How to play kabaddi in 2025

You can learn how to play kabaddi in 2025 by understanding the new rules and joining a team. Kabaddi moves fast and keeps you active. The sport now features exciting changes, like the Golden Raid for tie matches and a simpler points system. The World Super Kabaddi League brings players from many countries, making kabaddi more popular than ever. If you want a fun way to get fit and make friends, kabaddi is a great choice for beginners.

Key Takeaways

• Kabaddi is a quick team game. It needs speed, planning, and teamwork. In 2025, new rules like the Golden Raid are added. The points system is now easier. This makes the game more fun and simple to watch. Joining a kabaddi team helps you get fit. You can also make new friends and learn the game. As a raider, practice tagging defenders. Say 'kabaddi' while you do it. Try to score points and get away safely. Defenders must work together. Use group moves and plans to stop raiders. Fitness is very important. Work on your stamina, strength, and quickness. This will help you play better. Always wear the right gear. Use kabaddi shoes and pads to stay safe and comfy. Keep learning the rules of kabaddi. Practice often to get better and enjoy the game more.

What Is Kabaddi?

Kabaddi in One Sentence

Kabaddi is a thrilling team sport where you try to tag opponents and return to your side without getting caught.

Kabaddi brings excitement, teamwork, and quick thinking to every match. You get to test your speed, strength, and strategy all at once.

How Kabaddi Is Played

You play kabaddi with two teams. Each team takes turns sending a "raider" into the other team's half. The raider tries to tag as many defenders as possible and then return safely to their own side. Defenders work together to stop the raider and prevent them from escaping.

Here’s what you need to know to get started:

• Learn the basic rules of kabaddi.

• Understand the roles of raider and defender.

• Practice tagging and escaping moves.

• Get familiar with the scoring system.

• Always show good sportsmanship and respect for others.

Kabaddi is all about teamwork, discipline, and fair play. You need to give your best effort in every practice and match. Wearing the right kit is important for safety and comfort.

Changes in 2025

Kabaddi has grown a lot in recent years. In 2025, you will see some exciting updates:

• The World Super Kabaddi League (WSKL) now brings together teams from many countries. This league wants kabaddi to become an Olympic sport.

• The league uses a franchise model, so you see players from all over the world.

• The GPKL focuses on giving women more chances to play and compete.

• The new rules make the game faster and easier to follow. For example, the Golden Raid now decides tie matches, and the points system is simpler.

These changes help kabaddi reach more fans and give you more ways to enjoy the sport. If you want to learn how to play kabaddi, now is the perfect time to start. The sport welcomes everyone, and you can find a team or league almost anywhere.

Basic Rules: How to Play Kabaddi

Game Objective

You play kabaddi to score more points than the other team. Each team sends players to raid and defend. Your goal is to tag opponents, escape safely, and stop raiders from scoring. If you want to know how to play kabaddi, start by understanding this simple objective: tag, escape, defend, and win.

The Raider

Raider's Role

As a raider, you enter the opponent’s half and try to tag defenders. You must keep chanting "kabaddi" without stopping. If you stop chanting, the referee will call you out. You earn points by tagging defenders and returning to your side safely. You can also score bonus points by crossing the bonus line.

Here’s what you need to do as a raider:

• Tag defenders while chanting.

• Return to your half before defenders catch you.

• Use quick moves and feints to confuse defenders.

• Cross the bonus line for extra points.

Raider Techniques

You need smart techniques to succeed as a raider. Try these moves:

• Use sudden changes in direction to trick defenders.

• Fake a tag to make defenders move and create space.

• Sprint quickly after tagging to escape tackles.

• Keep your body low and balanced for better control.

• Watch defenders’ positions and plan your route.

Tip: Practice your speed and agility every day. The faster you move, the harder it is for defenders to catch you.

The Defenders

Defensive Setups

Defenders work together to stop the raider. You can use different formations and roles to make your defense strong. Here’s a table showing popular defensive setups in kabaddi for 2025:

Tackling Moves

You need strong tackling moves to stop the raider. Try these common techniques:

• Ankle Hold: Grab the raider’s ankle and pull them down.

