How to Play Kabaddi and Raid: A Complete and Easy-to-Understand Guide
Kabaddi is an exciting sport that involves both physical endurance and mental strategy. It’s a team game where players take turns raiding the opponent’s side, while the defending team tries to stop them. The game might seem complicated at first, but with a little practice, anyone can learn to play and enjoy it. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about playing Kabaddi, with a particular focus on how to raid effectively.
What is Kabaddi?
Kabaddi is an ancient sport that originated in India and has spread across various countries, especially in South Asia. The game is now played professionally in leagues like the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) in India, and it has become popular in other countries too. Kabaddi is known for being both a physical and strategic game, involving two teams that compete to outscore each other.
The game is played on a rectangular field divided into two halves, where two teams alternate between attacking (raiding) and defending. The main objective of the game is to score points by successfully raiding the opponent’s half and tagging or touching as many defenders as possible.
Kabaddi Court Layout and Dimensions
Before diving into the rules and how to play, it’s essential to understand the Kabaddi court and how it’s structured.
Dimensions of the Kabaddi Court
- Length: 13 meters (for men) or 12 meters (for women).
- Width: 10 meters (for men) or 8 meters (for women).
- Dividing Line: The court is divided into two equal halves by a center line.
- Bonus Line: A line located 3 meters from the center line, used in certain situations where players can score additional points during a raid.
Basic Rules of Kabaddi
Kabaddi might seem overwhelming at first, but the game is easy to follow once you break it down. Here are the basic rules:
- Two Teams: Each team has seven players, though substitutions can occur. Only one player from a team is allowed to raid at a time.
- Raiding and Defending: One team raids, and the other defends. The attacking team sends a player, known as the raider, into the opposing team’s half of the court.
- Objective of the Raid: The raider’s objective is to touch or tag as many opponents as possible while chanting “Kabaddi.” The raider must return to their own side of the court without being tagged by the defenders.
- Raider’s Chant: The raider must chant the word “Kabaddi” throughout the raid. If the raider stops chanting, they are out.
- Outs: Players can be “out” if the raider touches them or if the raider fails to return to their own side.
- Reviving Players: When a team scores points, it has the chance to revive one of its out players.
- Turn-taking: Teams take turns raiding and defending. When a team successfully raids, it earns points, and when the defending team stops the raider, they earn points.
Kabaddi Terminology
Understanding some key Kabaddi terms will help you follow the game and its strategies more easily. Here are some important terms:
- Raider: The player who enters the opponent’s half to tag or touch their players.
- Defender: The player who tries to stop the raider from touching them or crossing the center line.
- Centre Line: The line that divides the two halves of the court.
- Bonus Line: A line 3 meters from the center line, where the raider can earn extra points.
- Baulk Line: The line that the raider must cross to initiate a successful raid.
- Out: A player is considered out if they are tagged or fail to return to their own side after a raid.
- Revive: When a player who is out is brought back into the game, usually after the team earns points.
How to Play Kabaddi: Step-by-Step
Now that we know the rules and terminology, let’s walk through how to play Kabaddi. We will explain how the game progresses from start to finish, with a special focus on the raiding process.
Step 1: The Coin Toss and Team Setup
Before the game begins, a coin toss is held to decide which team will raid first. The team that wins the toss can choose either to defend or raid first. The game is typically played in two halves, each lasting 20 minutes, with a break in between.
Once the toss is completed, the players from both teams line up on their respective sides of the court. The team that is raiding sends a raider into the opponent’s half to begin the game.
Step 2: The Raider’s Role
The raider plays a critical role in Kabaddi. A raider’s main task is to go into the opponent’s half, tag or touch the defenders, and return to their side of the court without being caught. Here are the key points for a raider:
- Entering the Opponent’s Side: The raider must cross the center line and enter the opponent’s half. Once inside the opponent’s territory, the raider can start tagging players.
- Chanting “Kabaddi”: The raider must continuously chant the word “Kabaddi” while attempting to touch the opponents. The chant is an important part of the game because if the raider stops chanting, they are considered out.
