Greco-Roman Wrestling Moves Explained

What is Greco-roman Wrestling in a Nutshell?

Greco-Roman wrestling is a form of grappling that was first developed in ancient Greece and Rome. It is an upright style of combat where the wrestlers use their upper body strength to control the movements of their opponents. Some moves are similar to those found in folkstyle and freestyle wrestling, but there are some unique aspects as well.

One of the most important aspects of Greco-Roman matches is that wrestlers must maintain an upright position at all times. This means they cannot use any holds that rely on leverage or momentum to gain an advantage over their opponents. Greco-Roman matches also last longer than other forms of wrestling, and require a great deal of physical endurance.

How Many Techniques Are in Greco-roman Wrestling?

We counted a total of 43 techniques in Greco-Roman wrestling but there are probably a lot more. These techniques are broken down into the following categories:

o Throws

o Holds

o Takedowns

o Pins

o Submissions

Greco-Roman Wrestling Passivity

In Greco roman wrestling, passivity occurs when a wrestler avoids attacking and instead focuses on preventing their opponent’s attacks. This is seen as an unproductive strategy of defending and can lead to points being taken away in a competition as passives wrestlers will not attempt holds, locks, or throws throughout the match.

It is somewhat reminiscent of the defensive “park the bus” system in soccer where the goal of the defending team is only to protect itself and not initiate attacks, which makes the game less attractive to watch.

Greco-Roman Wrestling Techniques

Greco-Roman Wrestling Throws

There are many different Greco-Roman wrestling throws that you can use to take down your opponent. Some of the most common techniques are:

Suplex

Suplex is an upper body move where you lift your opponent off the ground and throw them backward. Greco roman allows many types of suplexes, as the Head-and-arm Suplex is maybe the most impressive and hard to execute.

The Arm Drag

This move is executed by grabbing your opponent’s arm and pulling it across their body. You can then take them down to the ground with a body slam.

The Hip Toss

This move is executed by grabbing your opponent around the waist and lifting them into the air. You can then toss them to the ground with a flick of your hips.

The Fireman’s Carry

This move is executed by grabbing your opponent around the waist and lifting them over your shoulder. You can then carry them across the ground to take them down.

Shoulder throw

This move is executed by grabbing your opponent around the waist and lifting them into the air. You can then throw them over your shoulder to take them down

Crossfade

This move is executed by grabbing your opponent’s head and pulling it across your body, which puts them in a compromising position. You can then take them down to the ground with a body slam.

Wristlock

This move is executed by grabbing your opponent’s arm and twisting it until they are forced to submit.

In order to execute these throws effectively, you need to be able to generate a lot of power and leverage. You also need to be able to control your opponent’s body position, so that you can take them down with a single move.

Greco-roman Wrestling Holds

There are also a few basic holds that you need to know in order to wrestle in Greco-Roman. These holds are:

The Front Headlock

This hold is executed by grabbing your opponent around the neck and locking your hands together. You can then take them down to the ground with a body slam.

The Side Headlock

This hold is executed by grabbing your opponent around the neck and locking your hands together. You can then take them down to the ground with a body slam.

The Rear-naked Choke

This hold is executed by grabbing your opponent from behind and locking your hands together. You can then choke them until they submit.

These holds will help you to control your opponent and take them down to the ground. You need to be able to execute these holds quickly and effectively in order to be successful in Greco-Roman wrestling.

Greco-roman Wrestling Takedowns

There are also a few basic takedowns that you need to know in order to wrestle in Greco-Roman. These takedowns are:

The Single-leg Takedown

This takedown is executed by grabbing your opponent’s leg and pulling it toward you. You can then take them down to the ground with a body slam.

The Double-leg Takedown

This takedown is executed by grabbing your opponent’s legs and pulling them toward you. You can then take them down to the ground with a body slam.

The Hip Toss

This technique was already mentioned as a throw, but it can also be executed as a takedown. By grabbing your opponent around the waist and lifting them into the air, you can then throw over your shoulder to take them down.

These takedowns will help you to take down your opponent and control them on the ground. You need to be able to execute these takedowns quickly and effectively in order to be successful in Greco-Roman wrestling.

