Introduction. Freestyle wrestling ensures effective development of various physical qualities and abilities in schoolchildren, and is among the most popular sports along with other types of martial arts and games. Freestyle wrestling is an appropriate means of sports-oriented physical education for schoolchildren, since it meets their interests and needs in physical education and sports. The study aims to analyze the effectiveness of a school sports club in organizing physical education and sports work, taking into account the interest of those involved, on the example of freestyle wrestling. Materials and methods. The pedagogical experiment involved implementing the developed methodology for freestyle wrestling in sections at the school sports club. 30 students from MBEI Secondary School No. 38 in Grozny (Russian Federation) took part in the experiment. Research results. Freestyle wrestling in sections at the school sports club significantly increases physical activity and preparedness of students. The comparative analysis showed a significant improvement in the test scores of the experimental group: 60 m standing-start run with hand support, sec – p < 0.05; 5 successive somersaults, sec – p < 0.05; pull-ups on a bar, number of times – p < 0.05; forward bends from a sitting position, cm – p <0.05; in the test shuttle run 3×10 m, sec – p < 0.05; raising the body into a squat position in 30 sec, number of times – p <0.05; and cross running 2000m, min – p<0.05. Conclusion. The study confirmed the effectiveness of freestyle wrestling in sections at the school sports club. The proposed methodology will significantly increase physical activity, fitness and development of schoolchildren, and its use in the physical education system can be considered appropriate.