• Waist Hold: Wrap your arms around the raider’s waist and hold tight.

• Chain Tackle: Two or more defenders join hands and block the raider together.

• Dash: Push the raider out of the playing area with a quick burst.

• Block: Stand firm and use your body to stop the raider’s movement.

Note: Always work as a team. Good communication helps you trap and tackle the raider more easily.

If you want to master how to play kabaddi, focus on both raiding and defending skills. Practice these moves and setups with your team. You will get better with every match.

Scoring System 2025

Kabaddi scoring got a big update in 2025. You can earn points in more ways, and matches move faster. Here’s how you score in kabaddi now:

• Tagging Defenders: Each defender you tag and return safely gives your team 1 point.

• Bonus Line: If you cross the bonus line during your raid, you get 1 extra point. Only use this when the defense has six or more players on the mat.

• Super Raid: Tag three or more defenders in one raid. Your team gets 2 bonus points.

• All-Out: If you send all defenders out, your team scores 2 extra points. The other team brings all players back on the mat.

• Golden Raid: In case of a tie, you get one chance for a Golden Raid. The team that scores in this raid wins the match.

Here’s a quick table to help you remember the scoring:

Tip: Always keep an eye on the bonus line and defender count. You can score extra points if you plan your raid well.

If you want to master how to play kabaddi, you need to know these scoring rules. They help you make smart moves and win more matches.

Updated Rules & Penalties

Kabaddi rules changed in 2025 to make the game fair and exciting. You need to follow these new rules to avoid penalties and keep your team strong.

Key Rule Updates:

• Shorter Raid Time: You get only 25 seconds for each raid. Move fast and make decisions quickly.

• No Stopping the Chant: You must keep chanting "kabaddi" during your raid. If you stop, the referee calls you out.

• Substitution Limit: Each team can make up to 5 substitutions per match.

• Timeouts: Teams get two timeouts per half. Use them to plan strategy or rest.

• Golden Raid for Tie-Breakers: If the score is tied, one team gets a Golden Raid. The team that scores in this raid wins.

Common Penalties:

• Foul Play: If you use unfair moves or break the rules, the referee gives your team a warning or sends you out.

• Early Start: If you cross the midline before the referee signals, you lose your raid.

• Out of Bounds: If you step outside the playing area, you are out for that raid.

• Illegal Tackling: Dangerous tackles or holding above the waist can get you penalized.

Note: Always play fair and respect the referee’s decisions. Penalties can cost your team important points.

You need to learn these updated rules if you want to know how to play kabaddi in 2025. Practice with your team and follow the rules to enjoy the game and win more matches.

How to Get Good at Kabaddi (Training Guide 2025)

Fitness Training

You need strong fitness to play kabaddi well. Your body must handle quick moves, tackles, and long matches. Start with endurance training. Try HIIT circuits and mat drills. These workouts help you last longer on the mat. Strength training is also important. Use plyometrics and compound lifts to build muscle. Core workouts keep your balance steady during raids and tackles.

Here’s a table with top kabaddi fitness routines for 2025:

Training Focus	Specific Exercises/Methods
Endurance Training	HIIT Circuits, Breath Control, Mat Drills
Strength Training	Plyometrics, Compound Lifts, Core Workouts
Speed & Agility	Ladder Drills, Sprint Intervals, Reaction Training
Flexibility & Mobility	Dynamic Stretching, Yoga Poses, Foam Rolling
Pro Player Routine	Deepak Hooda's 90min endurance sessions 5x weekly
Stat	Top raiders cover 20-25km during tournament weeks

Tip: Mix endurance and strength workouts in your weekly plan. You will feel faster and stronger every match.

Breathing Control

Breathing control helps you stay calm and focused. You must chant "kabaddi" during raids, so your breath needs to last. Practice deep breathing every day. Try slow inhales and steady exhales. This keeps your lungs strong and your mind clear. Use breath control drills during warm-ups. Hold your breath for short bursts, then release slowly. You will notice better stamina and less stress on the mat.

Pro tip: Before each raid, take a deep breath and relax your shoulders. This helps you move quickly and stay alert.

