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Wrestling is one of the oldest and most intense combat sports in the world. Greco-Roman wrestling originated in France in the early 19th century. In ancient Greece and Rome, wrestling was considered a major cultural tradition. The nature of this sport is not just a display of raw strength but a skillful combination of the right technique and execution of energy and power in the right channel and direction. The motive and focus of wrestling is to put the opponent on his/ her back. In technical terms, we call it a pin. A pin is accepted to be executed when both shoulder blades of the opponent come in contact with the mat fully or partially.

High school girls' wrestling is a growing sport in the USA, with the participation rate increasing at a superfast rate over the past decade. The level of energy and enthusiasm is in explosion mode as girls of 5-6 years of age are also seen participating in High school-level freestyle wrestling tournaments.

ORIGIN

This kick-started in the year 1970 when girls joined the boys' wrestling team; however, it was in occasional situations. In the year 1993, the 1st official all-girls high school was formed in Brooklyn, Massachusetts. The importance of gender equality was to be communicated in physical sports like wrestling, which was considered to be a male-dominated sport. A team of 15 girls became an official wrestling team. Then, the 1st official USA girls nationals was conducted in 1997. In 2004, women's wrestling was introduced at the Athens Olympics. There has been an upward trend of awareness and level of participation since 1994; the initial number of female wrestling participants was 804, which is now 50000. In a male-dominated sport, it is really heartwarming to see such active participation. In the year 2023 -24, there are nearly 76 women's wrestling programs, along with indications of 17 additional programs. Women's wrestling was initially an NCAA Emerging sport, but now it has advanced into a national collegiate championship.

Wrestling is an intense ground game that requires stamina, strength, and flexibility. When two wrestlers wrestle, the motive is to either win by pinfall or win by points. Let's take a closer look at the technical details.

In the United States of America, there are two sub-grades of wrestling. One is that Folklore wrestling is more of a traditional form of wrestling, which includes a variety of traditions, wrestling styles, and the bindings of customs, rules unique to the signature of old sports values. If we discuss freestyle wrestling, that’s a combo of modern style, which is recognized across the globe. The zone of wrestling is competitive, which includes takedowns, throws, and pinfalls. The format is action-packed, and the intensity is high.

FOLKLORE WRESTLING (A NUTSHELL)

  1. It is a DOMINANT STYLE of wrestling which is primarily taught in schools and high schools of the USA.
  2. The major objective of folklore wrestling is to get the opponent on the mat and control her body, and ensure that the opponent is pinned. Pinning means that both shoulders should touch the mat. Another version is that the winning girl should get a TECHNICAL SUPERIORITY, which is basically a 10-point lead.
  3. Prime Techniques: There are a few techniques that include takedowns ( single leg, double leg ). But mainly, WRESTLERS focus on controlling opponents' positions to initiate a pin. By pinning the opponent's shoulders to the mat, the game is won.
  4. Process of SCORING: In a FOLKLORE bout, a wrestler gets points on takedowns, near falls, and escapes. The process in folklore wrestling is that once you get your opponent on the mat, you have to press the opponent so that the opponent gets pinned, or else ensure you keep scoring points and win.

FREESTYLE WRESTLING (A NUTSHELL)

  1. This is mainly used at the international level ( Olympics and international competitions), where women wrestlers represent their country after becoming national champions in their respective weight categories.
  2. In freestyle wrestling, throws hold a very major and crucial impact on the game in terms of scoring points. A game can be changed with one properly applied throw.
  3. SCORING OPPORTUNITIES - In Freestyle wrestling, points can be scored using takedowns, pushouts, and throws.
  4. To end a bout and secure a win, a 10-point lead or a pinfall can be used. The versatility and aura of freestyle wrestling is much more. From an audience point of view, it is a treat to watch.

Moving on to the generic girls wrestling techniques commonly applicable for both FOLKLORE AS WELL AS FREESTYLE WRESTLING.

