Kabaddi Rules and Scoring System Explained Read on Batery

commands before starting the kabaddi game

The 7-player contact sport of Kabaddi requires a raider to move across the midline for tagging defenders before returning home within a brief time span while defenders attempt to stop him. The scoring system in Kabaddi operates through two main methods - points earned by the raider for successfully tagging defenders and returning to their half, and points earned by defenders for successfully tackling the raider. The majority of present-day competitions operate with a 30-second raid timer and two 20-minute halves and regular periods of revival and all-out situations. The first step in understanding should be to establish the basics before starting the game.

Kabaddi Court, Teams and Match Flow

The Kabaddi court is a compact 13x10 meter rectangle (12x8 for women), split by a midline into two equal halves. Each half has a baulk line, 3.75 meters from the midline, which raiders must cross to validate a raid, and a bonus line, 1 meter further, offering an extra point if crossed with control when six or more defenders remain. Flanked by 1-meter-wide lobbies that activate after a legal touch, the court’s soft mat surface ensures player safety while supporting the game’s intense, fast-paced action.

Teams consist of seven players on the court, with up to five substitutes, totaling 12 per squad. Each team alternates between raiding and defending, with one team sending a raider to tag opponents and return safely, while the other’s defenders aim to tackle the raider. Teams switch roles after each raid and swap court sides at halftime, ensuring balanced play in the fast-paced match.

Standard play consists of two 20-minute halves with brief breaks between them. The first raid begins after a coin toss determines which team order while teams switch positions during halftime. The fundamental gameplay structure remains consistent across different leagues although some competitions implement minor variations.

What a Raid Must Do

The raider initiates a raid by crossing the midline boundary. The raider needs to reach the baulk line while tagging defenders and make it back home without getting tackled to earn points.

The majority of contemporary tournaments allow players 30 seconds to complete each raid. The breath chant requirement exists in classic rulebooks but professional events use timers instead of chants. The rulebook may differ but the fundamental players purpose remains unchanged.

Kabaddi scoring in practice consists of several general options:

Tag points.
The scoring system rewards raiders with one point for each defender tagged, provided they return safely to their own half.
Tackle point.
The defense earns one point when they successfully block the raider from escaping.
Revival.
Your team earns one revival for each point they score during the match.
All out.
The defending team receives their standard points along with two additional points when their opponents get eliminated from the mat while all players receive revival.

The fundamental elements of the game create the score-based momentum shifts that fans love to observe.

Bonus Line, Lobbies and Special States

The raider can earn an additional point by crossing the bonus line with their trailing foot under control when at least six defenders are present on the field. The playing area of the lobby sections along the sides remains inactive until contact occurs between players.

The raid becomes active for lobbies after the raider makes a legal touch to a defender.

The defense earns a Super Tackle worth two points when they tackle the raider while having three or fewer players on the field. The momentum of the game depends on this specific play.

Empty Raids, Do or Die and the 30 Second Clock

The scoring system does not reward points when a raid results in no successful tags. The Do or Die rule exists in multiple professional sports leagues. A team must score during their third raid after two consecutive empty raids or the raider will be eliminated. The 30-second time limit maintains fast-paced gameplay by preventing players from prolonging the match. The two innovations have become standard features in professional events while spreading across different competitions.

Some Kabaddi Variations You Will Notice

The official rules contain several points where different organizations maintain different standards. The handbooks of international and national federations contain both traditional chant terminology and detailed technical information. The leagues brought in three main rule changes which included the introduction of shot clocks and Do or Die raids and modifications for broadcast purposes. Observe the specific tournament rules when reviewing different sources.

Kabaddi Fouls and Out of Bounds

A player who exits the playing field completely without making contact with an opponent becomes eliminated from the game. The activation of lobbies becomes possible for both teams when the raider makes a legal touch to an opponent first. Official referees have the authority to penalize players who perform dangerous or rough tackles during the game. The system maintains both high competition levels and player safety throughout the match.

Some Bonus Info Just For You

We have prepared a quick Kabaddi watcher checklist

Identify the state. Count defenders. The bonus line becomes available when defenders reach six or more players. A Super Tackle becomes possible when the defense has three or fewer players.
Track sequence. Two consecutive raids without points create conditions for the Do or Die situation. The players need to stay alert about the remaining time.
Observe the revival process. A single raid can rapidly change team numbers because each point brings back one teammate.

Mini Kabaddi glossary

Baulk line.
The raider needs to pass through the baulk line located in the defending half to qualify for the raid.
Bonus line.
Extra scoring line that works only when six or more defenders are active. The game includes scoring through tag points, tackle points, and a bonus line (active when 6 or more defenders are present).
The All out strategy
results in a complete side wipe which grants opponents two additional points beyond their standard outs and revivals.
A short-handed defense earns two points when they successfully execute
a Super tackle
.

Kabaddi appears complicated at first but its gameplay follows straightforward principles. The game becomes accessible when you understand raid eligibility rules, bonus system and mechanics, which keep up the game momentum.

The Super Tackle and Do or Die raid combinations create exciting moments that make the crowd go wild. Mastering the basic rules will help you understand the game well to make some expert betting decisions.

Kabaddi for Beginners: Rules, Scoring, and Key Terms Explained