- Touching Defenders: The raider aims to touch as many opponents as possible during their time in the opposing half. Each player who is touched is out for the duration of the game.
- Returning to Their Side: After touching one or more defenders, the raider must return to their own half of the court. If the raider is tagged by a defender before reaching their side, they are out.
Step 3: The Defenders’ Role
While the raider is focused on scoring points, the defending team tries to stop them by tagging them. The defenders work together to trap the raider and prevent them from scoring. Here’s what the defenders need to do:
- Tagging the Raider: The defenders attempt to tag the raider while they are in the opponent’s half. If the raider is tagged, they are out.
- Blocking the Raider: Defenders can also block the raider’s path to make it difficult for them to return. This requires quick thinking and coordination between defenders.
- Working Together: Defenders must work as a team. Instead of each defender trying to tag the raider individually, it’s often more effective to form a defensive wall, trapping the raider and forcing them to make a mistake.
Step 4: Scoring Points in Kabaddi
The main objective of Kabaddi is to score points, and there are several ways a team can score during the game:
- Successful Raids: When a raider enters the opponent’s side, touches one or more defenders, and returns safely to their half, the team earns a point for each defender touched.
- Defending Successfully: If the defending team tags the raider before they return to their half, the defending team earns a point.
- Bonus Points: In certain situations, a raider can score a bonus point by crossing the bonus line (3 meters from the center line) without being tagged.
- Reviving Out Players: After a successful raid, a team has the opportunity to bring back one of its out players. This keeps the team’s strength intact as the match progresses.
Step 5: Reviving Players and Continuation of the Game
When a team successfully earns points, it can revive players who have been tagged out. A team can revive a player when they score in a raid, but they can only revive one player per turn.
The game continues in this cycle, with each team alternating between raiding and defending. The game lasts for two halves, with a break in between. The team with the most points at the end of the second half wins the match.
Tips for a Successful Raid
Raiding is a critical part of Kabaddi, and a successful raid can be the key to winning the game. Here are some tips for a successful raid:
1. Speed and Agility
Being fast and agile is crucial for a raider. The quicker you are, the harder it will be for defenders to catch you. Practice quick movements, sudden changes in direction, and lateral jumps to avoid being tagged.
2. Focus on Breathing
Raiding can be physically demanding, so it’s important to maintain a steady breathing pattern. Take deep breaths and avoid holding your breath while raiding, as this can make you tired more quickly.
3. Understand Your Opponents
To raid effectively, you need to study the defenders’ strategies. Try to figure out which defenders are weaker or more likely to make mistakes. You can then use this information to your advantage during the raid.
4. Deception and Fakes
Use deception to confuse defenders. Fake a move in one direction, then quickly change and go in the other direction. This can make it more difficult for defenders to predict where you’re going.
5. Teamwork
Kabaddi is a team sport. When you’re raiding, it’s important that your teammates support you by blocking the defenders, distracting them, or even helping you escape if you’re trapped.
Kabaddi Defending Tips
Being a good defender is just as important as being a good raider. Here are some tips for successful defending:
- Stay Calm and Focused: Don’t rush to tag the raider. Instead, focus on keeping your position and waiting for the right opportunity to strike.
- Work as a Team: Defenders must communicate and coordinate to trap the raider effectively. If one player rushes in alone, they risk being fooled or outrun.
- Anticipate the Raider’s Moves: Watch the raider carefully and try to predict their next move. Good anticipation can help you stop them before they escape.
- Be Ready for a Counterattack: A raider may fake or change direction, so be prepared to adjust your defense quickly.
Conclusion
Kabaddi is an intense and thrilling sport that combines physical strength, strategic thinking, and teamwork. Whether you’re raiding or defending, the key to success lies in quick thinking, coordination, and practice. By understanding the rules and applying the strategies outlined above, you’ll be able to enjoy Kabaddi and play it effectively.
So, gather your friends, practice your raiding skills, and get ready to play! The more you play, the better you’ll become. Kabaddi is not only fun but also a great way to stay active and build team spirit.
