How to Play Kabaddi : Rules, Techniques & Strategy

March 31, 2023

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Are you looking for a high-intensity, action-packed sport to add to your list of hobbies? Look no further than Kabaddi! Originating in South Asia, Kabaddi has gained a massive following around the world due to its unique blend of physical skill, strategy, and teamwork.

The objective of the game is simple – players must raid the opposing team’s court, tag as many players as possible, and make it back to their own court without getting caught. But don’t be fooled by its simplicity – Kabaddi is a thrilling and challenging sport that requires lightning-fast reflexes, quick thinking, and excellent communication. In this guide, we’ll take you through the basics of the Kabaddi game and give you the tips and techniques you need to become a Kabaddi pro!

Kabaddi has become an extremely popular team game in South Asia and it especially famous in India. The game has gained immense popularity since it is fast-paced and hence, it is fun even for spectators. To play kabaddi, two teams that have seven players each take on one another in a rectangular court divided into two halves. As per kabaddi rules, the objective of the game is for a “raider” from one team to enter the opposing team’s half, tap as many defenders as possible, and head back to their half without being tackled by the opposition.

So then, how to play kabaddi? The game is played in two different halves and each time team takes turns to raid and then to defend. The raider has to keep chanting “kabaddi, kabaddi” repeatedly when they are in the opponent’s half. If the raid is successful, the team gets one point. However, if the raider is tackled and stopped before they return, the defending team gets a point.

Kabaddi Rules and Basics

Kabaddi is a contact sport played between two teams of seven players each. The objective of the game is to score points by raiding the opposing team’s court and tagging as many defenders as possible while avoiding being caught or tackled. The game is divided into two halves of 20 minutes each, with a five-minute break in between.

The objective of Kabaddi is for one team to score points by sending a “raider” into the opposing team’s half of the court, tagging as many opponents as possible, and returning to their own half of the court without getting tackled by the opposing team.

Court Dimensions

The Kabaddi court is a rectangle measuring 13m x 10m, divided into two halves by a midline. Each half is further divided into two parts – the playing court and the end zone.

Equipment

Players wear shorts and t-shirts, with no shoes or protective gear allowed. The court is marked with lines and players must enter and exit the court through a designated area.

Raiding

A player from the attacking team, called the raider, enters the opposing team’s court, and must tag one or more defenders while chanting “Kabaddi, Kabaddi” to score points. The raider can only take one breath during the raid and must return to their own court without getting caught.

Defending

The defenders on the opposing team must try to stop the raider by tackling or holding them. If a defender successfully catches the raider and prevents them from returning to their own court, they score a point for their team.

Scoring

Points are awarded to the attacking team for each defender tagged by the raider and for successfully making it back to their own court. The defending team scores point for catching the raider and preventing them from returning.

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Kabaddi Techniques and Skills

Kabaddi is a highly physical and demanding sport that requires a combination of skills and techniques from its players. Here are some of the most important techniques and skills for Kabaddi players:

Footwork: Good footwork is essential for both raiders and defenders. Raiders need to be quick and nimble to dodge defenders and make it back to their own court, while defenders need to move quickly to catch raiders. Practice different footwork drills, such as jumping, side-stepping, and lunging, to improve your agility and balance.
Grappling: Successful defenders need to be able to grab and hold raiders to prevent them from escaping. Practice your grappling techniques, such as arm locks, ankle holds, and waist tackles, to improve your ability to stop raiders in their tracks.
Evasion: Raiders, on the other hand, need to be able to dodge defenders and make it back to their own court safely. Practice evasive moves such as ducking, spinning, and jumping, to avoid being tackled by defenders.
Communication: Kabaddi is a team sport that requires good communication between players. Raiders should communicate with their team to let them know which defenders they plan to target, while defenders need to communicate with each other to coordinate their efforts and catch raiders.
Endurance: Kabaddi is a fast-paced game that requires a lot of energy and endurance. Practice endurance-building exercises such as running, jumping jacks, and burpees, to improve your stamina and stay alert throughout the game.
Teamwork: Finally, Kabaddi is all about teamwork. Players need to work together to coordinate their attacks and defences, and to support each other throughout the game. Practice teamwork exercises such as passing drills and group huddles, to improve your ability to work effectively with your team.

