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

Table of Contents

Q > Kabaddi Specific Skills

Specific Skills in the Game of Kabaddi

Kabaddi is a skill-oriented contact sport. Performance depends mainly on specific skills, not only on fitness.

How Many Specific Skills Are There in Kabaddi?

Broadly, Kabaddi has 3 major categories of specific skills, with multiple sub-skills under each:
- Raiding Skills
- Defensive Skills
- Supporting / Allied Skills

👉 Total 10–12 major specific skills are commonly recognized in coaching and academic syllabi.

1. Raiding Skills

Purpose: To score points, to return safely to one’s own court, To control defenders
Main Types of Raiding Skills: Hand touch, Running hand touch, Toe touch, Foot touch, Dubki, Bonus line skill, Side step, Frog jump / Turning skill
Importance: Main source of points, Decides on winning or losing, Helps control match tempo
Key Factors: Speed & agility, Balance, Timing, Breath control (cant), Decision-making

2. Defensive Skills

Purpose: To stop the raider, To score tackle points, To create all-out situations
Main Types of Defensive Skills: Ankle hold, Knee hold, Thigh hold, Waist hold, Blocking, Chain tackle
Importance: Defense wins close matches, stops bonus and touch points, and controls star raiders
Key Factors: Timing, Grip strength, Body position, Team coordination, Courage & confidence

3. Supporting / Allied Skills

Purpose: To support raiding and defense, to reduce mistakes, and to improve efficiency
Main Types of Supporting Skills: Can’t (breath control), Court sense, Footwork & balance, Feint movements, Falling & landing safely, Communication
Importance: Improves consistency, prevents injuries, enhances tactical play
Key Factors: Concentration, Awareness, Coordination, Psychological control

4. Summary Table (Easy for Students)

Category	Purpose	Examples	Importance
Raiding Skills	Scoring points	Touch, bonus, dubki	Main scoring
Defensive Skills	Stop raider	Ankle, thigh, waist hold	Match control
Supporting Skills	Assist play	Can’t, balance, court sense	Consistency

🔹 Overall Importance of Specific Skills in Kabaddi

Kabaddi is not just strength-based
Matches are often decided by 1–2 points.
Correct skill execution reduces injuries.
Fitness without skills is ineffective.
- Skill contribution: ~60–65%
- Fitness: ~20–25%
- Tactics & psychology: ~10–15%

🔹 One-Line Exam Answer: “Kabaddi has three main categories of specific skills—raiding, defensive, and supporting skills—which are essential for scoring points, stopping opponents, and maintaining effective performance during the game.”

🔹 Coach’s Practical Line: “A skilled Kabaddi player controls the game; a fit but unskilled player only survives.”

A > Kabaddi Touching Skills

Q > Hand or Foot Touch in Kabaddi

a) Kabaddi Touch Skills – 4 Teaching Steps

(Applicable for hand touch, running hand touch, toe touch, foot touch)

✅ i) Step 1: Ready Position

Raider stands inside the opponent’s court
Knees slightly bent
Body low and balanced
Eyes on defenders
Continuous cant

👉 Teaching point: “Stay low, stay alert.”

✅ ii) Step 2: Approach the Defender

The raider moves slowly toward the defender.
Use feint (fake movement)
Shift body weight forward.
Maintain a safe distance.

👉 Teaching point: “Trick first, don’t rush.”

✅ iii) Step 3: Execute the Touch

Quickly extend a hand or a foot.
Touch the defender’s body.
Keep body low
Touch should be short and fast.

👉 Teaching point: “Touch and pull back immediately.”

✅ iv) Step 4: Recovery & Return

Pull back the touching limb. Fast
Turn the body towards midline
Accelerate and escape
Cross the mid-line safely.

