Kho Kho Skills Lesson Plan: Step-by-Step Teaching Guide for Students

Q > Kho Kho Specific Skills

Specific (Technical) Skills in the Game of Kho-Kho

• In Kho-Kho, skills are mainly divided into Attacking (Chasing) and Defensive (Dodging) skills.
• Total Major Specific Skills (Technical): 9–10 skills (Exact number may vary slightly by book, but these are universally accepted.)

A > Attacking / Chasing Skills (6 Skills)

1. Giving Kho (Kho Dena)

• Purpose:  To transfer chasing responsibility to a teammate quickly.
• Types: Simple Touch Kho, Late Kho, Advance Kho
• Importance: Maintains speed of attack, Saves energy, Creates continuous pressure on the defender
• Key Factors: Correct verbal call “Kho.”, Touch on the back between the shoulders., Proper body balance, Awareness of defender position

2. Receiving Kho (Kho Lena)

• Purpose:  To immediately continue the chase after receiving Kho.
• Types: Stationary receiving, Running receiving
• Importance: Prevents break-in attack, helps with quick directional change
• Key Factors: Alert posture, Explosive start, Correct direction judgment

3. Pole Dive

• Purpose:  To change direction sharply around the pole while chasing.
• Types: Inside pole dive, Outside pole dive
• Importance: Very effective against fast dodgers, saves time and distance
• Key Factors: Strong grip, Low body position, Coordination, and timing

4. Turning (Directional Change)

• Purpose:  To follow the defender’s sudden change of direction.
• Types: Right turn, Left turn
• Importance: Essential for close chasing, helps in maintaining speed
• Key Factors: Foot placement, Body lean, Balance, and agility

5. Feinting (Fake Move)

• Purpose:  To confuse the defender and force a mistake.
• Types: Body feint, Hand feint
• Importance: Breaks defender’s rhythm, creates tagging opportunities
• Key Factors: Sudden movement, Eye focus, Timing

6. Touch / Tagging

• Purpose:  To put the defender out legally.
• Types: Running touch, Dive touch ( Forward dive, Side dive )
• Importance: Final objective of the attack, Decides points
• Key Factors: Legal touch area, Speed, Body control

B > Defensive / Dodging Skills (4 Skills)

1. Dodging

• Purpose:  To escape from the chaser and stay in the field longer.
• Types: Side dodge, Sudden stop dodge, Fake movement dodge
• Importance: Increases survival time, reduces opponent score
• Key Factors: Quick reflex, Agility, Court awareness

2. Pole Turning (Pole Dodge)

• Purpose:  To protect oneself by using the pole as a shield.
• Types: Inside pole turn, Outside pole turn
• Importance: Very effective defensive skill, forces the chaser to change direction
• Key Factors: Hand grip, Body lean, Timing

3. Running Skills

• Purpose:  To maintain speed and stamina during dodging.
• Types: Straight run, Zig-zag run
• Importance: Maintains pressure on defenders, builds attacking dominance
• Key Factors: Speed and balance, Change of direction, Awareness of defenders’ movement

4. Sitting & Getting Up (Court Movement Skill)

• Purpose:  For active chasers to sit and get up quickly.
• Types: Cross-leg sitting, Squat position
• Importance: Ensures fast Kho execution, maintains continuity of attack
• Key Factors: Posture, Flexibility, Alertness

C > Summary Table (Quick Revision)

Category	Skills
Attacking	Giving Kho, Receiving Kho, Pole Dive, Turning, Feinting, Touch
Defensive	Dodging, Pole Turn, Running, Court Movement
Total	9–10 Specific Skills

Exam-Friendly Conclusion: Kho-Kho is a fast, skill-oriented indigenous game requiring agility, coordination, speed, and tactical intelligence. Mastery of specific attacking and defensive skills is essential for effective performance and successful team play.

A > Kho Kho – Giving Kho Skills 

Skill –  Simple Kho, Late Kho, Advanced Kho

Q > Late Kho in Kho Kho 

a) Teaching of Late Kho Skill (Total 4 Steps)

✅ i) Step 1: Ready Position

• Chaser runs behind the seated player.
• Eyes focused on the defender.
• Body slightly bent forward.
• Decide early whether Late Kho is required.

👉 Teaching point:  “Don’t hurry – read the defender first.”

✅ ii) Step 2: Approach of Defender

• Chaser comes very close to the seated player.
• Defender changes direction suddenly.
• Chaser delays giving Kho for a moment.

👉 Teaching point:  “Wait… wait… now give Kho!”

✅ iii) Step 3: Giving Late Kho

• Give Kho at the last moment.
• Touch the back of the seated player between the shoulders.
• Call loudly ‘KHO’.
• Body remains balanced.

👉 Teaching point:  “Late Kho is given only when the defender commits.”

