Kabaddi words · Intermediate

The words that make the commentary make sense. They build on the beginner words.

I · Intermediate · 22 words · Step 2 of 2

Basic setup terms

Sitting block

The area at least two metres beyond each end line where out players and extra players sit.

Core gameplay terms

Pursuit

A defender rushing into the opponent's half with the cant to chase a returning raider. It is not allowed if defenders are trying to hold the raider, and a raider who escaped a catch cannot be pursued.

See also: Raider, Defender, Half, Cant, Catch

Raiding terms

Hand touch

A raid technique where the raider reaches out to tag a defender with their hand while staying balanced to retreat.

Toe touch

A raid technique using the foot to tag a defender, often to reach further without overextending.

Dubki

A raiding move where the raider dives low to slip under defenders' attempted tackles.

Running hand touch

A fast raid where the raider tags a defender while sprinting toward the boundary.

See also: Raider, Defender, Boundary, Raid

Escape

Successfully avoiding a tackle and returning to the raider's own half.

Defensive terms

Ankle hold

A tackle technique where a defender grabs the raider's ankle to stop their retreat.

Chain tackle

Multiple defenders working together to bring down a raider, often needed against strong attackers.

Block

A defensive formation where defenders link arms to physically stop the raider from crossing back.

Wall formation

Defenders positioning themselves close together to cut off a raider's escape routes.

Match and rule terms

Super catch

A catch made when the defending side has three or fewer players in the half.

Also called: super tackle
See also: Half, Catch

Super raid

A raid in which the raider puts out three or more defenders. A term used in league play and commentary; it is not defined in the AKFI rulebook.

Revival

The return of an out player to the court when their side scores. Players come back in the order they went out. There is no revival for a bonus point.

Warning cards

A green card is a warning; the next card is yellow. A yellow card suspends a player for two minutes and gives the other side a technical point. A second yellow to the same player is treated as red, which suspends the player for the rest of the match. A second red in a tournament bars the player from it.

Also called: green card, yellow card, red card
See also: Technical point

The ruleWhat do the green, yellow and red cards mean in kabaddi?

League points

In a league, the winner of a match gets two league points and the loser none. A tie gives one point to each side. Ties on points are settled by the for-and-against points difference.

Substitution

Up to five substitutions are allowed, with the referee's permission after a raid ends. Out players and suspended players cannot be substituted.

Forms of kabaddi

Indoor kabaddi

The game on a smaller synthetic mat. The men's and junior boys' field is 11 × 9 metres.

Beach kabaddi

The game on level sand at least 30 cm deep. The boundary is a rope and there is no baulk line, bonus line or lobby. The men's and junior boys' field is 11 × 7 metres.

See also: Boundary, Lobby, Baulk line, Bonus line

Circle style kabaddi

The traditional form played on a circle with a radius of 22 metres for men and junior boys and 16 metres for women and younger players. Raiders wait in a raider's standing area, four defenders called stoppers form a chain, and the raider must return through the pala.

Pala

A gate in the centre of the circle style field, 6 metres long, marked 3 metres on each side of the centre of the mid line. The raider must reach their own court through the pala.

Stopper

A defender in circle style kabaddi. Four stoppers must stand in a chain and must not break it, or a point goes to the raider's side.

All Kabaddi words