Kabaddi: rules, roles, and practical strategy

Correct: Legal touch + safe return. Time on the opponent half is a liability, not the goal.

Time violations generally end the raid against the raider.

In many formats, a raider must cross the baulk to make the raid valid; specifics differ by league.

Bonus rules require adequate defenders on court and specific footwork—details vary by competition.

After consecutive empty raids, some leagues require the next raider to score or be out.

Commonly: ≤3 defenders on court + successful tackle → extra defensive point(s). Exact scoring varies by league.

Wiping out all defenders typically yields bonus points to the raiding team and revivals per ruleset.

Leaving the field of play without contact typically puts the mover out.

Lobbies are typically active only after contact; entering them earlier is risky/illegal.

Avoid face/neck contact and joint-twisting—these are unsafe and penalized.

Diagonal entries widen angles and exit options.

Clear initiator + coordinated support prevents over-committing.

Use when speed + space allow a quick tag-and-go.

Delay + angles reduce risk when undermanned.

Scoring revives teammates as defined by the competition.

Many leagues use do-or-die to curb passive play; verify for your competition.

Some traditional formats require a continuous chant to validate the raid.

Stabilize first: restore spacing and communication before taking risks.

Coordinate: one controls lower body; support wraps above hips—never neck/face.

Reduce variance: manage clock, avoid risky dives, keep structure.