Before we dive into the next article in our knowledge series, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the positive feedback and support we received for our previous article on submission wrestling. We’re thrilled to hear that many wrestlers found it helpful and have been putting the techniques into practice. Today, it’s time for part two: pin wrestling!
History
Wrestling is one of the oldest sports in the world, with roots dating back to prehistoric times. It’s a sport that demands both physical strength and mental acuity, and it has evolved over the centuries into various styles and disciplines.
Wrestling in the Olympic Games
Wrestling was already present at the first Olympic Games in ancient Greece in 776 BC. It was one of the core sports in the pentathlon, along with running, long jump, javelin throw, and discus throw. In those days, wrestling was a raw and brutal sport, where almost anything was allowed except biting and eye-gouging.
With the revival of the Olympic Games in 1896, wrestling was once again included as an Olympic discipline. Today, there are two Olympic wrestling styles: Greco-Roman and freestyle. Greco-Roman wrestling only allows holds above the waist, while freestyle wrestling allows wrestlers to use their opponent’s legs as well.
Wrestling in American High Schools and Colleges
Wrestling has a long and rich tradition in the American school system. It’s considered one of the core sports in many high schools and colleges, and it’s a popular activity for young athletes.
American school wrestling is heavily influenced by freestyle wrestling, but it also has its own unique rules and traditions. The season typically runs from November to March, and there are different weight classes to ensure that wrestlers compete against opponents of similar size.
School wrestling is not just a physical sport; it also helps develop discipline, perseverance, and mental strength. Many successful wrestlers have carried these skills into other aspects of their lives, both academically and professionally.
Types of Pin Wrestling
Pin wrestling refers to wrestling where the goal is to hold the opponent’s back or both shoulder blades against the mat for a certain period. You can vary the time the back needs to be pressed against the mat, from one second to ten seconds.
Pins Based on Time
Both wrestlers agree on a time limit for a round/match. For each successful pin, a wrestler receives a point. Whoever has the most points after the time limit expires wins the match. You can vary the number of seconds required to achieve a pin.
Pins Based on Points
Both wrestlers agree on a point limit for a round/match. For each successful pin, a wrestler receives a point. Whoever reaches the point limit first wins the match.
Pins Based on Location
You can agree that only pins within a certain area on the mat count. For example, only in the inner ring of a mat or at the edges. You can also agree that pins only count if both wrestlers are completely on the mat.
Oil Pin Wrestling
As the name suggests, it’s similar to regular pin wrestling, but before each round, both wrestlers apply oil to themselves. This makes pinning during the match more difficult, which can make the match more interesting.
Pin Escape Challenge
Before the match, you agree on a list of pins you want to try during the match. Wrestler A starts by pinning wrestler B. When wrestler B is in the pin, a one-minute timer starts. If wrestler B escapes the pin within one minute, wrestler B gets 1 point. If wrestler B fails to escape, wrestler A gets 1 point. After one minute, the roles are reversed, and wrestler B pins wrestler A, and they fight for one minute. This way, they work through all the pins on the list. When all rounds are over, the wrestler with the most points wins.
Loser Rules
In Loser Rules, the loser of a round has the advantage. After each pin, the loser of the previous round gets to choose how the wrestlers start the new round. One wrestler sits on the mat with their hands and knees, the other wrestler sits behind them with one hand around their waist. The wrestler on the bottom counts down from 3 to 1, and both wrestlers can only take action on 1. If there’s been a successful pin, the loser of that round gets to decide who starts in which position.
Sky’s the Limit
The formats we mentioned above are just a few of the many variations you could try. Don’t limit yourself to the formats we’ve listed. Explore and discover what works for you and what you enjoy. Combine formats, omit rules, or create your own custom rules. The list we’ve created can always serve as a basis!
Disclaimer
We feel it’s important to include a small disclaimer.
When you step onto the mat, two things matter: fun and safety.
Both wrestlers should look back on the match with enjoyment and have had a good time. Even if you lost, it should have been a pleasant experience. Additionally, safety is incredibly important. Yes, we’re talking about a combat sport, so there’s a chance you’ll hurt the other person. But there’s a difference between making your opponent (controlled) give up and injuring/hurting your opponent. Do everything you do on the mat with caution and control. Before the match, agree on clear boundaries that you both need to adhere to, and address your opponent if they cross those boundaries. You’re playing sports, so an injury is always lurking. Use the information on the website as a reference, but don’t blindly rely on it. Go on your own journey to discover what you personally find fun, enjoyable, and satisfying.
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Happy Wrestling!