👉 Teaching point: “Touch–turn–run.”

b) Kinesiological Application of Touch Skills

KINESIOLOGICAL APPLICATION OF Touch Skills
SNo	Joints Involved	Function	Muscles Involved	Function
1	Shoulder joint	Hand reach	Deltoid	Hand movement
2	Elbow joint	Extension & flexion	Biceps & Triceps	Reach & pull back
3	Wrist joint	Direction control	Flexors & extensors	Grip & control
4	Hip joint	Balance & movement	Quadriceps & Hamstrings	Stability & speed
5	Knee joint	Bending & push	Gluteus muscles	Power & balance
6	Ankle joint	Toe/foot touch	Gastrocnemius	Push-off & sprint

👉 Simple line for students: “Touch skill uses arm muscles for touching and leg muscles for balance and escape.”

c) Recreational Game to Improve Touch Skill

✅ i) Name of the Game: 🎯 “Touch and Escape Game.”

✅ ii) Process to Play

Mark a small kabaddi court (half court)
1 raider entersthe opponent’s area
3–4 defenders stand still (initially)
Raider performs a touch skill on any defender.
After touch, the raider must return to mid-line
Rotate players after each turn.

👉 Start slow → then increase speed and movement.

✅ iii) Rules of the Game

Raider must maintain continuous cant
Only one touch is allowed per rai.d
Defenders cannot move in the beginner stage.
Touch must be clear and visible.
If the raider fails to return → out
No pushing or grabbing (safety rule)

🔹 Coaching Tips (Very Important)

Teach hand touch first, then toe touch
Correct body posture before speed
Use cones or chalk marks for distance sense.
Encourage confidence, not fear.

🔹 One-Line Teaching Summary: “Kabaddi touch skill is taught in four steps—ready position, approach, quick touch, and fast escape—using correct joints and muscles for safe and effective performance.”

B > Kabaddi Bonus Line Skills

A > Bonus Line in Kabaddi

a) Kabaddi Bonus Line Skill – 4 Teaching Steps

✅ i) Step 1: Ready Position

Raider enters the opponent’s court with cant.
Body low, knees bent
One foot slightly forward
Eyes on defenders and bonus line

👉 Teaching point: “Balance first.”

✅ ii) Step 2: Approach the Bonus Line

Raider moves slowly toward the bonus line.
Maintain a safe distance from defenders
Shift body weight to the supporting leg
Keep arms slightly open for balance.

👉 Teaching point: “Go calm, not fast.”

✅ iii) Step 3: Bonus Line Execution

Raider extends the front foot.
Touch the bonus line with the toe.
Supporting foot remains inside the court.
Body leans forward but stays balanced.

👉 Teaching point: “One foot touches, one foot stays.”

✅ iv) Step 4: Recovery & Return

Quickly pull back the front foot.
Turn the body towards the midline.
Accelerate and escape
Cross mid-line safely

👉 Teaching point: “Touch–pull–turn–run.”

b) Kinesiological Application of Bonus Line Skill

KINESIOLOGICAL APPLICATION OF Bonus Line Skill
SNo	Joints Involved	Function	Muscles Involved	Function
1	Hip joint	Balance & reach	Quadriceps	Knee support
2	Knee joint	Flexion & support	Hamstrings	Balance control
3	Ankle joint	Toe touch	Gluteus muscles	Stability
4	Shoulder joint	Balance control	Gastrocnemius & Soleus	Toe extension
5	Vertebral joints	Body lean	Abdominals & Erector spinae	Body control

👉 Simple line for students: “Bonus skill mainly uses leg and core muscles for balance and reach.”

c) Recreational Game to Improve Bonus Line Skill

✅ i) Name of the Game: 🎯 “Bonus Balance Challenge.”

✅ ii) Process to Play

Draw a bonus line on the court
Make groups of 4–5 students.s
One student becomes a raider.
Other players act as passive defenders.
Raider tries to take the bonus and return.
Change the raider after each attempt.

👉 Start with no movement, then allow slow defender movement.

