Kabaddi is one of the most exciting team sports played in India and many other countries. It combines speed, strength, balance, teamwork, and quick decision-making. Unlike many outdoor games, kabaddi does not require expensive equipment. Players mainly need a marked court, proper sports clothing, and a clear understanding of the rules.
For first-time players, kabaddi may initially look difficult because raids, tackles, bonus points, and revival rules happen quickly. However, the basic rules are easy to understand once they are explained step by step. Sports platforms such as BDG Game may introduce users to different games, but learning kabaddi properly begins with understanding how players score, defend, raid, and follow court rules.
This beginner’s guide explains the standard rules of kabaddi, important terms, scoring methods, player positions, common fouls, and safety tips.
What Is Kabaddi?
Kabaddi is a contact team sport played between two teams. One player from the attacking team enters the opponent’s half and tries to touch one or more defenders before safely returning to their own side.
The attacking player is called the raider, while the players trying to stop the raider are called defenders or antis.
The main objective is simple:
- A raider tries to score points by touching defenders.
- Defenders try to tackle and stop the raider.
- The team with more points at the end of the match wins.
Number of Players in a Kabaddi Team
A standard kabaddi team generally has seven players on the court at one time. Additional players remain available as substitutes.
The seven active players usually include:
- Raiders
- Defenders
- All-rounders
Raiders mainly focus on attacking and scoring touch points. Defenders specialise in tackles, blocks, ankle holds, thigh holds, and chain tackles. All-rounders can perform both roles depending on the match situation.
A team must maintain coordination because one poorly timed move can allow the raider to escape and score several points.
Kabaddi Court and Playing Area
A kabaddi court is divided into two equal halves by a centre line. Each team controls one half of the court.
Important court markings include:
Centre Line
The centre line separates the two teams. A raid begins when the raider crosses this line and enters the opponent’s half.
Baulk Line
The raider normally needs to cross the baulk line to make the raid active, unless the raider touches a defender before reaching it.
Bonus Line
A raider may attempt to cross the bonus line to earn one bonus point. The bonus line is generally active only when the defending team has the required number of players on the court.
End Line
The end line marks the outer limit of the playing area. A player who steps outside the legal boundary without valid contact may be declared out.
Lobby Area
The lobby is located on both sides of the court. It normally becomes active after physical contact between the raider and a defender. Entering the lobby without contact can result in a player being declared out.
How a Raid Works
A raid begins when one player crosses the centre line and enters the opponent’s half.
During the raid, the player must:
- Enter the opponent’s side legally.
- Attempt to touch one or more defenders.
- Avoid being tackled.
- Return across the centre line within the permitted raid time.
In traditional kabaddi, a raider continuously chants “kabaddi, kabaddi” to show that the raid is being completed in one breath. In organised professional formats, a raid clock may also be used.
The raider earns points only after returning safely to their own half. If defenders successfully stop the raider before the return, the defending team scores a point.
How Points Are Scored in Kabaddi
Kabaddi includes several ways to score points.
Touch Point
A raider receives one point for each defender legally touched before returning to their own half.
For example, if a raider touches two defenders and returns safely, the attacking team receives two points.
Tackle Point
The defending team earns one point when it successfully stops the raider from returning across the centre line.
Bonus Point
A raider may score one bonus point by legally crossing the bonus line while keeping part of the body grounded inside the court.
A bonus point does not automatically revive an eliminated teammate. It is counted separately as a scoring point.
Super Tackle
A super tackle happens when three or fewer defenders successfully tackle a raider. The defending team receives two points instead of the usual one tackle point.
All-Out Points
An all-out occurs when every active player of one team is declared out. The opposing team receives additional points, and all seven players of the eliminated team return to the court.
An all-out can quickly change the result of a close match, making player revival and defensive planning extremely important.
Player Revival Rule
When a team scores a touch point or tackle point, one of its eliminated players may return to the court.
Players are generally revived in the same order in which they were declared out. Teams should carefully monitor this order to avoid confusion.
Bonus points normally do not result in player revival. This is why a touch point may sometimes be more valuable than a bonus attempt, especially when an important defender or raider is waiting to return.
