The sport of wrestling is very interesting: On one hand, the sport is an individual competition where two combatants are facing each other; on the other hand, it is a team sport with a team score.

Keeping track of points during a dual can be complicated when looking at team and individual match scores. The truth is, it’s really not.

In a typical dual meet there are 10 matches at the 10 different weight classes, which range from 125 pounds to 285 pounds. Those 10 matches last a total of seven minutes with a three-minute first period and two, two-minute periods. At the end of the seven minutes, the winner’s team is awarded three team points if they win the match by less than seven points. If a wrestler wins by more than seven points it is called a major decision, meaning that four team points will be awarded.

If a wrestler is pinned during a match, the winner’s team receives six team points.

Wrestlers can receive points in many ways during the match; for example, if the wrestler who starts on the bottom when a match is restarted is able to get out from underneath their opponent, they will receive one point for an escape.

NIU wrestling coach Ryan Ludwig explains how wrestlers can earn a two-point takedown during a match.

“A two-point takedown is when you start in the neutral position and [a wrestler] gains control from his feet and actually assumes control of the position and he works himself into the top position,” Ludwig said. “There’s several ways that can happen. Some ways take a little longer than others but the ultimate goal is to get on top and gain control.”

A two-point reversal can be awarded when the wrestler on the bottom executes a move to become the person on top.

Points can also be awarded for near falls. Redshirt junior Kevin Fanta said there is a way for a wrestler to earn a two-point near fall or a three-point near fall.

“A near fall is when you expose a guy’s back to the mat so you’re on top of them and his back is facing the mat,” Fanta said. “If you hold him there for two seconds, you get two points. If you hold him there for two seconds, you get three points.”

If a wrestler is on top of his or her opponent for more than a minute without losing their advantage, he or she will be awarded a point for riding time. If at any point they lose their advantage, the riding time resets.

When you add up the individual points you get the team score, which then decides who wins the dual.