Technical analysis of the 2023 NCAA Wrestling Championships

In order to score points in Olympic and folk wrestling, it is always important for wrestlers to develop good techniques. This study was conducted to analyze the techniques used in the 2023 NCAA Wrestling Championship and to develop effective training methods for wrestlers. The study consists on NCAA Division I wrestling competitions between universities in the United States. It provides a technical analysis of 30 wrestling matches, including semifinals and finals, across 10 weight classes in the 2023 NCAA Wrestling Championship. The semifinal and final matches from the 2023 NCAA Wrestling Championship were repeatedly viewed on the NCAA website. The collected data were evaluated statistically, and frequency and percentage distributions were calculated. The study found that the 50% of the single-leg technique was the most frequently used in the first period across all weight classes. Additionally, 93% of wrestlers preferred to start the second period in the bottom position, and 75% chose the bottom position to begin the third period. A total of 68 points were scored using the ground escape technique across all weight classes, emphasizing its importance in regaining control and 112 points were scored with the takedown technique. In wrestling competitions, the victory occurred with a 93% by point score. As a result, it is thought that wrestlers will gain an advantage if they develop their single leg and double leg takedown techniques as well as their escape technique, especially in the first period.