Match Duration
A standard senior kabaddi match is commonly divided into two halves. Each half usually lasts 20 minutes, with a short interval between them.
Match duration may be shorter for junior players, school-level events, or local competitions. Tournament organisers may also use different rules depending on age groups and available time.
Teams change sides after the first half. The team with the highest score after both halves is declared the winner.
Important Defensive Techniques
Defenders must tackle legally and safely. Some common defensive techniques include:
Ankle Hold
A defender grabs the raider’s ankle and prevents forward movement. Timing is extremely important because a weak grip may allow the raider to escape.
Thigh Hold
The defender holds the raider around the thigh area and uses body position to stop the raider.
Block
A defender stands strongly in the raider’s path and prevents the raider from reaching the centre line.
Dash
A defender uses controlled body force to push the raider outside the boundary after valid contact.
Chain Tackle
Two or more defenders hold hands or coordinate their movement to trap the raider. Poor coordination can create a gap through which the raider may escape.
Common Fouls and Rule Violations
Players can be penalised for unsafe or illegal actions. Common violations include:
- Stepping outside the court without legal contact
- Entering the opponent’s half before the previous raid ends
- Pulling hair or clothing
- Intentionally striking, kicking, or injuring another player
- Holding the raider in an unsafe manner
- Entering the lobby before physical contact
- Using abusive language
- Delaying the game intentionally
- Ignoring the referee’s instructions
The referee may award points, issue warnings, temporarily remove a player, or apply other penalties depending on the seriousness of the offence.
Substitution Rules
Teams may replace players during the match according to competition rules. A substitute can be used because of injury, poor performance, or tactical planning.
Substituted players must enter only after receiving permission from the match officials. An unauthorised entry can result in a penalty.
Coaches often use substitutes to bring in a specialist raider, strengthen the defence, or protect an injured player.
Safety Tips for First-Time Players
Kabaddi involves physical contact, so safety must remain a priority.
Beginners should:
- Warm up before playing.
- Practise falling safely.
- Keep fingernails short.
- Avoid jewellery and loose accessories.
- Wear proper sports clothing.
- Use a clean and non-slippery playing surface.
- Learn tackles under trained supervision.
- Avoid dangerous holds around the neck.
- Stop playing if they experience serious pain or dizziness.
- Respect referees, coaches, opponents, and teammates.
New players should focus on technique instead of using uncontrolled force. Correct body position is usually more effective than strength alone.
Basic Kabaddi Strategy for Beginners
A beginner raider should avoid entering too deeply into the opponent’s half. Start with controlled hand touches, toe touches, and quick returns.
Defenders should not attack individually without support. A coordinated tackle has a much higher chance of success than a rushed solo attempt.
Teams should also study the strengths of each player. Fast players can be used as raiders, while players with strong balance and grip may perform better in defensive positions.
Communication, patience, and timing are the foundations of successful kabaddi.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many players are on the court in kabaddi?
Each team normally has seven active players on the court. Additional players may be available as substitutes.
2. How does a raider score a point?
A raider scores by touching one or more defenders and returning safely across the centre line. One point is generally awarded for every defender declared out.
3. What happens when a raider is tackled?
When defenders legally stop the raider from returning to their own half, the defending team earns a tackle point.
4. What is a super tackle?
A super tackle occurs when three or fewer defenders successfully stop a raider. The defending team receives two points.
5. What does all-out mean in kabaddi?
An all-out happens when all seven players of a team are declared out. The opposing team receives additional points, and the eliminated team returns with all players.
6. Can a bonus point revive an eliminated player?
No. A bonus point is added to the team’s score but normally does not revive an eliminated teammate.
7. Is kabaddi safe for beginners?
Kabaddi can be played safely when beginners learn proper techniques, warm up correctly, use a suitable playing surface, and practise under trained supervision.
Final Words
Kabaddi is easy to begin but requires regular practice to master. New players should first understand court markings, raid rules, scoring methods, legal tackles, and player revival.
Instead of focusing only on strength, beginners should improve speed, balance, breathing, awareness, and teamwork. Following the rules not only helps a team perform better but also protects every player on the court.
With proper coaching and disciplined practice, first-time players can quickly develop confidence and enjoy the speed, strategy, and competitive spirit of kabaddi.
