How Many Points Is a Major Decision in Wrestling?

Wrestling is a sport that involves intense physicality and strategic maneuvers. One of the ways to earn points in wrestling is through a major decision. In this article, we will explore what a major decision is and how many points it is worth.

Understanding Wrestling Scoring

Before delving into major decisions, let’s quickly recap how wrestling scoring works. In a match, wrestlers compete to gain points by executing various moves and techniques. Each move has a specific point value assigned to it, which contributes to the final score.

In addition to individual moves, wrestlers can also earn points by gaining control over their opponents on the mat. This control can be achieved through takedowns, escapes, reversals, and near-falls.

What is a Major Decision?

A major decision in wrestling occurs when one wrestler dominates their opponent throughout the match, resulting in a significant point difference between them. Unlike other scoring methods where points are awarded for specific moves or actions, a major decision focuses on the overall performance of one wrestler against another.

To secure a major decision victory, the winning wrestler must outscore their opponent by at least 8 points in collegiate wrestling or 10 points in high school wrestling.

Earning Points for Major Decisions

When a wrestler achieves a major decision victory, they are awarded additional team points. These team points help determine the winner of dual meets or contribute towards team rankings in tournaments.

In collegiate wrestling, earning a major decision adds 4 team points to the victorious wrestler’s team score. On the other hand, high school wrestling awards 5 team points for each major decision victory.

Strategies for Achieving Major Decisions

Achieving a major decision requires skill, technique, and awareness on the part of the winning wrestler. Here are some strategies that can be employed to increase the likelihood of securing a major decision:

• Aggressive Offense: Wrestlers should focus on executing high-scoring moves such as takedowns, near-falls, and back points. By consistently attacking their opponent, they can accumulate points more quickly.
• Riding Time: In collegiate wrestling, accumulating a certain amount of riding time can earn additional points.

  Wrestlers should aim to maintain control over their opponents for extended periods.

• Maintaining Control: Wrestlers should strive to control their opponents throughout the match. This includes staying on top in a dominant position or preventing escapes and reversals.

The Impact of Major Decisions

Major decisions not only contribute to individual wrestler’s scores but also have a significant impact on team standings. In dual meets, the team with the most points at the end is declared the winner. Accumulating major decision victories can help a team secure victory by widening the point gap.

In tournaments where team rankings are determined by total points scored, major decisions play a crucial role in boosting a team’s overall score and increasing their chances of success.

Conclusion

A major decision is one of the ways wrestlers can earn points in a match. It signifies an impressive victory where one wrestler dominates their opponent by achieving a point difference of at least 8 (in collegiate wrestling) or 10 (in high school wrestling). Major decisions not only contribute to individual wrestler’s scores but also impact team standings in dual meets and tournaments.

By employing aggressive offense, maintaining control, and accumulating riding time, wrestlers can increase their chances of achieving a major decision. So, next time you hit the mat, strive for dominance and aim for that major decision!