Question

Discuss the various ways of winning points by a wrestler.

Answer 1

A wrestler earns points through effective wrestling actions and may win by a fall, by scoring more points, or through other match-winning decisions.

1. Takedown: Up to 2 points are awarded when a wrestler takes the opponent to the mat and gains control.
2. Escape: Up to 1 point is awarded when a wrestler gets away from an opponent’s control or returns to a neutral position.
3. Reversal: 2 points are awarded when a wrestler gains control of the opponent from underneath.
4. Near fall: Points are given when the opponent is brought close to being pinned for example, when the shoulders are close to the mat, one shoulder touches the mat while the other is at an angle, or the wrestler is in a high bridge. The text lists 2 points for a near fall lasting 2 seconds and 3 points for one lasting 5 seconds.
5. Danger position: An offensive wrestler may score when the defending wrestler is forced into a bridge or another position in which the back or shoulders approach the mat.
6. Penalty or technical-violation points: The opponent may receive points for illegal holds or violations such as going off the mat, grabbing clothing, or locking or overlapping hands. The amount depends on the violation and its seriousness.
7. Fall (pin): A wrestler wins immediately by holding the opponent so that a shoulder or both shoulder blades touch the mat for at least 2 seconds.