✅ iv) Step 4: Continuation of Chase

• The seated player gets up immediately.
• Moves in the correct direction.
• Original chaser stops and sits properly.

👉 Teaching point:  “Quick get-up = successful Late Kho.”

b) Kinesiological Application of Late Kho

KINESIOLOGICAL APPLICATION OF HANDBALL PASSING
SNo	Joints Involved	Function	Muscles Involved	Function
1	Shoulder joint	Arm extension while giving Kho	Deltoid	Arm movement
2	Elbow joint	Slight extension	Triceps	Elbow extension
3	Wrist joint	Controlled touch	Biceps	Control of the arm
4	Hip joint	Forward bending	Quadriceps	Running & stopping
5	Knee joint	Flexion & extension	Hamstrings	Balance & control
6			Gluteus	Body stability
7	Ankle joint	Running & balance	Gastrocnemius	Speed & push-off
8			Core muscles	Body balance

c) Recreational Game to Improve Late Kho Skill

✅ i) Name of the Activity / Game: 🎯 “Wait & Kho Game.”

✅ ii) Process to Play the Game

• Arrange 6–8 players in one lane.
• 2–3 players sit in the central lane like a Kho-Kho court.
• One defender runs zig-zag.
• Chaser follows the defender.
• Chaser must give Late Kho only.
• The seated player continues the chase after receiving Kho.
• Rotate roles after every round.

👉 Focus: Decision making + timing.

✅ iii) Rules of the Game

• Early Kho is not allowed.
• Kho must be given a voice command.
• Incorrect or early Kho = penalty point.
• The seated player must get up immediately.
• Defenders should change direction frequently.

🔹 Teaching Tips for Coach

• Start at a slow speed, then increase.
• Use demonstration + explanation.
• Correct common mistakes:
  • Giving Kho too early
  • No voice command
  • Poor sitting posture

Q > Advance Kho in Kho Kho  

Meaning (for students): Advanced Kho is a planned and intelligent Kho where the chaser gives the Kho with correct timing, direction awareness, and body control to trap the defender quickly.

a) Teaching of Advanced Kho Skill (Total 4 Steps)

✅ i) Step 1: Observation & Planning

• Chaser runs behind the defender.
• Observe defender’s speed, direction, and distance.
• Decide which seated player should receive Kho.

👉 Teaching cue:  “First think – then give Kho.”

✅ ii) Step 2: Positioning Near the Seated Player

• Chaser moves close to the chosen seated player.
• Body slightly bent, knees flexed.
• Keep eyes on the defender, not on the teammate.

👉 Teaching cue:  “Stay low, stay balanced.”

✅ iii) Step 3: Giving Advanced Kho

• Give Kho at the right moment (not early, not late).
• Touch the back between the shoulders.
• Loud and clear voice command ‘KHO’.
• Hand follows through in the direction of chase.

👉 Teaching cue:  “Correct time + correct direction = Advanced Kho.”

✅ iv) Step 4: Smooth Exchange & Continuation

• New chaser gets up instantly.
• Moves in the expected path of the defender.
• The original chaser sits quickly in a proper posture.

👉 Teaching cue:  “Fast change, no break.”

b) Kinesiological Application of Advanced Kho

KINESIOLOGICAL APPLICATION OF Advanced Kho
SNo	Joints Involved	Function	Muscles Involved	Function
1	Shoulder joint	Arm swing & Kho action	Deltoid	Arm movement
2	Elbow joint	Extension during touch	Triceps	Elbow extension
3	Wrist joint	Controlled contact	Biceps	Arm control
4	Hip joint	Bending & balance	Quadriceps	Sprinting & stopping
5	Knee joint	Running & quick stop	Hamstrings	Balance & deceleration
6	Ankle joint	Push-off & speed	Gluteus muscles	Stability
7	Spine	Postural control	Gastrocnemius & Soleus	Speed & push-off
8			Core muscles	Body balance & control

c) Recreational Game to Improve Advanced Kho Skill

✅ i) Name of the Activity / Game: 🎯 “Think & Kho Challenge.”

✅ ii) Process to Play the Activity / Game

• Make a mini Kho-Kho court.
• 6–8 players sit in the central lane.
• One active chaser and one defender.
• Defender changes direction frequently.
• Chaser must decide the best player for Kho.
• Only Advanced Kho is allowed.
• The new chaser continues the chase immediately.

👉 Focus: Decision-making + coordination.

✅ iii) Rules of the Activity / Game

• Random or blind Kho is not allowed.
• Kho without voice command = fault.
• Wrong direction, Kho = penalty.
• Defender must use quick direction changes.
• Smooth exchange gets an extra point.

🔹 Coaching Tips (Very Important)

• Teach Late Kho first, then Advanced Kho.
• Start slow → increase speed gradually.
• Use questions:
  • “Why did you give Kho there?”
• Correct mistakes immediately.

