Scholastic or folkstyle wrestling is practiced in high schools and amateur clubs around the United States. Wrestlers are divided into 14 different classes based on their body weight. Matches consist of three periods lasting for a total of six minutes. Some younger age group matches may last for a shorter period of time. High schools generally compete in dual meets, two schools competing against each other, or tournaments that pit many schools against each other generally over a three day period. Points are scored by takedowns, reversals, escapes and near falls. Penalties can also be issued by a referee for illegal holds, unsportsmanlike conduct, flagrant misconduct or technical violations.

A match begins with both wrestlers in the neutral or standing position. During this time each wrestler uses different stances to try and score points on his opponent. The sugar foot stance, square stance and sugar foot with penetration are all methods wrestlers can use to take down an opponent from the neutral position. From the neutral position a front head lock is a common move to begin with. From a front head lock you can use the far side knee tap, front wizzer far arm hip toss or many other moves to score points from this position.

After the first period has ended the wrestlers start the second period in the referee’s position. This places one wrestler on his hands and knees, the defensive position, and the other wrestler, the offensive position, kneels beside the defensive wrestler and wraps one arm around the waist and then places the other hand on the elbow. If you are in the defensive position you can use several techniques to score points for an escape or reversal. Standing up and breaking the offensive wrestler’s grip, switch, roll, step over and Granby roll are all techniques used to score points from the defensive position.

During the third period the wrestlers switch starting positions from offense to defense and again try to score the most points in the two minute period. From the offensive position wrestlers try to score points for near falls. Using moves like breakdowns, nelson holds and leg rides will allow you to score points from the offensive position.

A victory is awarded at any time in a match if one wrestler is able to pin or fall the other wrestler. A pin is awarded when a wrestler’s shoulders and shoulder blades are held on the mat for two seconds. Pinning a wrestler can be done using several of the nelson holds, cradles or headlocks. The ultimate goal of any wrestler is to pin his opponent during the match.

Now that you know the basics of wrestling you can begin to practice some of the basic moves. If you are a new member of a wrestling team ask your coach to help you with the proper technique and execution of the basic wrestling moves. These moves are just the beginning. Keep practicing and adding new moves as you master the basic moves in practice. In no time you will be pinning your opponents on the mat.