The new three-point takedown rule has some differing views on how it will affect collegiate wrestling moving forward.
Previously, takedowns were scored as two points, which made it difficult for an offensive wrestler to widen the gap in the score against his opponent, because of the one-point differential between takedowns and escapes. A reversal remains worth two points.
With the new scoring of a takedown, the more offensive wrestler will be rewarded more for their efforts. This new rule influences not only the wrestlers but the coaches as well.
“You kind of have to re-learn some things of what you would do in this kind of situation that was way different with the two-point takedown,” OSU coach John Smith said.