Wrestling 101
Basic Info on the Sport for New Wrestlers or Parents/Guardians
Hygiene For Wrestlers
Skin infections can happen more easily in close contact, skin-to-skin sports like wrestling. Ensuring proper hygiene and grooming is essential for prevention. Anything that looks like a rash, raised or red skin, clusters of bumps, odd pimples, or anything out of the ordinary needs to be shown to a physician immediately and Coach needs to be informed before you step back on the mat.
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Within 30-45 minutes of the the end of practice, wrestlers need to shower with soap and a clean washcloth, sponge, loofah, etc. The entire body needs to be scrubbed.
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Most skin infections start as scratches, small open wounds, pimples, etc. Try to keep any open wound covered with a band aid and athletic tape.
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Nails need to be kept short. They should be cut at least 1-2 times per week. If you can rub your fingertip and feel your fingernail, then your nail is too long.
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Long hair is fine in wrestling but it needs to be managed and tied up securely. Loose hair will get ripped out accidentally.
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Clothes should never be re-worn for a practice. Always wear clean clothes, socks, underwear, etc. for each practice.
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Compression shorts, jock straps, or other tight, securing underwear for male wrestlers is strongly recommended.
Different Styles of Wrestling
Folkstyle (Collegiate)
In the United States, Folkstyle or Collegiate wrestling is practiced at the college levels and lower. More control on the ground is emphasized and the bottom wrestler is trying to escape to their feet.
Freestyle
Freestyle wrestling is 1 of 2 styles practiced internationally and at the Olympic Level. Back exposure to the mat is the major focus of both international styles. A major difference on the ground includes the par terre position which focuses on not exposing the back rather than escaping from bottom.
Greco-Roman
Greco-Roman Wrestling is similar to freestyle with a focus on back exposure and use of par terre on the ground. The major difference is seen in not allowing any attacks below the waist including active use of the legs to trip or attack. High-amplitude throws are also rewarded.
Wrestling Basic Points
Takedown: 2 points
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From the neutral position, a wrestler gains control over the opponent down on the mat and a total of two supporting points of either wrestler are inbounds.
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A takedown shall be awarded when one or both knees of the defensive wrestler are touching the mat beyond reaction time or when the defensive wrestler's legs or torso are controlled and the wrestler 's hand(s) touch the mat beyond reaction time.
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In awarding a takedown at the edge of the mat, control must be established while a total of two supporting points of either wrestler are in bounds.
Escape: 1 point
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An escape is when the defensive wrestler gains a neutral position and the opponent has lost control, beyond reaction time, while a total of two supporting points of either wrestler are inbounds.
Reversal: 2 points
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It is a reversal when the defensive wrestler comes from underneath and gains control of the opponent, either on the mat or in a rear-standing position, while the total of two supporting points are inside or on the boundary line.
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In awarding a reversal at the edge of the mat, control must be established while the total of two supporting points of each wrestler inside or on the boundary line.
Near fall: 2 points for 2 seconds, 3 points for 5 seconds
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Criteria for a near fall occurs when any part of both shoulders or both scapulae of the defensive wrestler are held within 4 inches of the mat or less; or when one shoulder or scapula of the defensive wrestler is touching the mat and the other shoulder or scapula is held at an angle of 45 degrees or less with the mat; or when the defensive wrestler is held in a high bridge or on both elbows.
Pin: Win
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A fall occurs when any part of both shoulders or both scapula of
either wrestler are in contact with the mat for two seconds.
Useful Links
usawmembership.com
- USA Wrestling Athletes Membership
trackwrestling.com
- Youth and High School Wrestling News
calgrappler.com
- California Youth and High School Wrestling
teamusa.org/usa-wrestling
- Official USA Wrestling Page
wrestlingmart.com
- Local (Irvine) Wrestling Gear
flowrestling.org
- Wrestling matches and news