✅ iii) Rules of the Game

Raider must maintain continuous cant
Bonus counted only if one foot touches the line.
Supporting foot must not cross the bonus line.
No grabbing or pushing allowed
Raider must return safely to mid-line
1 point for a successful bonus

🔹 Coaching Tips for Better Teaching

Teach balance drills before the bonus skill.l
Use cones to mark foot position.
Start practice near the bonus line, then from a distance
Encourage confidence, not over-reach

🔹 One-Line Summary: “The Kabaddi bonus line skill is taught in four steps—ready position, approach, toe touch, and quick recovery—using proper joints and muscles for balance and safe scoring.”

C > Kabaddi Hold Skills

Skills – Ankle Hold, Thigh Hold, Knee Hold, Waist Hold, Blocking

Q > Ankle Hold in Kabaddi

a) Kabaddi Ankle Hold Skill – 4 Teaching Steps

✅ i) Step 1: Ready Defensive Position

Defender stands low
Knees bent, body balanced.
Weight on toes
Eyes fixed on the raider’s legs.s

👉 Teaching point: “Stay low and watch the feet.”

✅ ii) Step 2: Timing & Lunge

Wait for the raider to step forward.
Lunge quickly toward the near ankle.
Keep your head up and back straight.
Do not jump

👉 Teaching point: “Right time, not early.”

✅ iii) Step 3: Ankle Grip

Grip the raider’s ankle firmly with both hands.
Thumb inside, fingers outside
Pull your ankle towards your body.
Keep the chest close to the ground

👉 Teaching point: “Hold tight, don’t panic.”

✅ iv) Step 4: Follow-up & Control

Drag the raider backward.
Maintain grip until the raider loses balance.
Teammates join to complete a tackle.

👉 Teaching point: “Hold and wait for support.”

b) Kinesiological Application of Ankle Hold Skill

KINESIOLOGICAL APPLICATION OF Ankle Hold Skill
SNo	Joints Involved	Function	Muscles Involved	Function
1	Shoulder joint	Arm movement	Biceps	Pulling
2	Elbow joint	Grip & pull	Triceps	Stability
3	Wrist joint	Strong hold	Flexors	Grip strength
4	Hip joint	Lunge position	Quadriceps	Lunge support
5	Knee joint	Bending & stability	Hamstrings	Balance
6	Ankle joint	Push-off	Gluteus muscles	Power
7	Ankle joint	Push-off	Abdominals	Body control

👉 Simple student line: “Ankle hold uses arm muscles for gripping and leg muscles for balance and power.”

c) Recreational Game to Improve Ankle Hold Skill

✅ i) Name of the Game: 🎯 “Ankle Grab Drill Game.”

✅ ii) Process to Play

Mark a small Kabaddi court
One player becomes a raider.
One defender stands in a corner position.
Raider walks or jogs forward.d
Defender attempts an ankle hold.
Rotate roles after each turn.

👉 Start slow → increase speed gradually.

✅ iii) Rules of the Game

No jumping tackles allowed
Defender must stay low.
Only ankle hold permitted.
Raider should not kick or push.
Safe surface compulsory
The coach stops the play if the technique is wrong.

🔹 Coaching Tips (Very Important)

Teach grip technique before a full tackle
Practice on soft mats first
Emphasize timing, not force.
Encourage teamwork after the hold

🔹 One-Line Exam / Teaching Summary: “The ankle hold skill in Kabaddi is taught in four steps—ready position, correct timing, firm ankle grip, and follow-up control—using proper joints and muscles for safe and effective defense.”

Q > Thigh Hold in Kabaddi

a) Kabaddi Thigh Hold Skill – 4 Teaching Steps

✅ i) Step 1: Ready Defensive Position

Defender stands low
Knees bent, feet shoulder-width apart.
Body balanced and alert
Eyes focused on the raider’s thighs.

👉 Teaching point: “Stay low and be ready.”

✅ ii) Step 2: Timing & Entry

Wait for the raider to step inside.
Move close quickly
Step in from the side or the front
Keep your head up and chest forward.

👉 Teaching point: “Close the gap at the right time.”

