Last updated: 3 October 2026
Reviewed by Jordan Morley, FA Level 2 Football Coach
A takedown is the act of bringing your opponent from a standing, neutral position down to the mat while establishing control. It is the fundamental scoring action across all wrestling styles, worth 2 points in freestyle, Greco-Roman and folkstyle. Common takedowns include the double-leg, single-leg and high-crotch (in styles that allow leg attacks), and upper-body throws and trips (the only options in Greco-Roman, which forbids holds below the waist). The ability to score takedowns — and defend against them — is the bedrock of wrestling and transfers directly to mixed martial arts.
- Standing opponent taken to the mat with control
- Worth 2 points in all styles
- Double-leg, single-leg, throws, trips
- The foundation of wrestling (and MMA)
Try the tool
Put this into practice with our free calculator.
Open the Wrestling Scoring Moves Guide →In practice
A takedown in wrestling or MMA — taking an opponent from a standing position to the ground under control — is scored as a distinct, valuable action precisely because transitioning an opponent from standing to ground fundamentally shifts the tactical dynamic of the contest, often moving a fight or match into territory where the attacking competitor has a significant positional and control advantage.
FAQ
How is a takedown scored differently in wrestling versus MMA?
Wrestling awards specific point values for different takedown types under its scoring rules, while MMA judges weight successful takedowns as a significant positive factor in overall round scoring, reflecting the shift in positional control it creates.
Why are takedowns considered so valuable tactically?
Taking an opponent to the ground under control shifts the contest into territory where the attacking competitor often has superior positional advantage, opening up additional scoring or finishing opportunities not available while both competitors remain standing.