🔹 Simple Conclusion: Advanced Kho is a smart chasing skill that needs good observation, correct timing, proper body control, and teamwork. It is used to trap the defender quickly without wasting energy.

B > Kho Kho Pole Dive Skills  (Attacking / Chasing)

Types: Inside pole dive, Outside pole dive

(Inside Pole Dive & Outside Pole Dive)

a) Teaching of Pole Dive Skill (Total 4 Steps)

✅ i) Step 1: Approach the Pole

• Chaser runs straight towards the pole.
• Eyes on the defender’s movement.
• Speed is controlled, not a full sprint.
• Decide on an inside or Outside dive.

👉 Teaching cue:  “Reach the pole first, then decide.”

✅ ii) Step 2: Hand Grip & Body Position

• The nearest hand grips the pole firmly.
• Body bends low.
• Knees flexed, head close to the pole.
• The other arm stretched for balance.

👉 Teaching cue:  “Strong grip, low body.”

✅ iii) Step 3: Execution of Pole Dive

• Swing your body quickly around the pole.
• Inside Dive: Body moves towards the inner side of the court.
• Outside Dive: Body moves towards the outer side of the court.
• Feet leave the ground slightly.
• Maintain balance.

👉 Teaching cue:  “Fast turn, no fall.”

✅ iv) Step 4: Continuation of Chase

• Release the pole smoothly.
• Accelerate in the defender’s direction.
• Maintain speed and control.
• Prepare for tag.

👉 Teaching cue:  “Dive and go—no stop.”

b) Kinesiological Application of Pole Dive Skill

KINESIOLOGICAL APPLICATION OF Pole Dive Skill
SNo	Joints Involved	Function	Muscles Involved	Function
1	Shoulder joint	Gripping & swinging	Deltoid	Arm movement
2	Elbow joint	Flexion during grip	Biceps	Pole gripping
3	Wrist joint	Firm hold on the pole	Triceps	Arm support
4	Hip joint	Body bending & turning	Forearm muscles	Strong grip
5	Knee joint	Flexion & extension	Quadriceps	Running & jumping
6	Ankle joint	Push-off & balance	Hamstrings	Balance & control
7			Gluteus muscles	Stability
8	Spine	Rotation & stability	Gastrocnemius	Push-off
9			Core muscles	Body control

c) Recreational Game to Improve Pole Dive Skill

✅ i) Name of the Activity / Game: 🎯 “Pole Dive Chase”

✅ ii) Process to Play the Activity / Game

• Mark a mini Kho-Kho court.
• Place one pole at each end.
• One chaser, one defender.
• Defender moves around the pole.
• Chaser must use Inside & Outside Pole Dive.
• After a tag or 20 seconds, change roles.

👉 Focus: Grip, balance, quick turn.

✅ iii) Rules of the Activity / Game

• Chaser must touch the pole before diving.
• Falling or slipping = fault.
• Only one hand allowed on the pole.
• Defender must change direction.
• Correct dive gets a bonus point.

🔹 Common Mistakes & Corrections

Mistake	Correction
Weak pole grip	Grip practice
Upright body	Teach a low posture
Losing balance	Slow practice first
Wrong dive side	Decision drills

🔹  Simple Conclusion: Pole Dive is an advanced attacking skill used to change direction quickly and trap the defender. Strong grip, low body position, correct timing, and balance are the keys to success.

C > Kho Kho Turning (Directional Change) Skills 

Types: Right turn, Left turn

(Right Turn & Left Turn – Attacking / Chasing)

a) Teaching of Turning Skill (Total 4 Steps)

✅ i) Step 1: Ready Running Position

• Chaser runs behind the defender.
• Body slightly bent forward.
• Eyes focused on the defender’s hips/waist.
  Be ready for sudden change.

👉 Teaching cue:  “Stay low and alert.”

✅ ii) Step 2: Lowering the Body

• As the defender turns, the chaser reduces speed.
  Knees bent, centre of gravity low.
• Weight shifts to the outside leg.

👉 Teaching cue:  “Slow down, bend the knees.”

✅ iii) Step 3: Execution of Turn

• Right Turn: Push from the left foot, turn right.
• Left Turn: Push from the right foot, turn left.
• Rotate shoulders and hips together.
• Use arms for balance.

👉 Teaching cue: “Foot first, body follows.”

✅ iv) Step 4: Acceleration After Turn

• After turning, push strongly.
• Increase speed immediately.
• Continue chasing or prepare for Kho/Tag.