  1. STANCE – A wrestler should try to maintain a low center of gravity for fast reflexes.
  2.  The footwork should be very regular and constant, as flexible movements can create opportunities.
  3.  Changing Level – This means a wrestler should lower the level of attack on the opponent girl. That acts as an advantage, as attacking the legs of an opponent creates scope for takedown and even pinfall as the opponent gets disbalanced.
  4.  DEEP PENETRATION – In this process, going into an opponent's legs to secure a takedown and grab some valuable points.
  5.  LIFTING and BACK STEP - In this process, an attempt is made to lift an opponent and go for the takedown, and in this entire process, the opponent is fully controlled.
  6.  ARCHING BACK - This is a defensive technique where a girl wrestler uses ground control on an attacking opponent to ensure the opponent cannot pin her or take her down. It is a resistance that gets applied to ensure the opponent does not get points or pinfall.
  7.  Hand fighting is the process where a girl wrestler uses the opponent's hands and tries to grab or grip the wrist, arm, and head with the intention of setting up an attempt or creating a defence.

In wrestling, the most attractive and eye-catching scene is to win via pinfall. In girls' wrestling, the dominance of the competition and level of skill are determined by how frequently a wrestler gets a pinfall to secure a victory. We will do a deep research on how pinning combos are applied, and a detailed description of all the pinning positions. A pin has a lot of significance in the bout and also in the overall wrestling sports. A pinfall is not just a signature of victory, it’s a masterclass move that ensures dominance and, at the same time, depicts the helpless position of the pinned opponent girl who can watch the roof. The girl who is pinned will be able to tell exactly the situation. An insider from a state-level wrestler of the USA told me in a one-on-one conversation that if a wrestler who you have pinned below your body, if the opponent can see your chin and neck, that signifies you are controlling the match and the opponent is completely helpless. Makynlee Cova, a USA state champion from Florida who has won state championships a couple of times, is a GREAT HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLER. Her signature move is the leg cradle, a vicious lock in freestyle wrestling, where she applies a cradle lock using her legs. Apart from that, she is a master of pinfalls. In 90 percent of her bouts, she prefers to pin her opponents. She loves to dominate her opponents, making them struggle helplessly, while she strikes cute poses looking at the camera, all the while, the poor opponent is still locked. She is not only a good wrestler but an online sensation, thanks to her #COVA CRADLE, the name she has given to her signature move. According to her, day by day, gradual improvement should be visible, along with feasible opportunities to highlight your skills in front of the audience. The more you practice hard on the mats, the less chance you have of getting caught in a pin where you cannot escape. In a wrestling bout, both wrestlers have 3 minutes where they are free to do anything with their opponent's body within the rules prescribed. Makynlee loves to apply normal cradle locks as well, and her cradles are really tight. With one arm wrapped around the victim's neck and the other arm locking the opponent's left leg once the grip is done, it’s a helpless captive situation with hapless struggle for the opponent. Basically, it is a psychological pressure on the victim who is helplessly captive in a cradle lock, unable to escape. The resistance goes down. Not only is she a perfect executor of the headlock, the most traditional pinfall. Her headlocks are so perfect and tight that opponents, once locked in her arms and chest, can see the roof, helplessly waiting for the inevitable.

PINFALL TECHNIQUES IN GIRLS FREESTYLE

Let's go a bit deeper and have a detailed overview of the pinfall techniques.

  1. Headlock: This is the most common pinning technique, where you can catch hold of the opponent's head and arm correctly and roll through to control their back for a fall.
  2. ARMBAR: In this technique, you can grab or fully extend an opponent's arm while turning them on their back. This lock gives maximum control.
  3. HALF NELSON: This pin is a classic pinfall technique. One of your arms will be sliding under the opponent's arm, moving across the chest, along with the pressing behind the neck.
  4. CRADLE: In this particular lock, the opponent's head and leg are together. Now, from the top, you can reach across the opponent's back, grab their wrist, and crank their head towards a knee.
  5. CRUCIFIX PIN: In higher-level or dynamic wrestling moves, it looks like a crucifix where you can trap both an arm and a leg. This is an advanced wrestling pin used in international wrestling tournaments.

