A Technical–Tactical Analysis of Freestyle Wrestling

Abstract

This study investigated the technical–tactical profile of freestyle wrestling to determine the effects of altering the match duration and format from the previous 2×3-min periods with 1 min rest in between to the current 1×5-min period. Match profiles were determined by analyzing 472 matches at major international events using a computerized scouting package interfaced with a standard video cassette recorder. Individual weight class profiles and top 10 team profiles were produced by analyzing 347 and 367 matches, respectively. Results indicate that freestyle wrestlers rely predominantly on leg attacks to score the takedown, and to a much lesser extent on throwing actions. Techniques were remarkably similar for all weight classes. The 52-kg-class competitors scored the most points per match while the 90-kg-class wrestlers recorded the lowest. Passivity infractions were highest in the heavyweight and lowest in the lightweight classes. In parterre wrestling, the gut wrench and cross ankle techniques were used the most. Under the 1×5-min format, there was a 12% increase in the number of points scored in the first 3 min of play and a 17% decrease in the total points per match.

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