Learning the Folkstyle Wrestling

Folkstyle wrestling also is commonly known as collegiate wrestling and is one of a number of wrestling styles commonly practiced in the United States, along with freestyle and Greco-Roman. Unlike the other styles, which are practiced across the world, folkstyle wrestling is a uniquely American style. It is the dominant style practiced at all school levels.
Origin
Folkstyle wrestling is unique to the United States, but like freestyle wrestling is heavily influenced by the old English style of catch-as-catch-can, otherwise known as catch wrestling. Folkstyle also draws on a number of other traditional folk styles, hence the name. Because of this, while it has many similarities to freestyle wrestling, it has several notable differences that have led to it being more suited to younger athletes, while also being an excellent base from which they can move to international-style freestyle wrestling.
Folkstyle Wrestling
In folkstyle wrestling, the main way to win is by securing a pin by forcing both of your opponent's shoulders to the mat at the same time in any position, for at least one second. Like freestyle wrestling, folkstyle allows you to attack the legs. Many pins are secured by controlling the legs of your opponent. In folkstyle, the focus is on securing wins from pins, rather than through explosive throws or takedowns.
Scoring
The emphasis of folkstyle wrestling is on pinning because of the way points are scored, which is how it differs from freestyle, which otherwise has similar moves. A pin also is the only way to win outright in folkstyle wrestling, making it even more significant. In folkstyle, a single point is scored for a takedown, escape or reversal, but up to 3 points can be scored for a "near fall," in which an opponent's back is held near the mat but not on it. Consequently, the best way to win is by controlling your opponent on the mat, unlike in freestyle, in which the highest point scores are for high-amplitude throws.
Competition
Folkstyle wrestling competitions are governed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association or local commissions. Competitors are split into weight classes. Each match is three rounds, which tend to be two minutes each, although at higher levels the first round might be three minutes long. Folkstyle wrestlers have the same standard uniform as their freestyle and Greco-Roman counterparts, using singlets and wrestling boots. Keeping the focus on pinning rather than throws and takedowns, you also can be penalized for slamming an opponent.