Greco-roman Wrestling Pins

There are also a few basic pins that you need to know in order to wrestle in Greco-Roman. These pins are:

The Front Pin

This pin is executed by placing your opponent face down on the ground and locking your hands together. You can then hold them down until they submit.

The Side Pin

This pin is executed by placing your opponent face down on the ground and locking your hands together. You can then hold them down until they submit.

The Rear Pin

This pin is executed by placing your opponent face down on the ground and locking your hands together. You can then hold them down until they submit.

These pins will help you to control your opponent and keep them pinned to the ground. You need to be able to execute these pins quickly and effectively in order to be successful in Greco-Roman wrestling.

Greco-roman Wrestling Submissions

There are also a few basic submissions that you need to know in order to wrestle in Greco-Roman. These submissions are:

The Armbar

This submission is executed by grabbing your opponent’s arm and bending it back until they submit.

The Leg Bar

This submission is executed by grabbing your opponent’s leg and bending it back until they submit.

The Choke

This submission is pretty simple as it’s executed by choking your opponent until they submit.

These submissions will help you to control your opponent and submit them on the ground. You need to be able to execute these submissions quickly and effectively in order to be successful in Greco-Roman wrestling.

Greco-roman Wrestling Starting Positions

There are also a few basic starting positions that you need to know in order to wrestle in Greco-Roman. These positions are:

The Neutral Stance

This is the starting position where you are standing in a neutral stance, with your hands by your sides.

The Defensive Stance

This is the starting position where you are in a crouching position, with your hands up in front of your face.

The Offensive Stance

This is the starting position where you are in a crouching position, with your hands behind your back.

These starting positions will help you to be more effective when you are wrestling in Greco-Roman. You need to be able to quickly transition from one position to another in order to take down your opponent.

Youth Greco-Roman Wrestling Moves

In youth wrestling, the moves are quite similar, but the below are more popular among younger wrestlers.

The Duck Under

This move is executed by ducking under your opponent and taking them down to the ground.

The Double Leg Lift

This move is executed by lifting your opponent into the air and then slamming them down to the ground.

The Leg Lace

This move is executed by grabbing your opponent’s legs and then using your own body weight to push them down to the ground.

The Body Lock

This move is executed by grabbing your opponent and then using your body to press them against the ground.

These youth Greco-Roman wrestling moves will help you to take down your opponent and control them on the ground. You need to be able to execute these moves quickly and effectively in order to be successful in Greco-Roman wrestling.

Conclusion

Greco-Roman wrestling is a great way to stay fit and active. It takes practice, dedication, and skill in order to become successful in the sport. Learning the basic pins, submissions, and starting positions will help you to become an effective Greco-Roman wrestler. Additionally, learning the youth Greco-Roman wrestling moves will help you to become more comfortable with the sport. With practice and dedication, anyone can be a successful Greco-Roman wrestler.

FAQs

What Greco-Roman Techniques Allowed in the Olympics?

Although Greco-Roman is an Olympic sport, not all techniques are allowed in the Olympics. There are a few basic takedowns and pins that are allowed in the Olympics.

However, there are no submissions or chokes that are allowed. This is because these techniques can be dangerous and may not be safe for athletes.

Which of These Moves Earns You More Points?

The double leg lift typically earns you more points than the other Greco-Roman moves. This is because it requires more strength and skill to execute the move. It also demonstrates dominance and control over your opponent when you can successfully execute the double leg lift.

Also, points are awarded based on how quickly you can take down your opponent and the technique used. So if you are able to quickly execute the double leg lift, it will earn you more points than other moves.

Are Trips Allowed in Greco-Roman?

According to the Greco roman wrestling rules, yes, trips are allowed. However, you are not allowed to grab your opponent’s clothing or use your legs to trip them. You can only use your hands to trip them.

Can You Do a Judo Throw in Greco-Roman?

No, you cannot do a judo throw in Greco-Roman. Judo throws are not allowed in this style of wrestling. You can only use techniques that involve grabbing your opponent’s clothing or using your hands to trip them.