Kabaddi is played by two teams of seven who alternate sending a raider to tag opponents and return while holding their breath, scoring points for tags and outs. The sport looks chaotic to newcomers, yet it follows a rule book that is surprisingly precise. Knowing those rules not only helps you enjoy watching the game but also keeps you safe if you hop on the mat yourself.
The Basic Objective
The heart of kabaddi sits in one simple idea. A single raider crosses the center line, chants “kabaddi, kabaddi” in one continuous breath, touches as many rivals as possible, then races back to home court. Each successful tag earns a point. If defenders stop the raider before the return, the defending side pockets a point instead. The team with the most points after two halves wins.
This breath‑holding aspect is not a mere tradition. A study by the Sports Authority of India found average raid times for elite men to be around 25 seconds and for women near 22 seconds, proving the value of lung capacity. While beginners rarely last that long, the rule is identical at all levels: break the chant and the raid is dead.
Court Dimensions and Setup
Professional kabaddi can be played indoors or outdoors, but the markings never change. Players who lay chalk or tape should stick to the numbers ratified by the International Kabaddi Federation.
| Measurement | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Overall length | 13 meters | 12 meters |
| Overall width | 10 meters | 8 meters |
| Baulk line distance from mid line | 3.75 meters | 3.25 meters |
| Bonus line distance from baulk line | 1 meter | 1 meter |
Two lobby strips flank the central play zone. Those alleys are active only after the raider makes a legal tag, a detail that often confuses beginners. Coaches tell newcomers, “Treat the lobby like hot lava until you touch someone,” because stepping into it early gives defenders an easy tackle by shrinking the raider’s route home.
Surfaces vary from beach sand to modern synthetic mats. Yet traction is crucial, so players favor rubber‑soled shoes or go barefoot if local rules allow. The only equipment mandated by the federation is a numbered jersey and a shorts set in matching team colors.
Player Roles and Match Format
A match consists of two halves of twenty minutes each with a five‑minute breather in between. Each side starts with seven on court and up to five substitutes waiting. The beauty of kabaddi is that every athlete must both raid and defend, though specializations arise over time.
| Role | Primary Task | Key Qualities |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Raider | Scores points by tagging defenders | Quick first step, lung capacity, tactical feints |
| Support Raider | Enters when lead raider is out, sets tempo | Calm decision making, agility |
| Right Corner | Tackles raiders near boundary | Strong grip, timing |
| Left Corner | Mirrors right corner on opposite side | Power in lower body |
| Covers | Middle defenders who coordinate tackles | Communication, mobility |
Teams usually rotate raiders in a pre‑decided sequence, yet captains may shuffle based on opponent weaknesses. Under Pro Kabaddi League data from 2023, star raiders attempt roughly 18 to 20 raids per match, whereas rotation players might go for 6 to 8. Substitutions happen only during stoppages, and once you sit out, re‑entry is possible only when someone else is declared out, maintaining the sport’s constant see‑saw.
Scoring System and Key Rules
The scorebook in kabaddi rewards both aggression and defense, provided you know when each point comes alive.
A tag fetches one point for the raider and sends the touched defender off court. If the raider reaches home safely, that point stands. Should the defending chain wrestle the raider down or push them out of bounds, defenders win a point and the raider is out. An “empty raid” means no tag, and the raider returns without either side scoring, but three consecutive empty raids force the third raider to score or leave the mat.
All‑out is the jackpot. When an entire team is out, the opposition takes two bonus points and revives every player who had been waiting. Statistics from Pro Kabaddi Season Nine show that all‑outs account for roughly thirty percent of total match points, proving their decisive weight.
The lone surviving player on a side can invoke a “do or die” raid in which a bonus line crossing brings an automatic point, as long as they return safely. This rule preserves suspense when numbers dwindle to six‑to‑one standoffs.
List of less obvious regulations that trip up rookies:
- Crossing the baulk line is mandatory for a legal raid. Failing to do so hands a point to opponents.
- Talk during raid must remain a continuous chant. Any pause is treated as loss of breath.
- A defender’s jersey pull is legal, but hair pulling or tripping is a foul that grants one point plus a new raid to the other team.
- Video referrals are allowed once per half in top‑tier leagues. If the claim is correct, the team keeps its referral.
Fouls, Strategy, and Safety Tips
Kabaddi is full contact by definition, so fouls are judged on danger rather than intent. The umpire can award technical points or even expel a player for overly rough actions. According to the International Kabaddi Federation’s 2022 report, fractured fingers and shoulder strains are the two most common injuries, together making up forty three percent of all treated cases. Warmup routines and clear communication drastically cut those numbers.
Strategy branches into raiding plans and defensive formations. Seasoned captains study opponents with game footage. For instance, Arjuna awardee Rahul Chaudhari claims he prefers to initiate raids from the left flank because “defenders are usually stronger on their right side.” Knowing such tendencies lets coaches plot coordinated chain tackles.
Quick safety do’s:
- Always land on your side or hips, never straight on the elbow.
- Practice breath control with incremental holds of ten to fifteen seconds.
- Use taping for weak ankles and wrists before competitive play.
- Hydrate well since matches often happen outdoors in peak heat.
Referees carry yellow and red cards similar to football. A red card means ejection and no replacement for the remainder, a rare but game‑changing penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do players chant “kabaddi” during raids?
The chant proves they are holding a single breath, a requirement set by the sport’s original rural rules.
How many players are needed to start an official match?
Seven per side on court, though most competitions allow up to five substitutes.
Can a raider score multiple points in one touch?
Yes. If the raider’s hand brushes two or more defenders at once, each counts separately.
What is the difference between the bonus line and baulk line?
Crossing the baulk line is mandatory for a raid to stay legal, while crossing the bonus line with at least one foot grounded can earn an extra point, but only when the defense has six or more players on court.
Is there a shot clock for a raid?
The practical limit is the raider’s lung capacity, yet top leagues enforce a thirty second cap to maintain pace.
Are timeouts allowed?
Each team gets two thirty second timeouts per half besides the referee’s discretionary breaks.
Can women participate in professional kabaddi?
Absolutely. The Women’s Kabaddi Challenge in India and similar leagues in Iran and Thailand showcase elite female athletes.
Conclusion
Kabaddi blends raw athleticism with strict rules that keep every second thrilling. Share this guide with friends who might join your local match, and drop your thoughts or questions below. Happy raiding!
