In olympic wrestling 2 point throws can be used to quickly build up points and take lead of the scorecards during a match. To earn 2 points during a match a wrestler must take their opponent to the mat whist controlling them.
The 2 point throw can be used in both Freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling. With freestyle wrestling a wrester is able to attack their opponents legs and can earn two points using techniques such as double leg takedowns, single leg takedowns or ankle picks in addition to all Greco Roman techniques. Examples of 2 point throws in Greco Roman wrestling include Front headlock snap downs and body lock takedowns.
United world wrestling awards a 2 point throw under the following criteria
- To the wrestler who overcomes and then controls his opponent by passing behind (three points of contact: two arms and one knee or two knees and one arm or head).
- To the wrestler who applies a correct and complete throw that brings his opponent into a prone position or lateral position or a position with three points of contact. The defensive wrestler must lose control during the throw.
- To the wrestler who executes a hold that places his opponent’s back at an angle of less than 90 degrees, including when his opponent is on one or two outstretched arms.
- To the attacking wrestler whose opponent rolls onto his shoulders.
Accumulating multiple 2 point throws in a match as opposed to aiming for high amplitude 5 point throws can offer a lower risk approach to building up points during competition.