Have you ever wondered how many players take part in a game of Kabaddi and how they work together to create such excitement?
Originating in ancient India, Kabaddi has grown into an international sport known for its strategy, agility, and strength.
The composition of teams and the roles of each player are crucial to the game’s success.
Every player has specific responsibilities that contribute to the overall strategy.
In this blog, we will explore how many players in Kabaddi are involved, their roles, and how the game is structured, giving you a deeper understanding of this thrilling sport.
What Is Kabaddi? A Brief Overview
Kabaddi is a contact sport where two teams compete on a rectangular court.
One team sends a raider to score points by touching opponents while the other defends.
It requires physical strength, mental agility, and intense teamwork for success.
How many players are in Kabaddi?
In Kabaddi, each team has seven active players on the court, which sums up to a total of 14 during a match.
Besides, five substitute players for each team can be called in if an on-court player has to be replaced because of an injury, exhaustion, or tactical change.
Here’s a quick summary of the team composition:
Therefore, there are seven players in Kabaddi at any given time on the court per team, and there are substitutes to make the game flexible and efficient.
| Category | Number Of Players | Purpose |
| Active player | 7 per team | Participate in the game and execute offensive or defensive strategies. |
| Substitute player | 5 per team | Replace active players when needed. |
| Total number of players in kabbadi | 12 per team | Includes both active and substitute players. |
Roles of Players in Kabaddi
The players in Kabaddi have specific roles depending on their team’s strategy. The roles determine how the game plays out:
Raiders
Raiders are the attacking players who enter the opponent’s half of the field to score points.
Their goal is to touch as many defenders as they can and return to their side without getting tackled. Raiders rely on speed, agility, and anticipation.
Defenders
Defenders are responsible for stopping the opposing raider from scoring.
They use tactics like ankle holds, body blocks, and chain formations to tackle the raider and gain points for their team.
All-Rounders
All-rounders are versatile players who can switch between raiding and defending as needed. Their flexibility makes them invaluable assets to the team.
Substitute Players in Kabaddi
The five substitute players in Kabaddi serve as backups for the on-court players. Substitutions can be made for several reasons:
- Injury Replacement: When a player is injured, substitutes step in to maintain the team’s strength.
- Strategic Changes: Coaches may replace players to adjust tactics based on the game’s progress.
- Fatigue Management: Kabaddi is a physically demanding game, so substitutes help maintain high energy levels.
Role of Substitutes in Kabaddi
The substitute players in Kabaddi are often overlooked, but their presence is vital to a team’s victory.
Coaches strategically use substitutions to change the course of the game. A fresh player can bring energy and a new perspective, disrupting the opponent’s strategy.
Substitutes also come in handy during high-pressure situations, where the whole game may be won or lost by a single raid or tackle.
Team Formation: Coordination Is Key
Formed positions on the playing field by kabaddi players will be the key for them while playing. Here’s an overview of how a kabaddi team is positioned as a whole:
- Raider Position: One raider will go into their respective half. The remaining backlines stay in to form the defense.
- Corner Defenders: Such players will be positioned along the corners and are generally acting as anchors or blocking raiders.
- Cover Defenders: They are put next to the corner defenders and help in the tackles and prevent escapes.
- Center Players: These are the leading defense players who prevent the raider from easily maneuvering around.
This positioning helps change offense and defense very quickly.
Kabaddi Variations and Team Strength
Kabaddi has different formats, and depending on the format, the number of players in Kabaddi differs slightly. Let’s check some of the popular formats here:
Standard Kabaddi
It is the professional version played with seven active players on both teams in a rectangular court. This is the version applied in the Pro Kabaddi League and all international championships.
Circle Kabaddi
Circle kabaddi, which is played in a circular field, is a popular sport in rural areas.
The team size varies, but usually, it has seven active players. It is similar to the standard version.
Beach Kabaddi
Beach kabaddi is a casual version of Kabaddi that is commonly played on sand. Smaller teams participate in it, with five active players present on the court.
Positions in Kabaddi: Understanding the Roles
- Right-Corner: The right-corner is the extremely proper position on the court. A central defender occupies it. A right corner’s work is to lead the tackle on the raider.
- Left-Corner: The left-corner is in an extreme position on the left side of the court. Like the right corner, it is also held by a top defender. The left corner leads and performs the tackles on the raider.
- Right-Cover: The right-cover player assists the defense in conducting a chain tackle. It also aids in beginning a dash against the raider from the right side.
- Left-Cover: The left-cover player’s role is similar to the right-cover. It tries to dash the raider from the left side and helps the corner defenders to get hold of him.
- Right-In: This is the correct position in front of the right corner. It helps the right corner and the right cover to get rid of the raider.
- Left-In: It is the position to the left of the left corner. Its role is just the same as the right-in, but it is on the left side of the court.
- Center: The center player helps the defense but rarely makes the first tackle. This is usually the role of the team’s lead raider.
The Importance of Teamwork in Kabaddi
Kabaddi is not a game of individual brilliance alone; it is also about how well the team can coordinate.
In Kabaddi, players must communicate effectively, read their opponent’s moves, and execute strategies flawlessly.
For example:
- Raiders rely on defenders to secure the other half of the field while they raid.
- Defenders depend on coordinated movements to trap and tackle the raider.
- This synergy makes Kabaddi a complete team sport.
Important Rules Relating to Players in Kabaddi
Kabaddi has several rules concerning the constitution of teams and their role. Here are a few main points:
- Number of Active Players: At any given time during a match, a team should have seven active players on the court.
- Number of Substitutions: In a game, the teams can make only a specific number of substitutions.
- Role of the Raiders: Only one raider should be present in the other half of the opponent’s team.
These rules ensure a level ground and make the game more interesting.
Final Thoughts: Understanding the Role of Players in Kabaddi
The formation of the team is key to the dynamics of the kabaddi game.
It has seven players who can be active on the ground and five substitutes who could be called in at a minute’s notice.
Every team depends on talent, strategy, and coordination to win.
The skills of raiders, defenders, and all-rounders are a reflection of all the diverse skills needed in the game.
In-depth knowledge of the structure and the role of the players in Kabaddi makes it an exciting game.
As a fan or player, acknowledging how the team functions improves your connection to this sport as you watch it.
Reference:
Sportsadda.com
ESPNcricinfo.com
Indiakabbadi.org
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many points is a super raid worth in kabaddi?
A super raid in kabaddi is worth 7 points. It occurs when a raider successfully touches or takes out three or more players in a single raid, showcasing exceptional skill and earning the team a significant boost. This makes super raid points kabaddi highly valuable.
- How long is a standard kabaddi match?
A standard kabaddi match duration is typically 40 minutes, split into two halves of 20 minutes each. There is a 5-minute break between the two halves. However, the duration may vary depending on the competition rules or specific event requirements.
- What does “lobby” mean in kabaddi?
In kabaddi, the kabaddi lobby meaning refers to the area outside the main court where players must step to initiate a raid. The raider must cross the center line and enter the opponent’s side from the lobby without being tackled to score points.
- Who is known as the king of kabaddi?
The title king of kabaddi is often attributed to the legendary player Anup Kumar, who is widely regarded as one of the best raiders in the history of the sport. His incredible skills and leadership earned him this prestigious nickname in the kabaddi world.
Want To Get Updated?
Keep up with the latest updates on sports, like Cricket, Latest News, Football, Table Tennis, Shooting, Squash, Lawn Tennis, Karate, Taekwondo, and Martial Arts.
