Kabaddi is a popular South Asian sport that combines elements of tag, wrestling, and teamwork. It’s a fun, fast-paced game that requires strength, quick thinking, and excellent communication skills. If you’re interested in learning how to play Kabaddi, follow these 12 steps.

1. Understand the basics: Kabaddi is played between two teams of seven players each. The objective of the game is for a single “raider” to score points by tagging opposing team members and returning to their side without being caught.

1. Learn the terminology:

– Raider: The player who enters the opponent’s court to tag players.

– Defender: A player on the defending team who tries to capture the raider.

– Lobby: The additional area beside the court used by raiders during raids.

– Bonus Line: A line that can be crossed by raiders for bonus points.

2. Find a suitable playing area: A standard Kabaddi court measures 13×10 meters, with a midline dividing it into two halves – one for each team. You can also use any flat surface or empty space if you don’t have access to a designated court.

3. Set boundaries and markings: Use chalk or tape to mark out the lines of your Kabaddi court, including the mid-line that divides the two halves and bonus lines.

4. Assemble your teams: Divide your group of players into two equal teams. It’s essential that all players have similar skill levels for balanced competition.

5. Designate roles: Each team should have a captain and decide on positions for raiders, defenders, and all-rounders (players skilled in both attacking and defending).

6. Decide on the starting raider: At the beginning of the game, teams participate in a coin toss; the winner chooses whether their team raids or defends first.

7. Practice chanting “kabaddi”: During a raid, the raider must continuously chant “kabaddi” to show they’re holding their breath. Failure to do so results in a penalty.

8. Start the game: The chosen raider enters the opponents’ half of the court and aims to tag as many players as possible while chanting “kabaddi.” The opposing team members try to capture the raider and prevent them from returning to their side.

9. Score points: Raiders earn a point for each opponent they tag. Additionally, they can earn a bonus point by crossing the bonus line with one foot on it, then crossing back over the midline. Defenders earn a point by successfully capturing a raider.

10. Rotate raiders: After each raid, the teams alternate sending raiders onto the opponents’ court. This continues until all players on one team are out or until the game’s end.

11. Win the match: The team with the most points at the end of two halves (20 minutes each) wins the game. In case of a tie, an extra five-minute period is played to determine the winner.

Now that you’re familiar with the basic rules and steps of playing Kabaddi, gather some friends and give this exciting sport a try!