Wrestling Basics 101

Addison Moreland Staff Writer

Wrestling, society's oldest and most foundational form of recreational combat, traces back to the dawn of civilization. Modern-day wrestling is a highly instinctive sport that requires strength, alertness, resiliency and, above all, agility and quickness.

Still, despite its history, many aren't aware of the rules of wrestling, creating a major hurdle. But most of all, understanding the criteria and scoring can be challenging, particularly when dealing with distinct styles, setups, and skills required to compete in such a demanding sport. Wrestling matches are not determined by the tallest, quickest, or strongest participant. But instead, the wrestler who puts in the hardest work will win.

“We've had a great season and a strong team. If they're in there, giving it their all and aiming to improve, they're bettering the team,” Coach Tommy Carthers said.

When wrestlers devote themselves to training and adopt a wrestling lifestyle, they experience an increase in self-resilience, self-discipline, and confidence. Wrestling promotes a positive mindset, but also teaches athletes the relevance of sportsmanship. And while it isn't as well-known compared to other sports, it teaches young athletes morals they will carry with them for the entirety of their lives.

“I feel like I have grown into a more independent person because there isn’t a team helping you out on the mat. I’m all by myself and it helped me to gain a lot of confidence on and off the mat,” Malachi Sanders (12) said.

To prevail at the highest levels of wrestling, a combination of physical strength, speed, technical skill, and mental fortitude is necessary, making it one of the most difficult sports to participate in.

Points

Takedown:You earn two points for taking your opponent to the ground and keeping them under your control.

Escape: If you manage to escape from being held down on the mat by your opponent or take up neutral position, you receive one point.

Reversal: You gain two points if your opponent has the advantage over you and you regain control of them.

Near Fall: When you virtually pin your opponent but fall short, you earn 2 to 3 points.

Penalty Points: If you partake in any of the following infractions, your opponent scores 1 to 2 points: illegal holds and technical violations.

"I hope that we can all get better as a team and push through any challenges that we can," Carthers said.

Athletes must be extremely focused in order to succeed in this sport. As a result, they can react quickly and make calculated movements on the mat, helping them to become both more mentally and physically strong. Wrestlers have the ability of accomplishing great things by utlizing these abilities. But to help understand the morals of wrestling, you first must know the rules.

Pin

Wrestling matches consist of three periods. These periods vary in length from one minute for younger age groups to 1.5 minutes for older or more seasoned athletes.

Either wrestler in a match can win at any time if they are able to pin their opponent or acquire a lead of at least 15 points. This is known as a technical fall.

Purpose

Wrestling is a sport in which the aim is to put your opponent on his back –in other words, to pin him. A pin takes place when you force your opponent on his or her back for two seconds with both shoulder blades in contact with the mat.

Once the opponent is pinned, the match is over and the winner is declared. However, if no one is pinned by the end of the third period, the opponent with the highest-end score is the victor.