Folkstyle Wrestling Moves

Folkstyle wrestling moves require one attribute above all else: brute strength. While Greco-Roman and other international styles of wrestling emphasize explosiveness in their scoring systems, folkstyle wrestling, a mainly American sport, highlights the ability to use one’s own power to control the opponent. In short, the best folkstyle wrestling moves incorporate power, positioning, and balance. So whether you’re trying to expand your wrestling repertoire or are just curious about the sport, check out the popular and effective folkstyle wrestling moves below.

1. The single leg takedown. In addition to power and balance, the single leg takedown requires exceptional speed to work. To perform it, you first need to lull your opponent into a false sense of security by staying relatively high. Then, dip your shoulders quickly and lunge at your opponent’s closest leg. Grab onto it with both arms, locking them in place. Once you have control, lift the leg in motion similar to a squat in weightlifting, and lunge toward him once you’re up again. This force should be enough to knock your opponent down on his back, allowing you to pin him.
2. The double leg takedown. This folkstyle wrestling move, as you might guess, is pretty similar to the single leg takedown. You start off pretty much the same, grabbing onto both legs instead of just one. The key difference is that once you have control of the legs, lunge straight towards your opponent’s midsection to knock him on his back instead of trying to lift him up. Trying to do the latter will take too long, and open you up in a vulnerable position. Think of the overall sequence of motions in this move as being similar to a textbook tackle in football, without the running start.
3. The double underhook body lock. If your opponent’s lower body is stronger than your own, you can use this folkstyle wrestling move to gain an advantage from to top down. Start by opening up his arms, and force your own arms around his chest. You’ll know you’ve gained control when the crooks of your elbows are locked inside the opponent’s armpits. From there, use a spinning motion combined with a bit of a lift to get the opponent down on his back.
4. The basic escape. When you’re on your hands and knees and your opponent has you by the back, you can use this folkstyle wrestling move to break their control. First, swing your legs forward to get in a sort of squatting or sitting position. Then, exert force with your feet on the ground to push your back into the opponent. If you do it powerfully enough, the opponent will temporarily lose his balance and you will have an opportunity to quickly stand up and face him. When you’re up, don’t waste any time—use one of the takedowns above to regain the advantage in the match.