👉 Teaching cue:  “Turn and go—no pause.”

b) Kinesiological Application of Turning Skill

KINESIOLOGICAL APPLICATION OF Turning Skill
SNo	Joints Involved	Function	Muscles Involved	Function
1	Hip joint	Rotation & direction change	Quadriceps	Knee extension & speed
2	Knee joint	Flexion & extension	Hamstrings	Control & balance
3	Ankle joint	Push-off & balance	Gluteus muscles	Power & stability
4	Shoulder joint	Arm swing	Calf muscles (Gastrocnemius)	Push-off
5			Hip abductors/adductors	Direction control
6	Spine	Rotation & posture	Core muscles	Balance & body control
7			Deltoid	Arm balance

c) Recreational Game to Improve Turning Skill

✅ i) Name of the Activity / Game: 🎯“Zig-Zag Turn Chase.”

✅ ii) Process to Play the Activity / Game

• Mark zig-zag lines or cones on the court.
• One chaser and one defender.
• Defender runs and changes direction at cones.
• Chaser follows using right and left turns only.
• After 20–30 seconds, change roles.

👉 Focus: Footwork + balance.

✅ iii) Rules of the Activity / Game

• Defender must turn only at marked points.
• Chaser must not cross cones.
• Falling or sliding = fault.
• Proper turn gets 1 point.
• No pushing or blocking.

🔹 Common Mistakes & Corrections

Mistake	Correction
Upright body	Teach knee bending
Slipping while turning	Reduce speed first
Late reaction	Eye-focus training
Wrong foot push	Footwork drills

🔹 Simple Conclusion: Turning (Directional Change) is an essential chasing skill that helps the chaser follow the defender’s sudden movement. Proper body lowering, correct foot push, balance, and quick acceleration are the keys to effective turning.

D > Kho Kho Dive Touch Skills 

Types – Running Touch, Dive Touch ( Forward dive, Side dive )

(Forward Dive & Side Dive)

a) Teaching of Dive Touch Skill (Total 4 Steps)

✅ i) Step 1: Judgement & Approach

• Chaser runs behind the defender.
• Judge the distance and speed of the defender.
• Decide on a forward dive or a side dive.
• Lower the body slightly.

👉 Teaching cue:  “Judge first—don’t rush.”

✅ ii) Step 2: Body Lowering & Preparation

• Bend knees and hips.
• Lean body forward.
• Arms ready in front or side.
• Eyes fixed on the target area.

👉 Teaching cue:  “Low body, eyes ahead.”

✅ iii) Step 3: Execution of Dive Touch

• Forward Dive: Jump forward and touch the defender with one hand.
• Side Dive: Jump sideways and stretch your arm to touch.
• Body fully extended.
• Touch must be quick and legal.

👉 Teaching cue:  “Stretch and touch—one hand.”

✅ iv) Step 4: Safe Landing & Recovery

• Land on forearms, chest, or side (not on knees).
• Roll your body slightly to reduce impact.
• Get up quickly and regain balance.

👉 Teaching cue:  “Soft landing, quick get-up.”

b) Kinesiological Application of Dive Touch Skill

KINESIOLOGICAL APPLICATION OF Dive Touch Skill
SNo	Joints Involved	Function	Muscles Involved	Function
1	Shoulder joint	Arm extension	Deltoid	Arm movement
2	Elbow joint	Extension & control	Triceps	Arm extension
3	Wrist joint	Touch accuracy	Forearm muscles	Controlled touch
4	Hip joint	Forward lean & push	Quadriceps	Jumping power
5	Knee joint	Jumping & landing	Hamstrings	Body control
6	Ankle joint	Push-off	Gluteus muscles	Stability
7			Calf muscles	Push-off
8	Spine	Body extension & safety	Core muscles	Balance & safe landing
9

c) Recreational Game to Improve Dive Touch Skill

✅ i) Name of the Activity / Game: 🎯 “Safe Dive Touch Game.”

✅ ii) Process to Play the Activity / Game

• Mark a soft zone (use mat or grass).
• One chaser and one defender.
• Defender runs in a straight or curved path.
• Chaser attempts a forward or side dive touch.
• After each attempt, change roles.

👉 Focus: Timing + safety.

✅ iii) Rules of the Activity / Game

• Only one-hand touch allowed.
• No pushing or holding.
• Unsafe landing = fault.
• Correct dive touch = 1 point.
• Speed increases gradually.

🔹 Safety Tips (Very Important for Coach)

• Start practice on a mat or soft ground.
• Teach landing technique before full dive.
• No diving from a long distance.
• Proper warm-up is compulsory.

🔹 Common Mistakes & Corrections

Mistake	Correction
Diving too early	Teach judgement
Hard landing	Roll & soft landing drill
Two-hand touch	One-hand rule
Fear of diving	Progressive practice

Simple Conclusion: Dive Touch is an advanced chasing skill used to put the defender out at the last moment. Correct judgement, full body extension, safe landing, and quick recovery are essential for a successful dive touch.