Agility & Reaction

Kabaddi rewards quick feet and sharp reflexes. You need to change direction fast and react to defenders. Use ladder drills and sprint intervals to boost your agility. Practice mat drills that make you move side to side. Reaction training helps you spot openings and dodge tackles.

Check out these recommended drills for kabaddi in 2025:

Drill Type	Purpose
Reflex & Agility Drills	Quick directional movements and mat drills
Raiding Techniques	Planning attacks with quick footwork
Defense Skills	Body control and blocking techniques

Try these drills with your team. Challenge yourself to move faster each week. You will see big improvements in your game.

Quick moves win matches. Train your feet and mind to react in a split second.

If you follow these training steps, you will get better at kabaddi. Stay consistent, push yourself, and enjoy every practice. Kabaddi is all about effort and teamwork. You can become a top player with the right habits.

Kabaddi Kit: Equipment 2025

Getting the right kabaddi kit helps you play better and stay safe. You need gear that supports your moves and protects your body. Let’s break down what you should pack for kabaddi in 2025.

Essential Items

You can’t step onto the kabaddi mat without these basics. Each item keeps you comfortable and ready for action.

• Kabaddi Shoes
  You need shoes with a strong grip. Kabaddi shoes help you move fast and stop quickly. Look for lightweight shoes with flexible soles.

• Jersey and Shorts
  Wear a breathable jersey and shorts. These keep you cool and let you move freely. Most teams use moisture-wicking fabric.

• Knee Pads
  Protect your knees from scrapes and falls. Knee pads cushion your joints during tackles and dives.

• Ankle Support
  Kabaddi involves sudden turns. Ankle supports help prevent sprains and give you extra stability.

• Water Bottle
  Stay hydrated. Bring a sturdy water bottle to every match and practice.

Here’s a quick table to help you check your kit before every game:

Item	Why You Need It	Pro Tip
Shoes	Fast moves, strong grip	Pick non-marking soles
Jersey/Shorts	Comfort, easy movement	Choose quick-dry fabric
Knee Pads	Joint protection	Replace if worn out
Ankle Support	Prevent injuries	Use adjustable straps
Water Bottle	Hydration	Fill before warm-up

Tip: Always check your gear for damage before you play. Good equipment keeps you safe and confident.

Optional Gear

You can add extra items to your kabaddi kit for more comfort and protection. These aren’t required, but they help you play your best.

• Elbow Pads
  Elbow pads protect you during dives and tackles. You might want these if you play defense.

• Grip Powder
  Some players use grip powder to keep their hands dry. This helps you hold on during tackles.

• Compression Sleeves
  Sleeves support your muscles and improve blood flow. They also help with recovery after matches.

• Headband or Wristbands
  Sweat can get in your eyes. Headbands and wristbands keep you dry and focused.

• Personal Towel
  Wipe off sweat between raids. A small towel fits easily in your kit bag.

Note: You don’t need every item on this list. Try different gear and see what works for you.

Kabaddi gear keeps changing with new technology and styles. If you want to know how to play kabaddi in 2025, start with the essentials and add optional gear as you get more experience. Your kit helps you stay safe, play better, and enjoy every match.

PKL: Pro Kabaddi League Overview

PKL's Popularity

Kabaddi is everywhere now because of PKL. The Pro Kabaddi League started small but grew very fast. Now, it is a big event. You can watch matches on TV and cheer for your favorite teams. Many people talk about kabaddi with their friends. PKL brings kabaddi to millions of homes in India. You can watch matches in Hindi, English, Telugu, or Tamil. This means you can enjoy the game in your own language.

PKL is getting even more popular in smaller cities. Fans in Patna, Jaipur, and Pune fill the stadiums and cheer loudly. More kids play kabaddi in schools and parks now. Sponsors like PKL because more people watch, so their brands get noticed. When PKL came to Chennai, more people in Tamil Nadu started watching. Even though cricket and reality shows are popular, kabaddi is still strong in India.

Here are some quick facts about PKL’s popularity in 2025:

• PKL has fans from all over India and other countries.

• More people in smaller cities watch kabaddi now.

• Sponsors get more attention because more people watch.