As a female wrestler, there are a few quick tips to secure a pinfall

  • Apply good chest pressure by staying tight and driving weight on the opponent.
  • Head Position is very important for keeping it on the side of the leverage.
  • Controlling hips and arms: As a wrestler, it is important to secure the opponent's arms tightly so that the opponent cannot roll over.
  • Once a pinfall position is secured, be patient and apply the force at the correct point to ensure the resistance breaks down and the locked-up opponent.

Talking about patience in pinfall in high school wrestling, there is one name I will be mentioning, Emery Merlos, who is a USA high school female wrestler from Florida. She has won many local wrestling tournaments, district-level tournaments, and state championships as well. She has a mantra for success: once a pin is applied, secure the lock and keep the opponent trapped for quite some time. The pin will definitely come. Emery uses Jio Jitsu in her wrestling, which makes her very unpredictable and leaves opponent wrestlers in confusion and, of course, getting defeated. Her favourite lock is an arm lock, or as we say, ARMBAR. She is just 8 years old, but her wrestling situational awareness is amazing. She literally delivers perfect locks with a smile towards the camera, with the opponent struggling. To secure a pin, you need to master the art of patience. Quick pins are attractive, but once you get a position, holding on to that, not letting the opponent escape, breaks the opponent's mentality to fight back.

USA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS WRESTLING TEAMS

There has been a significant rise in the total number of high school girls' wrestling teams across the USA. The sport of girls' wrestling is recognized as one of the fastest-growing sports across the country, according to the NCAA. In recent times, the frequency of girls' participation has increased. In 2023 -2024, over 356000 students participated in high school wrestling in the US, of which 18 % were girls. The scope of growth is exponential, as in the 2021-22 school year, around 31654 girls participated in high school wrestling. The next year, the number rose to 49127, which is basically a 55.2 % increase.

To share a snapshot of the top USA girls' High school wrestling teams, they are as follows.

  • Rank 1 - Wyoming Seminary
  • Rank 2 - Broken Arrow
  • Rank 3 - El Paso Eastwood
  • Rank 4 - Bixby
  • Rank 5- Racoon River Northwest
  • Rank 6- Clovis East
  • Rank 7 – Olentangy Orange
  • Rank 8-  Toppenish
  • Rank 9 - Moanalua
  • Rank 10 - Garden City
  • Rank 11 - Flagler Palm Coast
  • Rank12 – West Creek
  • Rank 13 – Nixa
  • Rank 14 – Blair Academy
  • Rank 15 – Montgomery
  • Rank 16 – Cleveland
  • Rank 17 – Conroe Woodland
  • Rank 18 – Valiant College Prep
  • Rank 19 – North View
  • Rank 20 – Buchanan.

The wrestling facilities for high school girls' wrestling are top-notch. Girls are highly motivated to join the wrestling sports in school. Once the base foundation is built strongly, the seeds of national champions, world champions, and Olympic medalists are created from scratch. Nearly all the states of the USA, except Delaware, Virginia, Vermont, and Mississippi, have sanctioned girls' wrestling. Also, there are many states who has recently held the 1st state-sanctioned girls tournament, like Kentucky, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania. Louisiana became the 45th state to sanction girls' wrestling. New York has been a pioneer in a major historic step to adapt freestyle wrestling for girls at the high school level, effective from 2024 -25. This move aligns the level of competition directly with international formats. With this move, the impact received was very sudden as the rate of female participation increased by 57 % in one season.

HUDDLES IN GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING

  • LACK OF DEDICATED COACHES
  • FACILITIES ARE LESS
  • LACK OF PRACTICE PARTNERS AS MALE PARTNERS HESITATE TO WRESTLE GIRLS.

Former US champion Sally Roberts( founder of WRESTLE LIKE A GIRL) joined hands with the USA Wrestling Girls Development committee, working together as a catalyst for change. Their combined efforts pushed for organizing statewide championships.

