Kabaddi: A Popular Sport in South Asia
Kabaddi is a popular sport played by people all over India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. It has two forms, international and Indian, which differ in the rules slightly. It can be played outside as well as indoors and is usually a tournament sport.
The Rules of Kabaddi
The rules of kabaddi are very simple to understand. The objective is to send a raider into the other team's half of the field, chanting “Kabaddi” and touch as many players on the opposing team as possible without being tackled. A successful raid will earn the team points.
A Fast-Paced and Inclusive Sport
It's a fast-paced sport that can be enjoyed by anyone, but is best suited to athletes of all ages and abilities. It's a great way to stay in shape and have fun with friends.
The Gameplay
In the game, a team of seven players occupy opposite halves of the court. One of them is a 'raider' and the other is an 'anti', each squaring off against their opponents. The defenders try to keep the raider out of their half by tackling and pushing them off the floor.
When a player enters the other team's half, they chant "Kabaddi," a Tamil word that means "Holding Hands". They have to touch as many players on the other side of the court as possible without being caught or tagged. After successfully touching the opposition, they have to return to their own half and chant "Kabaddi" again.
A successful raid is worth two points for the raiding team. The defending team will try to stop the raider from chanting "Kabaddi" and getting back to their own half.
Scoring Points: Back Hold and Frog Jump
There are a few ways to score points in kabaddi, but the most effective ones are the back hold and frog jump. The former requires a lot of brute strength and the latter is a technique that takes a great deal of practice and concentration.
The back hold is a move that involves grabbing a defender in the back or waist area, turning them onto their backs, and flipping them over the head to the ground in a manner similar to German suplexes in wrestling. Season 7 Pro Kabaddi MVP Pawan Sehrawat was a master of this move.
A frog jump is a unique move in kabaddi that requires great physical strength, timing, and skill. It's a move that has been featured in some of the top-rated episodes of the show and has been named the 'Hi-Flyer' by fans.
Defensive Strategies and Skill Development
While defending, many professional kabaddi players stick together to make it easier for them to surround and capture the raider. This is a good idea, as it helps prevent the raider from making a long run and trying to get back to his own half.
It's also a good idea to take time out during the game to practice your kicking and passing skills. This will help you improve your overall game and give you a sense of the challenges you'll face during an actual match.