✅ iii) Step 3: Thigh Grip

Wrap both arms tightly around one thigh.
Grip above the knee
Lock hands firmly
Keep the body close to the raider.

👉 Teaching point: “Hold high and tight.”

✅ iv) Step 4: Drive & Control

Push with legs
Pull the raider backward or downward.
Maintain grip until the raider falls or stops.s
Support from teammates completes the tackle.

👉 Teaching point: “Hold and drive, don’t release.”

b) Kinesiological Application of Thigh Hold Skill

KINESIOLOGICAL APPLICATION OF HANDBALL PASSING
SNo	Joints Involved	Function	Muscles Involved	Function
1	Shoulder joint	Arm wrapping	Deltoid	Arm movement
2	Elbow joint	Holding position	Biceps	Holding
3	Wrist joint	Grip strength	Triceps	Stability
4	Hip joint	Power & balance	Flexors	Grip
5	Knee joint	Stability	Quadriceps	Push & drive
6	Knee joint	Stability	Hamstrings	Control
7	Ankle joint	Push-off	Gluteus muscles	Power
8	Ankle joint	Push-off	Abdominals	Balance

👉 Simple student line: “Thigh hold mainly uses arm muscles for gripping and leg muscles for power and balance.”

c) Recreational Game to Improve Thigh Hold Skill

✅ i) Name of the Game: 🎯 “Thigh Lock Challenge.”

✅ ii) Process to Play

Mark a small Kabaddi court
One player acts as a raider.r
One or two players act as defenders.
The raider moves slowly forward.
Defender attempts a thigh hold.
Rotate roles after each attempt.

👉 Begin at walking speed → progress to jogging.

✅ iii) Rules of the Game

Only the thigh hold is allowed
No pulling hair or clothing
Defender must not jump.
Raider must not kick or push.
Use soft surfaces or mats.
Stop playing if the grip is wrong.

🔹 Coaching Tips for Better Teaching

Teach the arm wrapping technique first
Emphasize leg drive, not upper-body force
Practice grip strength exercises
Encourage teamwork after the first contact.

🔹 One-Line Exam / Teaching Summary: “The thigh hold skill in Kabaddi is taught in four steps—ready position, correct timing, firm thigh grip, and powerful follow-up—using proper joints and muscles for effective defense.”

Q > Knee Hold in Kabaddi

a) Kabaddi Knee Hold Skill – 4 Teaching Steps

✅ i) Step 1: Ready Defensive Position

Defender stands low
Knees bent, body balanced.
Weight on toes
Eyes focused on the raider’s knees.

👉 Teaching point: “Stay low and watch the knees.”

✅ ii) Step 2: Timing & Approach

Wait for the raider to step forward.
Move in quickly and close.
Approach from the front or the side
Keep your head up and back straight.

👉 Teaching point: “Right time, short distance.”

✅ iii) Step 3: Knee Grip

Wrap both arms around the raider’s knee.
Grip just below or around the knee
Lock hands tightly
Keep the chest close to the raider’s leg.

👉 Teaching point: “Hold low and tight.”

✅ iv) Step 4: Control & Follow-up

Pull your knee towards your body.
Push with legs to unbalance the raider.
Maintain grip till the raider stops.
Teammates join to complete a tackle.

👉 Teaching point: “Hold and wait for support.”

b) Kinesiological Application of Knee Hold Skill

KINESIOLOGICAL APPLICATION OF Knee Hold Skill
SNo	Joints Involved	Function	Muscles Involved	Function
1	Shoulder joint	Arm wrapping	Deltoid	Arm movement
2	Elbow joint	Grip control	Biceps	Holding & pulling
3	Wrist joint	Firm hold	Triceps	Stability
4	Hip joint	Body balance	Flexors	Grip strength
5	Knee joint	Lunge & support	Quadriceps	Support & push
6	Knee joint	Lunge & support	Hamstrings	Balance
7	Ankle joint	Push-off	Gluteus muscles	Power
8	Ankle joint	Push-off	Abdominals	Stability

👉 Simple student line: “Knee hold uses arm muscles for gripping and leg muscles for balance and power.”

c) Recreational Game to Improve Knee Hold Skill

✅ i) Name of the Game: 🎯 “Low Lock Knee Game.”

