How to Play Kabaddi & Official Rules Explained
Kabaddi is a fast-paced, high-intensity contact sport that combines elements of wrestling and tag. Played in teams, it requires strength, strategy, and agility as players attempt to raid their opponents’ side of the court while avoiding being tackled. The game has deep roots in South Asia and has grown into an internationally recognized sport with leagues such as the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and tournaments like the Kabaddi World Cup.
This guide will break down how to play Kabaddi, covering everything from rules, scoring, and gameplay strategies to official regulations followed in professional leagues.
Kabaddi Basics: Objective of the Game
Kabaddi is played between two teams of seven players each, with the goal of scoring points by raiding the opponent’s side and tagging defenders while holding their breath and chanting “Kabaddi, Kabaddi.” At the same time, the defending team must try to stop the raider from returning to their half by tackling or wrestling them to the ground.
A match consists of two halves of 20 minutes each (in professional games), with a 5-minute halftime break.
Kabaddi Court Dimensions & Setup
The Kabaddi playing area is rectangular, with specific dimensions depending on the format:
- Men’s Kabaddi Court: 13m x 10m
- Women’s Kabaddi Court: 12m x 8m
A midline divides the court into two equal halves, with each team occupying one side. The bonus line and baulk line are also crucial markings in the game.
- Baulk Line: The raider must cross this line to attempt a legal raid.
- Bonus Line: If a raider places at least one foot beyond this line while their other foot is in the air, they score a bonus point (provided there are at least six defenders on the court).
How to Play Kabaddi: Step-by-Step Gameplay
1. The Raid (Attacking Play)
- One player from the attacking team, called the raider, enters the opponent’s half of the court.
- The raider must tag as many defenders as possible and return to their side without being tackled.
- The raid must be completed in 30 seconds while continuously chanting “Kabaddi, Kabaddi” to prove they aren’t inhaling.
- Points are awarded for each defender successfully tagged and returned past the midline.
2. The Defense (Stopping the Raider)
- The defending team consists of antis (defenders) who must stop the raider from escaping back to their side.
- Defenders can tackle, grab, and wrestle the raider to prevent them from returning.
- If the raider is successfully stopped, the defending team earns a point.
Scoring System in Kabaddi
| Action | Points Awarded |
|---|---|
| Successful tag & return by the raider | 1 point per defender touched |
| Successfully stopping a raider | 1 point for the defense |
| Bonus point (if raider touches the bonus line) | 1 point |
| Super Raid (tagging 3+ defenders in one raid) | Extra 2 points |
| Super Tackle (tackling a raider with 3 or fewer defenders on court) | 2 points |
| All-Out (eliminating all defenders from the opponent’s team) | 2 points + additional raid chance |
The team with the most points at the end of the match wins.
Types of Raids & Defensive Tactics
Types of Raids in Kabaddi
🔹 Hand Touch: Raider quickly tags a defender and escapes.
🔹 Toe Touch: A swift touch using the raider’s toe before retreating.
🔹 Running Hand Touch: The raider uses momentum to tag multiple defenders in one motion.
🔹 Jump & Kick Techniques: Raiders often use jump tactics, such as the Frog Jump (jumping over a defender) or the Scorpion Kick (flipping backward to tag a defender).
🔹 Dubki (Dive Move): A famous move where a raider ducks under defenders and escapes tackles.
Defensive Tactics in Kabaddi
🔸 Chain Formation: Defenders hold hands to trap raiders.
🔸 Dashes & Blocks: Strong defenders push raiders out of bounds.
🔸 Ankle Hold & Thigh Hold: Tackling techniques to bring the raider down.
🔸 Corner & Cover Positioning: Corner defenders act as the first line of defense, while cover defenders support them.
Kabaddi Game Rules & Regulations
1. Player Elimination & Revival Rules
- If a raider is caught by defenders, they are out and must leave the mat.
- If a raider successfully tags defenders, the tagged players must leave.
- Players can be revived if their team scores points through a raid or an all-out.
2. All-Out Rule
- If all seven defenders are eliminated, the attacking team gets 2 extra points, and all seven players return.
3. Super Tackle Rule
- If a team has 3 or fewer defenders and they tackle a raider, they earn 2 points instead of 1.
4. Timeouts & Substitutions
- Each team gets 2 timeouts per half.
- 5 substitutions are allowed per team.
5. Fouls & Violations
🚫 Holding the raider’s jersey or hair is illegal.
🚫 Grabbing above the shoulders or attacking the face is not allowed.
🚫 Raider must cross the baulk line; failure results in no points.
Formats of Kabaddi
1️⃣ Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) – The premier franchise-based Kabaddi league with teams from across India.
2️⃣ Standard International Kabaddi – Governed by the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF).
3️⃣ Circle Kabaddi – A different format played in rural areas, featuring a circular field.
Conclusion
Kabaddi is a thrilling sport that combines strategy, agility, and physicality. Whether you’re a new fan or looking to play professionally, understanding these rules will help you appreciate the game’s depth and excitement.
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