Kabaddi Strategy and Tactics

In Kabaddi, a strong strategy and tactical approach can make all the difference in a game. Here are some key tactics and strategies that teams can use to gain an advantage:

Focusing on weaker players on the opposing team
Creating diversions to confuse defenders
Coordinating attacks and defences through effective communication
Maintaining a balance between offence and defence
Adapting to the opposing team’s playing style and making adjustments accordingly.

By implementing these strategies and tactics, teams can improve their chances of success on the Kabaddi court.

Kabaddi Point Scoring System

Scoring Points

In Kabaddi, a raider can get points during a raid:

Touch Points: If a player is able to tag one or more from the opposition and gets back to their won half, they get touch points.
Bonus Points: If a player plants on foot across the bonus line even as the other one is in the air, bonus points are earned.
Revivals: Eliminated players can bounce back if their team’s raider scores touch points on the opposition or their team pulls off a successful raid.

Defending Points

When a raider is successfully tackled and stopped by the defenders, or if the raider loses their breath (cant) during a raid, the defending team earns a point. This reward for the defending team highlights the importance of strategic and effective defense in Kabaddi.

All Out (Lona)

An “All Out” or “Lona” occurs when a team eliminates all seven players of the opposing team. Achieving this earns the team two extra points, marking a significant advantage. Following an All Out, all eliminated players are revived, allowing the game to continue with full teams on both sides. This rule ensures the game remains dynamic and competitive.

Safe Returns

A “Safe Return” is when a raider successfully completes a raid by crossing the baulk line and returns to their half without being tackled or eliminated. This not only earns the raider’s team a point but also demonstrates the raider’s skill and agility in evading defenders.

Tiebreakers

If a Kabaddi match ends in a tie, the game proceeds to a seven-minute mini match to determine the winner. If the mini match also results in a tie, a sudden-death “Golden Raid” follows. In the Golden Raid, a single raid decides the match.

If the tie persists even after the Golden Raid, a coin toss is used as the final method to determine the winner. This structured approach ensures a definitive outcome while maintaining the excitement and intensity of the game.

Conclusion

Kabaddi is a thrilling and exciting sport that requires a combination of physical and mental skills, teamwork, and strategy. By mastering these Kabaddi rules, techniques, and tactics of Kabaddi, players can improve their performance and enjoy this fast-paced and challenging game.

FAQs about Kabaddi Rules

Q) How does a raider score points in kabaddi?

A) A raider scores points in 2 ways – they can either tag opposition players and successfully get back to their half or they can also cross the bonus line.

Q) What if a raider is tackled during a raid?

A) When a raider is tackled by the opposition, the defending team gets a point. At the same time, the raider is knocked out of the game.

Q) Can eliminated players revive in kabaddi?

A) Yes, eliminated players are revived when their team’s raider scores touch points or when their team performs a successful raid.

Q) How is a tiebreaker resolved in kabaddi?

A) When there is a tie, a seven-minute mini match is played.

Q) What skills are essential to excel in Kabaddi?

A) To excel in Kabaddi, focus on developing agility, strength, stamina, and strategic thinking. Key skills include quick reflexes, powerful raids, effective tackling.

Q) How can I improve my raiding techniques?

A) Improving raiding techniques involves practicing various moves such as hand touches, toe touches, and kicks.

Q) What defensive strategies should I use to be effective?

A) Effective defensive strategies include forming a strong chain with your teammates to block the raider, staying low to maintain balance, and anticipating the raider’s moves.

Q) How can I increase my stamina for Kabaddi matches?

A) To increase stamina, incorporate cardiovascular exercises such as running, cycling, and swimming into your training regimen.

Q) Are there specific drills to enhance Kabaddi performance?

A) Yes, there are several drills that can enhance Kabaddi performance. Agility drills, such as ladder exercises and cone drills, improve quickness and footwork.