• Kabaddi is now a sport that makes money.

• Chennai games brought new fans from Tamil Nadu.

• PKL has to compete with cricket and TV shows, but kabaddi fans stay loyal.

Kabaddi shows you do not need fancy gear or big stadiums to have fun. You just need a mat, a team, and the will to play.

 

PKL's Impact on Rules

PKL changed how kabaddi is played. The league made new rules to make games faster and more fun. Now, there are more chances to score and more exciting endings. PKL wants every match to have a winner, so they added a five-raid shootout for ties. Teams play in knockout rounds, so every game is important.

The playoff format in 2025 is different. Eight teams make it to the playoffs, starting on October 25. The final match is on October 31 in Delhi. Teams ranked 5th to 8th play in the Play-in round. The top two teams go straight to Qualifier 1. The playoffs have Play-ins, a Mini-Qualifier, Eliminators, and Qualifiers. This means you get to watch more matches and see your favorite players more often.

Here’s a simple table to help you understand the new playoff structure:

Stage	Teams Involved	What Happens
Play-ins	5th to 8th	Teams fight for a spot in next round
Mini-Qualifier	Winners of Play-ins	Winners move to Eliminators
Eliminators	Losers get knocked out	Only winners advance
Qualifiers	Top 2 teams + others	Winners reach the grand final
Grand Final	2 best teams	Champion is crowned

PKL also made kabaddi easier for everyone to watch. You can see matches in your language and follow simple rules. These changes help you enjoy kabaddi, even if you are new to the sport.

PKL’s new rules make kabaddi more exciting and fun to watch. You see faster raids, smart moves, and bigger crowds every year.

 

Tips for Beginners: How to Play Kabaddi

Raider Tips

You want to become a strong raider? Start with your fitness. You need speed, stamina, and quick reflexes. Train your body every day. Run sprints, do push-ups, and practice jumping. Strong legs help you escape defenders. Good balance keeps you on your feet during tough raids.

Team bonding matters a lot. Talk to your teammates. Share ideas and learn from each other. When you trust your team, you play with more confidence. You can plan smart raids and support each other on the mat.

Don’t forget defense. Even if you love raiding, you must learn basic defensive moves. A strong defense helps your team win matches. Switch between raiding and defending during practice. This makes you a better all-round player.

Adaptation is key. Kabaddi changes every year. Learn new skills and watch pro matches. Try different raiding techniques. If you see a defender using a new move, practice it with your friends. Stay curious and keep improving.

Here’s a quick table to help you remember the top raider tips:

Raider Tip	Why It Matters
Build Fitness	Boosts speed and stamina
Bond with Team	Improves trust and strategy
Practice Defense	Makes you versatile
Learn New Skills	Keeps you ahead of opponents

Tip: Always warm up before you raid. Stretch your legs and arms. This helps you avoid injuries and play your best.

Defender Tips

You want to stop raiders and score points for your team? Start by learning your position. Corner defenders stand at each end. They use strong ankle and leg holds to catch raiders. Practice these moves with a partner. Cover defenders help corners by forming chains. They block and tackle raiders together. Work on your grip and timing.

Super tackle is a special move. If your team has three or fewer defenders, you can earn extra points by stopping the raider. Talk to your teammates and plan super tackles. Use quick signals and stay alert.

Here are some beginner-friendly defender strategies:

• Stand firm and keep your eyes on the raider.

• Work with your team to form chains and block paths.

• Practice ankle holds and leg grabs for strong tackles.

• Use super tackle when your team is low on defenders.

Note: Communication is your secret weapon. Call out moves and warn teammates when a raider tries something tricky.

If you want to master how to play kabaddi, focus on these tips for both raiding and defending. Practice every week, stay positive, and enjoy the game. Kabaddi rewards effort and teamwork. You will get better with every match.

Outdoor Weather & Smart Protection

Playing in Different Weather

Kabaddi is an outdoor sport for many players. You face all kinds of weather—hot sun, heavy rain, chilly winds. You need to adjust your game and gear for each season. In summer, you sweat a lot. Drink water often and wear light, breathable clothes. If you play during monsoon, the ground gets slippery. Choose shoes with extra grip and watch your steps. Winter brings cold air and strong winds. Warm up longer before matches. Stretch your muscles and keep your body moving.

