arm on the back of his head. This gives you full control of that half of this body, making it much easier for you to turn him. You will have more success applying this move if you do so as soon as he hits the mat because his arm will naturally fall beside his head.

Scoring

You receive 1 point for moves in which you pass behind an opponent for a takedown, apply a hold in par terre position or hold your opponent in a position of danger for at least five seconds. Par terre position occurs when the referee orders one wrestler onto his hands and knees in the center of the circle and his opponent can stand or kneel behind him in an attempt to mount an offensive move. You receive 2 points for placing your opponent in danger in par terre position or rolling your opponent onto his shoulders. The referee will award you 3 points for putting your opponent in a position of danger during a short throw, lifting your opponent off the ground when he has one knee down or completing a grande amplitude hold but do not cause immediate danger. You receive 5 points for a grande amplitude throw that puts your opponent in danger from standing position or par terre.

Illegal Moves

You cannot pull the hair, ears, joints or genitals of an opponent. You must avoid kicking, head-butting, biting and holds that could endanger an opponent's life. You cannot talk, grab the sole of an opponent's foot or grab the mat during a bout. Referees can give you a warning, put you in par terre position or award your opponent with a point for rule violations.