In folkstyle, after the first period, wrestlers choose top, bottom, neutral or defer. Pick based on your strengths and the score: choose bottom if you escape well, top if you are a strong rider or pinner, neutral if your feet are your best weapon, and defer to see the score before the last period.
Choice strategy
| Choice | Choose when |
|---|---|
| Bottom | You escape well and want a quick point |
| Top | You ride and turn well, or want riding time |
| Neutral | You are the stronger takedown wrestler |
| Defer | You want to choose in the final period based on the score |
Situational tips
- Leading late: top can protect the lead if you ride well.
- Trailing: choose the position most likely to score.
- Consider fatigue and the opponent’s strengths.
- Coaches often have a plan before the match.
- Know the overtime rules too.
Rules reference: NFHS Wrestling Rules Book (US high school), NCAA Wrestling Rules (US college) and United World Wrestling rules (freestyle and Greco-Roman). Scoring values differ between these codes.
Frequently asked questions
Which choice is most common?
Bottom is common because an escape is a reliable point.
What does defer mean?
Passing your choice to the third period, so your opponent chooses in the second.
Who gets the first choice?
Determined by a coin toss or disc flip at the start of the second period.
