Confused by takedowns, escapes, and near falls? We've got you covered.
Whether you're a parent cheering from the bleachers or a new athlete stepping onto the mat for the first time, understanding how wrestling is scored can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry — we’re here to break it down.
At Resilite, we know the importance of making wrestling more accessible to everyone. That’s why we created this quick video tutorial that walks you through the basics of folkstyle wrestling scoring in a clear, visual way.
🎥 Watch the full video tutorial now:
🥇 Updated Wrestling Scoring (Folkstyle Rules)
✅ Takedown (3 Points):
When a wrestler brings their opponent to the mat and gains control — now worth 3 points under updated rules.
✅ Escape (1 Point):
When a wrestler gets away from the bottom position and returns to neutral.
✅ Reversal (2 Points):
When a wrestler moves from the bottom to the top position — flipping the script and gaining control.
✅ Near Fall (2–4 Points):
Points are awarded after the second swipe when a wrestler holds their opponent’s back at an angle:
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2 points for a 2-second count
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3 points for a 3-4 second count
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4 points for holding for 5+ seconds
✅ Penalty Points:
These are awarded to the opponent if a wrestler breaks the rules — such as stalling or using illegal moves.
🤼 Why This Matters for New Fans
Wrestling is fast-paced and full of action — but without understanding the scoring, it can all fly by in a blur. Once you grasp the rules, it becomes way more fun to watch and support your favorite athlete.
Whether you’re new to the sport, a parent of a youth wrestler, or just trying to keep up in the stands — this guide is for you.
📲 Watch Our Video for a Visual Breakdown
Sometimes you just need to see it to get it. That’s why we created a visual guide to walk you through how points are awarded in folkstyle wrestling.
🔗 Click here to watch now:
