In this article, we will explore the basic rules of kabaddi. We will delve into its history and scoring rules, fouls and explain the player positions, so you understand what makes this sport so popular! You’ll soon be able to play or watch India’s second most popular sport, beaten only by Cricket.
Kabaddi is known for its unique blend of athleticism, strategy, and teamwork. It has evolved over the years into a modern, fast-paced game that keeps spectators on the edge of their seats.
Kabaddi Explained Simply
Kabaddi is a team sport played on a rectangular court, divided into two halves. Each team consists of seven players.
The objective of Kabaddi is to score points by raiding the opponent’s territory and tagging their defenders, while at the same time avoiding being caught by the defenders. The raiding team aims to touch as many defenders as possible and return safely to their half. All done in a single breath!
The History of Kabaddi
The origins of kabaddi can be traced back to ancient India. It was played as a way to enhance physical fitness, develop strategic thinking, and foster camaraderie. Over time, kabaddi evolved into different regional variations, each with its own set of rules. However, it was in the early 20th century that the sport gained organised structure and recognition. This eventually lead to the formation of the All India Kabaddi Federation in 1950.
Today, kabaddi has international recognition and is played in various formats, including the popular Pro Kabaddi League in India. The International Kabaddi Federation is the international governing body, formed in 2004.
Equipment Required to Play Kabaddi
Kabaddi is a sport that requires minimal equipment. This makes it accessible and affordable for all those who play. Players wear lightweight clothing, typically a t-shirt and shorts and, special footwear with rubber soles for grip. The absence of elaborate equipment allows for a level playing field, emphasising the players’ physical abilities and tactical prowess. If you’re looking for a great pair of kabaddi shoes check out: Nivia Men Mesh PU Kabaddi Shoes
Kabaddi is played on a flat playing surface, marked with boundary lines, known as a Kabaddi court. Typically the court is 13meters long (42.65 feet) and 10 meters wide (32.8 feet).
Kabaddi’s Players and Positions
In kabaddi, each player has a specific role and position on the court, contributing to the team’s overall strategy. The key positions are as follows:
Raider
The raider is the offensive player who ventures into the opponent’s half to score points. The raider must tag defenders and return to their own half while chanting “kabaddi” continuously, all within a single breath.
Defenders
The defenders are responsible for preventing the raider from crossing into their territory. They aim to catch the raider, either individually or collectively, by forming a chain or circle. The defenders must immobilise the raider to score points for their team.
How does Kabaddi’s scoring work?
The scoring in Kabaddi is easy to follow;
Raid Points are scored when a raider successfully tags one or more defenders and returns to their half safely. The raiders team is awarded a point for each defender tagged. The more defenders a raider manages to touch before returning, the higher the score for their team.
An all-out is a significant scoring opportunity for the raiding team. It occurs when a raider successfully crosses into the opponent’s half and tags all defenders. This results in the entire defending team being declared out. The raiding team is then awarded two additional points.
If a raider crosses the bonus line during a raid, they score one bonus point for their team. The bonus line is typically set around the centre of the opponent’s half.
The defending team can also score points when they successfully catch the raider. Each caught raider results in a point for the defending team. Improving grip on the raider is the reason why Kabaddi players rub dirt in their hands.
Winning a Game of Kabaddi
To win a kabaddi match, a team must score more points than their opponents within the specified time or number of rounds. Typically, a kabaddi game consists of two halves, each lasting 20 minutes, with a five-minute break in between. However, the duration may vary depending on the level of play and competition rules.
At the end of the game, the team with the highest score is declared the winner. In the event of a tie, an additional period of play, commonly referred to as “extra time,” may be added to determine the ultimate winner. Extra time usually consists of two halves, and if the tie persists, a “Golden Raid” or a sudden-death round may be employed to decide the victor.
It’s important to note that while scoring points is crucial, teams also employ defensive strategies to prevent their opponents from scoring. By catching raiders or forcing them out of bounds, defending teams can deny points to the raiding team, thereby maintaining or increasing their own lead.
Key Rules of Kabaddi
To understand kabaddi fully, it is essential to grasp the key rules that govern the gameplay. Here are the fundamental rules:
- A raider has a maximum of 30 seconds to complete their raid. Failure to touch an opponent or return to their own half within this time results in the raider being declared out.
- If a raider crosses the bonus line while raiding, they score extra points for their team. This line is usually set around the centre of the opponent’s half.
- When a defender catches a raider, the raider is out, and a defender is revived. Similarly, if a raider successfully tags defenders and returns safely to their half, one of their previously out teammates is revived.
- During certain game situations, such as when a team is trailing by a substantial margin, a raider has only one chance to score before being declared out if they fail to touch an opponent. This is known as a Do-or-Die Raid
- If a raider or defender steps or is pushed out of the boundary lines, they are considered out and do not contribute to scoring points in that particular raid.
Kabaddi, with its intense physicality, tactical gameplay, and rich cultural heritage. It has transcended borders and gained a global following. The sport’s simplicity and high-energy action make it a captivating experience for both players and spectators.
By understanding the basics of kabaddi’s gameplay, its history, player positions, and the key rules of Kabaddi, one can fully appreciate the thrill and skill exhibited in this dynamic sport.
Kabaddi is one of India’s top sports, check out another like Field Hockey!
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