How do you score points in freestyle wrestling?
B · Beginner · Scoring and winning · 1 of 6Holds score 1, 2, 4 or 5 points. A takedown to the mat is worth 2, turning the opponent's back towards the mat is worth 2, a throw from standing straight on to the back is worth 4, and a high, sweeping throw is worth 5. Pushing the opponent out of bounds or escaping from underneath scores 1.
How it works
| Points | For |
|---|---|
| 1 | The opponent steps into the protection area with a whole foot, in standing wrestling, without executing a hold |
| 1 | A reversal: the wrestler underneath comes out and gets behind |
| 1 | The opponent, put on the 30-second activity clock for passivity, fails to score |
| 1 | The opponent's coach loses a challenge; or the opponent stops the bout for an injury that is not visible |
| 2 | A takedown: overcoming the opponent and controlling them by passing behind, with three points of contact (hands, knees, elbows or head) on the mat |
| 2 | A correct throw that lands the opponent on the stomach or side |
| 2 | Exposure: putting the opponent's back at less than 90 degrees to the mat, or making them roll across their shoulders |
| 4 | A hold from standing that takes the opponent straight into the danger position; or lifting them from the ground and doing the same |
| 4 | A grand amplitude throw that does not land the opponent directly in danger; or a full lift that lands them on the chest |
| 5 | A grand amplitude throw from standing that lands the opponent directly in the danger position |
- A grand amplitude throw takes the opponent wholly off the ground, under control, through a wide arc in the air.
- The value depends on the position of the wrestler being attacked. If they have a knee on the mat, it is ground wrestling, and the same hold is worth less than from standing.
- When one move flows into another, each action is scored.
- A wrestler who tries a hold, fails and ends up underneath with no move by the opponent gives away nothing: the referee stands them up. This is meant to encourage risk.
- A hold must be completed before time runs out to count.
- Penalties also give points: 1 point for the opponent's illegal action, fleeing a hold or fleeing the mat.
Tricky cases
Is there a 3-point move?
No. The values are 1, 2, 4 and 5.
A wrestler shot for a hold, missed and ended up underneath. Does the opponent score?
No, not if the opponent did nothing to put them there. The referee stops the bout and restarts it standing. A real counter-attack that takes them down does score.
Does the attacker's position matter?
No. Only the attacked wrestler's position decides whether a hold counts as standing or ground wrestling.
Why the rule exists
The scale pays for risk and control: the higher and cleaner the throw, and the nearer it brings the opponent to a fall, the more it is worth.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| UWW rules, freestyle | As above | W 34; W 37; W 38 |
| Greco-Roman | The same scale, but all holds are above the waist, and an opponent's illegal action gives 2 points | W 38; W 51 |
| American folkstyle (school and college) | A different rule book and scoring | Not covered |
From the rule book
United World Wrestling International Wrestling Rules, Articles 34, 37 and 38. Edition dated January 2026. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: UWW International Wrestling Rules (PDF).