Folkstyle Wrestling Moves: Understanding Infractions, Points, and Winning Strategies

In folkstyle wrestling, a match can be won through various means, including pinning your opponent or accumulating more points than them at the end of the match. However, it's essential to understand the infractions that can result in penalty points being awarded against you, as well as the ways to score points and win matches.

Illegal Holds

One type of infraction that can lead to penalty points is illegal holds. These are holds that the referee will penalize without warning, including:

* Holding a wrestler in a high bridge or back on both elbows with one shoulder touching the mat and the other at a 45-degree angle coming down to the mat.

* Holding a wrestler's shoulders for two seconds within four inches of the mat.

If you commit flagrant misconduct, you can be ejected from the match on the first offense, losing the match and having three team points deducted. However, if you commit an illegal starting position or false start, you will be cautioned twice before being awarded one point for each infraction. If you are penalized four times, you will be disqualified.

Penalty Points

In addition to illegal holds, other infractions can result in penalty points being awarded against you. These include:

* Takedown: scoring two points for taking your opponent down to the mat and controlling them.

* Escape: scoring one point for getting away or gaining a neutral position when your opponent has you down on the mat.

* Reversal: scoring two points when your opponent has you down on the mat and you come from underneath to gain control.

Near Falls

A near fall, also known as back points, can result in two or three points being awarded. This occurs when you almost but not quite get your opponent pinned. There are five ways to score points in a wrestling match:

* Takedown: taking your opponent down to the mat and controlling them.

* Escape: getting away or gaining a neutral position when your opponent has you down on the mat.

* Reversal: coming from underneath to gain control of your opponent.

* Near Fall: almost pinning your opponent.

* Pin: putting your opponent on their back with both shoulders or shoulder blades in contact with the mat for two seconds.

In folkstyle wrestling, the object is to put your opponent on their back, either by pinning them or accumulating more points than them at the end of the match. By understanding infractions, penalty points, and winning strategies, you can improve your chances of success in this exciting and physically demanding sport.

Folkstyle wrestling moves