Kabaddi with Controlled Holds
A school version of kabaddi where the raider enters the other half chanting 'kabaddi' on one breath and defenders may stop them by holding them around the waist. Students work on decision-making, team defense, and safe contact.
How to play
- Mark two 33 x 20 ft courts with a center line and form four teams of six in pinnies; two games at once (2 min).
- Raid: one raider crosses chanting 'kabaddi' on one breath, tries to tag one or more defenders, and heads back home.
- Defenders may stop the raider only with a waist hug. Holding for 3 seconds, or the raider stopping the chant on their side, scores for the defense.
- If the raider gets home, each tagged defender is out and the attack scores; each point a team earns brings back one out player (demo, 3 min).
- Teams alternate raids and everyone raids in turn. Two 7-minute halves with 1 minute of rest (15 min).
- A final 3-minute period against another team, then tally and shake hands (5 min).
Rules
- Hold only the waist or torso: no tackling, takedowns, or grabbing legs, neck, or clothes.
- On the ref's 'Out!', release the raider immediately.
- The raider may not push or strike to break free; each raid lasts 20 seconds max.
Variations
Easier
No holds: the raider is out if a defender touches their back with both hands.
Standard
A 3-second waist hold, with out players returning as their team scores.
Harder
The raider scores only after also touching the opponents' end line, like the real bonus point.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: line referee, or a fixed defender whose tag counts as a hold.
- Hearing impairment or shyness: the raider slaps their thigh instead of chanting.
- Fitness level: 15-second raids or two raiders together.
Learning goals
- Make quick attacking and defending decisions in a contact invasion game.
- Work with teammates to close in on and hold the raider safely.
- Learn about kabaddi as a traditional game from another culture.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cones: 16
- pinnies: 24
- masking tape: 2
Teacher tip
Referee up close and stop play as soon as more than two defenders are on one raider. Teach the waist hold first in static pairs.
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