Kabaddi: Planning the Raid by Scouting the Opponent

A no-tackle kabaddi game in which, during the first half, each team's scouts collect data on the opponent: which side defends worst, which defenders react late and how long each raider lasts. Teams use that information to build a raid plan and check whether it improves their performance.

How to play

1. Review the no-tackle version: the raider goes in chanting kabaddi without taking a breath, tags defenders with the hand below shoulder level and returns home; the defense scores if two defenders holding hands block the way back and the raider stops chanting (4 min).
2. Form four teams of seven: two play on each 10 x 8 m court, five on court and two scouts with a scouting sheet (2 min).
3. First 8-minute half: scouts record which lane each raider uses to enter and exit, which defenders get tagged most and how long each raid lasts using a stopwatch (8 min).
4. Planning timeout: each team reads the scouting sheet on the opponent and decides who raids, which side to attack and which defender to target; scouts also rotate (4 min).
5. Second 8-minute half applying the plan; the new scouts record the same data (8 min).
6. Quick comparison of points and successful raids before and after the plan (4 min).

Rules

• No tackling or grabbing: the defense may only form hand-holding chains and block the path.
• Tags are made with an open hand below shoulder level, never pushes.
• If the raider stops chanting in the opponent's half, the raid ends and they walk back.
• No raider goes twice in a row: rotation is required.

Variations

Adaptations

• Asthma or breathing issues: raids breathing normally and counting out loud to 10 instead of chanting.
• Wheelchair user: acts as lead scout and analyst, or raids with the rule that entering a marked zone is enough.
• Hearing impairment: the start and end of each raid are signaled by the student referee's arm.

Learning goals

• Collect and interpret game data to make tactical decisions.
• Design and carry out an attack plan tailored to the opponent.
• Play a traditional sport from India while respecting no-contact safety.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 16
• pinnies: 14
• worksheets: 8
• stopwatches: 2

Teacher tip

Hand out a simple scouting sheet with a drawing of the court split into three lanes. Remind students that continuous chanting replaces breath-holding: no one should hold their breath until they feel dizzy.

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