However, the need for infrastructural support and slight changes is very prevalent, which I will shed some light on in the present context and scenario

1. NEED FOR DEDICATED PRACTICE SPACE/FACILITIES

The fact remains that many schools in the USA focus more on and prioritize boys' wrestling programs, and girls are given limited access. As a corrective step

  • Gender equitable wrestling rooms should be present
  • The girls' team should get scheduled practice time.
  • Availability of locker rooms

2. COACHING INFRUSTRUCTURE

The number of female coaches to be hired to focus on mentorship and improving representation.

3. TOURNAMENT INFRUSTRUCTURE

  • Increasing the number of all girls' tournaments at national and regional levels.
  • Coverage from the Media and social media houses on girls' wrestling tournaments.
  • To focus on improving the seeding system and fair brackets.

However, budget constraints at the local level, lack of awareness and proper support from school administrators, and resistance from traditional wrestling communities are the major challenges. However, there are organisations like USA WRESTLING, NATIONAL WRESTLING COACHES ASSOCIATION that are trying pretty hard to implement changes.

Freestyle wrestling is the future of wrestling and the path to attaining glory in the Olympics and World championships. Just taking a big example, American Freestyle wrestler AMIT ELOR is the youngest USA wrestler to win an Olympic gold medal at Paris. She started her wrestling journey from Pleasant Hill High School and won her 1st high school tournament in her freshman year at 36-0 and got her 1st pin under 20 seconds. Since day one, her dedication and support from her coaches, peers, and even audience have slowly paved the path to glory. Girls' wrestling signifies strength for girls to shine in life and lead with glory. As a sport, it is intense. As a girl who steps into the mat, it’s a walk of bravery to be in a real fight. Wrestling makes you mentally strong; a girl practices 12 months just for a 3-minute bout. The level of concentration and application of the technique is all that matters. Imagine a freshman slim girl standing opposite a 2-year-experienced senior girl wrestler, and with one moment of concentration lapse, the senior lost her grip and the junior girl tripped her on her back. Now the senior is desperately trying to escape a push-up to avoid a pinfall. But the junior fresher girl has secured a tight grip on her, applying a headlock. She is pressing hard, tightening the grip and securing the opponent's wrist in her hands. The senior girl can feel the helplessness of moments before getting pinned, and the junior wrestler is smiling. The chin of the winning girl is right on top of the senior pinned girl. The resistance breaks down, and the referee calls it a pinfall. As a wrestler, the moment before the pin is very precious. As a wrestler, you can win by points, you can get technical superiority, but a pin is awesome. That is the beauty of this sport. Keeping an opponent locked up, making her struggle for a minute, is how a girl can show off her skill and endurance. In a cradle lock, a girl wrestler wraps her arm around her opponent's neck and the other arm around the knee to cradle them together and get a pinning position. I have seen many high school girls master cradle lock applying on opponents with so much perfection that opponents helplessly struggle and cry without any hope of escape. Practice is the path to perfection, leading to glory.

In a nutshell, Girls' Wrestling is growing really fast, and it is a message to the overall world, including geographical regions where wrestling is played. Once the high school wrestling infrastructure is focused, the results will always be visible at international forums. Most importantly, the love for sports ( wrestling ) is prime. In high school, every girl should at least once try hitting the mat. The feeling is amazing. Every time a casual try at any sport might have created the seed of a sports prodigy. This is how the USA has set an example to date.

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Reference:

USA HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLER MERLON EMERY (INSTA ID iamemerysavage ) and STATE CHAMPION MAKYNLEE COVA ( INSTA ID makynleecova ) received detailed insider information on USA HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING. Also, special thanks to Aishani Singha Roy ( Insta ID wrestleraishani_14 ) and Shumel Shaikh (Insta ID shumel_shaikh ) for understanding the technicalities of Freestyle wrestling. Both of them are national-level wrestlers.

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