✅ ii) Process to Play

Mark a small Kabaddi court
One player acts as a raider.
One defender stands in position.
The raider moves slowly toward the defender
Defender performs a knee hold
Rotate roles after each attempt

👉 Start slow → increase speed gradually.

✅ iii) Rules of the Game

Only the knee hold is allowed
Defender must stay low.
No jumping tackles
Raider must not kick or push.
Use a mat or soft ground.
The coach stops the play if the technique is unsafe.

🔹 Coaching Tips (Very Important)

Teach ankle hold first, then knee hold
Focus on body position, not strength
Practice grip drills separately
Always ensure safety and continuity.rol

🔹 One-Line Exam / Teaching Summary: “The knee hold skill in Kabaddi is taught in four steps—ready position, correct timing, firm knee grip, and controlled follow-up—using proper joints and muscles for effective defense.”

Q > Waist Hold in Kabaddi

a) Kabaddi Waist Hold Skill – 4 Teaching Steps

✅ i) Step 1: Ready Defensive Position

Defender stands low
Knees bent, feet shoulder-width apart.
Body balanced, arms relaxed.
Eyes focused on the raider’s waist.

👉 Teaching point: “Stay low and watch the waist.”

✅ ii) Step 2: Closing the Distance

Wait for the raider to come close.
Move in quickly from the side or back.
Keep your chest forward and head up.
Do not rush or jump

👉 Teaching point: “Close the gap at the right time.”

✅ iii) Step 3: Waist Grip

Wrap both arms tightly around the raider’s waist.
Lock hands firmly behind the back or side.
Pull the raider close to your body
Keep elbows tight

👉 Teaching point: “Hold tight and keep him close.”

✅ iv) Step 4: Drive & Control

Push forward with your legs
Twist or pull the raider backward.
Maintain grip till the raider stops or falls.
Teammates join to complete a tackle.

👉 Teaching point: “Hold and drive, don’t release.”

b) Kinesiological Application of Waist Hold Skill

KINESIOLOGICAL APPLICATION OF Waist Hold Skill
SNo	Joints Involved	Function	Muscles Involved	Function
1	Shoulder joint	Arm wrapping	Deltoid	Arm movement
2	Elbow joint	Holding position	Biceps	Holding
3	Wrist joint	Grip control	Triceps	Stability
4	Vertebral joints	Body stability	Flexors	Grip strength
5	Hip joint	Power & balance	Abdominals & Obliques	Body control
6	Knee joint	Drive support	Erector spinae	Stability
7	Ankle joint	Push-off	Gluteus muscles	Power
8	Ankle joint	Push-off	Quadriceps	Drive

👉 Simple student line: “Waist hold mainly uses arm and core muscles for grip and leg muscles for power.”

c) Recreational Game to Improve Waist Hold Skill

✅ i) Name of the Game: 🎯 “Waist Lock Control Game.”

✅ ii) Process to Play

Mark a small Kabaddi court
One player becomes a raider.
One or two defenders stand inside.
Raider moves in an upright position.
Defender attempts a waist hold.
Rotate roles after each attempt.

👉 Start slow → then increase speed and resistance.

✅ iii) Rules of the Game

Only waist hold is allowed
No grabbing the jersey or neck
Defender must not jump.
Raider must not push or strike.
Use soft surfaces or mats.
The coach stops the play if the technique is unsafe.

🔹 Coaching Tips (Very Important)

Teach timing and body contact before force
Emphasize leg drive, not arm pulling alone.
Train core strength regularly
Encourage teamwork after the initial hold.

🔹 One-Line Exam / Teaching Summary: “The waist hold skill in Kabaddi is taught in four steps—ready position, correct approach, firm waist grip, and controlled follow-up—using proper joints and muscles for effective defense.”