Tip: Always check the weather before heading out. Pack your kit with what you need for the day.

Here’s a quick table to help you prepare:

Weather	What to Do	Gear to Use
Hot & Sunny	Stay hydrated, wear cap	Light jersey, water
Rainy	Watch for slippery ground	Grip shoes, towel
Cold & Windy	Warm up, layer clothes	Windbreaker, gloves

Staying Healthy After Training

You finish a kabaddi match feeling tired and sweaty. Taking care of your body after training keeps you healthy. Change out of wet clothes as soon as you can. Dry your skin and put on fresh, warm layers. Drink water or a sports drink to replace lost fluids. Eat a small snack with protein to help your muscles recover. Stretch again to relax your body and prevent cramps.

If you play in cold weather, you need to protect yourself from chills. Sweating and then standing in the wind can make you sick. Cover up with a jacket or hoodie right after you finish. Rest for a few minutes before heading home.

Note: Good recovery habits help you play better next time. Don’t skip them!

Recommended Gear

You want to stay comfortable and safe, no matter the weather. Here are some smart gear choices for kabaddi players:

• Windbreaker Jacket: Keeps you warm and blocks wind after training.

• Grip Shoes: Prevent slips on wet or muddy ground.

• Moisture-Wicking Jersey: Pulls sweat away from your skin.

• Sports Towel: Dries you off quickly.

• Water Bottle: Keeps you hydrated all day.

Venzina Windbreaker

A lightweight, windproof, and water-resistant jacket like Venzina’s men’s windbreaker is perfect for kabaddi players. You sweat a lot during matches. In cold or windy weather, you can catch a cold easily after training. This jacket helps keep your body warm and comfortable. You can move freely and stay dry, even when the weather changes fast.

Kabaddi players who sweat after training can easily catch colds in cold or windy weather. A lightweight, windproof and water-resistant jacket such as Venzina's men's windbreaker helps keep the body warm and comfortable.
Check out Venzina men's windbreaker jackets for reliable outdoor wear.

You can begin playing kabaddi in 2025 by taking easy steps. Teamwork is important. You need to think fast and use smart plans. First, learn the basic rules. Practice your moves often. These tips will help you improve:

• Join a team with seven players.

• Switch between being a raider and a defender.

• Say "kabaddi, kabaddi" when you raid.

• Tag other players and run back for points.

• Build up your speed, strength, and balance.

• Help your teammates and talk to each other.

Keep practicing to get better. Try new moves, follow new rules, and have fun in every game. Kabaddi is exciting and keeps you healthy!

FAQ

What is kabaddi?

Kabaddi is a fast-paced team sport. You tag opponents and try to return to your side before defenders catch you. The game needs speed, strategy, and teamwork.

How do you play kabaddi?

You join a team of seven. You take turns as a raider or defender. As a raider, you tag defenders and run back. As a defender, you stop the raider from escaping.

How can you get good at kabaddi?

You train your body for speed and strength. You practice breathing control and quick reactions. You learn new moves and play with your team often. Watching PKL matches helps you improve.

What do you need in a kabaddi kit?

You need kabaddi shoes, a jersey, shorts, knee pads, and ankle support. You can add elbow pads, grip powder, and a towel for extra comfort. Always check your gear before playing.

Why do players say “kabaddi” repeatedly?

You must chant “kabaddi” during your raid. This rule shows you are not holding your breath. If you stop chanting, the referee calls you out.

What is PKL?

PKL stands for Pro Kabaddi League. You watch top kabaddi teams compete in India. PKL made kabaddi popular and changed some rules to make matches more exciting.

What are the new kabaddi rules for 2025?

You get 25 seconds for each raid. The Golden Raid decides tie matches. The points system is simpler. Teams can make five substitutions per match. PKL playoffs have a new format.

Can you play kabaddi outdoors?

Yes, you can play kabaddi outdoors. You need to adjust your gear for the weather. Wear a windbreaker in cold or windy conditions. Drink water and warm up before matches.