How Are Wrestling Matches Scored?

control, escaping from tough positions, and achieving dominance over their opponent. Knowing how wrestling matches are scored will help you enjoy the sport more and better support your wrestler’s development.

Wrestling scoring differs slightly depending on the style being practiced (Folkstyle, Freestyle, or Greco-Roman), but each style shares fundamental scoring principles. In the United States, most young wrestlers begin with Folkstyle wrestling, also known as Scholastic wrestling, which is practiced in youth leagues, middle schools, high schools, and colleges. This blog will primarily explain how Folkstyle matches are scored, while also touching briefly on scoring differences in Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling.

Basic Scoring in Folkstyle Wrestling

In Folkstyle wrestling, athletes earn points based on control, dominance, and successful execution of specific techniques. There are several key scoring opportunities during a match, including takedowns, escapes, reversals, and near-falls.

1. Takedown (3 points)

A wrestler earns a "takedown" when they successfully take their opponent down to the mat from a standing position and establish control. Common takedowns include single-leg takedowns, double-leg takedowns, and high-crotch attacks. Once a wrestler secures a takedown and establishes clear control, the referee awards them two points.

2. Escape (1 point)

An "escape" occurs when the wrestler on the bottom successfully breaks away from their opponent’s control and gets back to a neutral (standing) position. The escaping wrestler is awarded one point for returning to neutral and breaking their opponent’s control.

3. Reversal (3 points)

A "reversal" occurs when the wrestler who was being controlled (on bottom) gains control over their opponent without first going to a neutral position. Essentially, the wrestlers switch places, and the previously controlled wrestler takes control of their opponent, earning two points.

4. Near-Fall (2 or 4 points)

A "near-fall" is awarded when a wrestler puts their opponent on their back, exposing their shoulders toward the mat, but does not secure a full pin. If the opponent’s shoulders are held close to the mat for two to four seconds, the wrestler is awarded two near-fall points. If they hold their opponent in this near-pin position for five seconds or more, they receive four-near-fall points. This scoring encourages wrestlers to work aggressively toward pinning their opponent.

Pinning (Fall) to Win the Match

While wrestlers accumulate points throughout the match, the ultimate goal is to achieve a pin, also known as a "fall." A pin occurs when a wrestler forces their opponent’s shoulders onto the mat simultaneously, holding them there securely. If the referee determines both shoulders are held flat on the mat for two consecutive seconds, the match immediately ends, and the wrestler who achieved the pin wins, regardless of the current score.

A pin is the ultimate demonstration of control and dominance in wrestling and is the primary goal of most competitors.

Penalty Points in Wrestling

In wrestling, certain actions are penalized and can result in the opponent being awarded points. Common violations include:

Illegal Moves: Using prohibited techniques or holds, like dangerous arm locks or chokeholds.
Stalling: Refusing to engage actively or backing away consistently from an opponent.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Poor sportsmanship or aggressive behavior toward officials, opponents, or spectators.
Locked Hands: In Folkstyle wrestling, when the wrestler in control on top clasps their hands around the opponent’s waist or torso without an arm or leg included, this is illegal and penalized.

Each violation typically results in the opponent being awarded one penalty point. Repeated violations can lead to additional points, disqualification, or even forfeiture of the match.

Scoring Differences in Freestyle and Greco-Roman Wrestling

While Folkstyle wrestling is dominant in schools across the United States, many wrestlers also compete in Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling during the offseason. Although the fundamental goal remains the same (to control or pin an opponent), scoring differs in several important ways:

Freestyle Wrestling: Wrestlers earn points primarily through takedowns, throws, and exposing their opponent’s back to the mat, even briefly. Wrestlers do not gain points for escapes or reversals like they do in Folkstyle. Matches end immediately if one wrestler gains a 10-point lead, known as a "technical superiority."
Greco-Roman Wrestling: Similar to Freestyle, Greco-Roman wrestlers earn points through throws, takedowns, and back exposure. However, in Greco-Roman, athletes may only use their upper bodies for offense and defense; no leg attacks are allowed. Matches end if a wrestler achieves an 8-point lead through technical superiority.

These scoring differences shape the strategies wrestlers use and the moves they attempt during competition.

Match Duration and Determining the Winner

In Folkstyle wrestling, matches typically consist of three periods, with length varying based on age and level of competition:

Youth wrestling often has three one-minute periods.
Middle school matches usually have three one-and-a-half minute periods.
High school matches generally have three two-minute periods.
Collegiate matches are three periods (first period three minutes, second and third periods two minutes each).

The wrestler who accumulates the most points at the end of the three periods wins. If the match is tied at the end of regulation, the wrestlers enter a sudden-victory overtime period, where the first wrestler to score points immediately wins.

Why Wrestling Scoring Matters for Parents

Understanding wrestling scoring helps parents appreciate the strategies wrestlers employ and the critical moments that occur during matches. Knowing how scoring works enables you to support your wrestler effectively, encouraging smart, strategic wrestling rather than simply focusing on pinning or aggressive attacks without purpose.

Scoring also provides wrestlers with clear goals during matches—take down their opponent, control positions, and score consistently. Encouraging your wrestler to understand and embrace these scoring concepts helps them become more effective competitors and smarter wrestlers.

Scoring Enhances Wrestling’s Strategy and Skill

Wrestling’s scoring system emphasizes technique, control, and aggressiveness, making it a uniquely challenging and rewarding sport. By understanding how points are scored, penalties assessed, and matches decided, parents and athletes alike can better appreciate wrestling’s strategic depth.

Ultimately, wrestling teaches valuable lessons about hard work, discipline, and mental toughness. Embracing wrestling’s scoring system and strategy will help your wrestler develop into a skilled competitor and well-rounded individual, both on and off the mat.

Understanding Wrestling Scoring