The Rules of Kabaddi in Five Minutes
Raids, tackles and the do-or-die — how one of India's oldest games actually works.
Kabaddi is a contact sport played between two teams on a rectangular court, and it can be learned faster than almost any other game on television.
The raid
One player — the raider — crosses into the opposition half and tries to touch defenders before returning to their own side. Every defender touched is out and scores a point for the raiding team. If the raider is caught, the point goes the other way.
The defence
Defenders work in a chain, holding hands or coordinating positions to trap the raider. The corners and the cover positions have distinct jobs, and a well-drilled defensive unit is the closest thing the sport has to a defensive line in football.
Do-or-die
If a team fails to score on consecutive raids, the next raid becomes do-or-die: score or be declared out. It is the rule that stops teams from playing safe, and it produces most of the sport’s best moments.
Revivals and the all-out
Players sent out can be revived when their team scores. Empty the entire opposition side and you win an all-out, with bonus points and a full reset. That mechanic is why leads collapse quickly.
It is the only major sport where holding your breath is a tactical decision.