What is par terre in wrestling?
I · Intermediate · The bout · 2 of 8Par terre is wrestling on the mat instead of on the feet. It starts when one wrestler brings the other down, or when the referee orders itafter a foul by the wrestler underneath. The wrestler on top tries to turn the opponent's back to the mat. The one underneath may defend, stand up or counter-attack.
How it works
- A wrestler with at least one knee on the mat is in par terre for scoring.
- From on top, a turn that puts the opponent's back at less than 90 degrees scores 2, a lift into the danger position scores 4, and a grand amplitude throw into danger scores 5.
- The wrestler underneath scores 1 for a reversal: coming out and passing behind.
- If the wrestler on top cannot make progress against good defence, the referee stops the bout after a reasonable time and restarts it standing.
- The wrestler on top has no right to stop the action or ask to stand.
- A brief loss of knee contact with the mat does not turn it into standing wrestling.
The ordered position, used when the referee restarts the bout on the ground:
- Underneath: flat on the stomach in the centre of the mat, arms stretched forward, legs stretched back, not crossed, hands and feet touching the mat.
- On top: kneeling at the side with both knees on the mat, both hands placed on the opponent's back.
- On the whistle the wrestler underneath may defend or stand up.
- Refusing the correct position: a verbal warning first. The second time, the wrestler on top loses the position and the bout restarts standing. The wrestler underneath is cautioned and the opponent gets 1 point.
In freestyle the wrestler underneath must not defend with two closed arms.
Tricky cases
Can the wrestler underneath stand up?
Yes. They may counter, stand up or carry out counter-attacks.
The wrestler on top is getting nowhere. Does the bout stay on the ground?
No. After a reasonable time the referee stops it and the wrestlers resume standing.
Can the wrestler on top ask to go back to standing?
No. Only the referee can order it.
Why the rule exists
Ground wrestling is where a takedown is turned into bigger points or a fall. The stand-up after a stalemate keeps a wrestler from lying on top to run down the clock.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| UWW rules, freestyle | As above | W 44; W 34 |
| Greco-Roman | The active wrestler may choose par terre after a passivity call. The wrestler underneath has tighter limits and may not use the legs | W 44; W 46 |
From the rule book
United World Wrestling International Wrestling Rules, Articles 28, 34, 38, 44 and 48. Edition dated January 2026. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: UWW International Wrestling Rules (PDF).