Freestyle Wrestling — a Wrestling discipline

Overview

Freestyle is one of the two international wrestling styles contested at the Olympic Games. Wrestlers aim to take their opponent to the mat, control them, and win on points or by pinning (a fall).

The defining feature of freestyle is that attacks are allowed across the whole body: a wrestler can grab the opponent's legs and use their own legs to trip, lift, or control. This makes leg attacks central to the style.

Points are earned for takedowns, for turning an opponent so their back is exposed to the mat, and for other controlling actions, while a fall ends the bout immediately.

What defines it

Holds and attacks below the waist are permitted, including grabbing the legs.
Leg attacks such as single-leg and double-leg takedowns are core techniques.
Wrestlers score through takedowns, exposing the opponent's back, and pins.
Both men and women compete in freestyle internationally.
A fall (pin) ends the match regardless of the running score.

Getting started

1Look for a local wrestling club, school team, or gym with qualified coaching where beginners can learn stance, motion, and basic takedowns in a structured setting.
2Early sessions usually focus on fundamentals such as a balanced stance, level changes, and simple takedowns and escapes before any live competition.
3Comfortable athletic clothing is enough to begin; a coach will explain any style-specific gear and mat etiquette.