MAT CLASH

Wrestling Styles, Rules & Seasons

A breakdown of Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco-Roman — how they’re wrestled, how long matches run, and when each style is typically competed in the U.S.

Order MAT CLASH Card Game
MAT CLASH Folkstyle
Folkstyle

What it is

Folkstyle is the primary wrestling style used in U.S. schools. It emphasizes control, mat awareness, escapes, reversals, and near fall.

Control Top / Bottom Near Fall

Season (U.S.)

Late Oct / Nov → Feb / Mar

Match length

High School (NFHS) 6:00
2:00 2:00 2:00
College (NCAA) 7:00
3:00 2:00 2:00
Youth (Varies)

Youth matches vary by age and event, typically using 1–2 minute periods.

MAT CLASH Freestyle
Freestyle

What it is

Freestyle is an Olympic discipline where leg attacks are allowed and exposing an opponent’s back scores big points.

Leg Attacks Exposure Fast Scoring

Season (U.S.)

Mar → Jul

Match length

UWW Standard 2 × 3:00

30-second break between periods

Ends Early Tech +10

Match ends if a wrestler reaches a 10-point lead.

MAT CLASH Greco-Roman
Greco-Roman

What it is

Greco-Roman prohibits all attacks below the waist. Upper-body throws, lifts, and control dominate the style.

No Leg Attacks Upper Body Big Throws

Season (U.S.)

Mar → Jul

Match length

UWW Standard 2 × 3:00

30-second break between periods

Ends Early Tech +8

Match ends if a wrestler reaches an 8-point lead.