No-Contact Kabaddi
A no-contact version of kabaddi, a traditional game from India where a raider crosses into the other half chanting "kabaddi" on one breath to tag defenders and get back. Students build strategy, dodging, team defense and breath control.
How to play
- Mark 2 courts of 40 × 26 ft with a center line. Two teams of 6 in flag belts play on each; the rest are line judges and rotate in for the second half.
- Raid: one raider crosses the line chanting "kabaddi" nonstop for no more than 10 seconds, tags one or more defenders with a hand and returns home.
- Defense: defenders, holding hands in pairs, try to pull one of the raider's flags before they get back. No grabbing or pushing.
- If the raider makes it back, they score a point per defender tagged, and those defenders go to the sideline. If a flag is pulled or the chant stops, the defense scores.
- Each point lets one sideline teammate back in. Teams take turns raiding.
- Two 8-minute halves with a 2-minute break, rotating line judges.
Rules
- No contact: the raider only tags with a hand, the defense only pulls flags.
- The raider must chant "kabaddi" the whole time and may stay in the other half for no more than 10 seconds.
- A defender who crosses the center line loses the point for their team.
- Safety: nobody holds their breath if they feel dizzy; at any discomfort, stop and breathe normally.
Variations
Easier
The raider gets 15 seconds and counts out loud instead of chanting.
Standard
One breath or 10 seconds, flags for defense and players back in when a point is scored.
Harder
Defenders can only pull a flag when linked in a chain of three, and the court grows to 46 ft.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student raids in a zone near the center line and only needs to tag one defender with a pool noodle.
- Hearing impairment: the line judge raises a pinnie to start and end each raid, and the chant is replaced by counting on fingers.
- Asthma or lower fitness: always play the 10-second counting option with no breath holding.
Learning goals
- Decide when to attack or retreat based on where defenders are.
- Coordinate team defense without physical contact.
- Learn about a traditional South Asian game and its link to breath control.
Equipment for a class of 25
- flag belts: 25
- cones: 16
Teacher tip
The no-contact rule is what makes this game work in school. Do a demo raid yourself: kids love it and it gets them excited.
PatioLab has "No-Contact Kabaddi" and 1299 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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