What Is a Dual Meet in Wrestling?

A dual meet in wrestling is a competition between two wrestling teams, where each team sends out one wrestler in each weight class to compete against wrestlers from the opposing team. It is one of the most common formats of wrestling competitions and is widely popular in high school and college wrestling.

How does a dual meet work?
In a dual meet, each weight class has a match scheduled between two wrestlers – one from each team. The matches progress sequentially, starting from the lightest weight class and moving up to the heaviest. The teams alternate sending out their wrestlers for each weight class until all matches are completed.

Scoring in a dual meet:
The scoring system in a dual meet follows standard wrestling rules. Points are awarded based on various criteria such as takedowns, escapes, reversals, near falls, and pins. Each match consists of three periods, with the duration varying depending on the level of competition.

Team scoring:
Apart from individual match scores, dual meets also have team scores. Each individual win contributes points to their respective team’s overall score. Typically, the winning wrestler earns three points for their team, while a pinfall victory grants six points.

• Takedown: 2 points
• Escape: 1 point
• Reversal: 2 points
• Near fall (2-3 seconds): 2 points
• Near fall (4+ seconds): 3 points

The total team score determines the winner of the dual meet. The team with more cumulative individual match points wins the meet. In case of a tie score, tiebreaker criteria such as most falls or technical falls may be used to determine the winner.

Dual Meet Strategy:

Dual meets require careful strategy and planning from coaches. The order in which the wrestlers are sent out can greatly impact the outcome of the meet. Coaches often strategically place their strongest wrestlers in weight classes where they have an advantage, aiming to maximize points for their team.

Advantages of Dual Meets:

Dual meets offer several advantages over other wrestling formats, such as tournaments. They provide a team-oriented experience, promoting camaraderie among teammates. Wrestlers get the opportunity to compete against specific opponents, allowing for more Targeted preparation and strategy development.

Disadvantages of Dual Meets:

On the flip side, dual meets may limit the number of matches a wrestler can participate in compared to tournaments. Additionally, they are restricted to only two teams competing against each other, meaning wrestlers miss out on facing a variety of opponents.

Taking It to the Mat:
Dual meets are an exciting form of competition in wrestling that showcase both individual skills and team dynamics. The strategic element adds an extra layer of excitement while providing a platform for wrestlers to display their abilities within a team context.

Whether you’re a wrestler, coach, or simply a fan of the sport, understanding dual meets is essential to fully appreciate the intricacies and thrill that comes with this form of wrestling competition. So get ready to hit the mat and cheer for your favorite wrestlers as they battle it out in these exhilarating head-to-head matchups!