Kabaddi Training: Tips for Aspiring Kabaddi Players

Are you a sports addict, and is Kabaddi your favorite game? Do you want to become a successful Kabaddi player, but your family is not supporting you? Stop wasting time. Pursue your dream. Prove that you are not wrong. Kabaddi is not only popular but also a prestigious sport nowadays. With the advent of the Pro Kabaddi League and other International tournaments, the kabaddi players have become extremely valuable. They are earning in crores.

Kabaddi is the most popular sport that originated in India. Do you think you can master it quickly? Well, you are wrong, buddy. It requires a lot of stamina, strength, speed, and a strategic mindset. Countries like Kenya, South Korea, etc., have adopted the sport. So, Kabaddi has spread its wings, crossing all borders.

One of the unique features of this sport is it does not require any other equipment like cricket, football, etc. Since this sport is teamwork, it will help you learn discipline, increase your concentration, make your mind sharper, etc. Kabaddi’s traditional origin makes it unique, adding to our prestige globally.

Now, let us delve into the process of playing Kabaddi. In this sport, there are two teams, each containing seven players. The playing arena, that is, the court, is rectangular shaped. One player, the raider, enters the opposite team, the defender court, and tries to touch as many defenders as possible while constantly chanting, ’Kabaddi.’ The raider must return to his court without getting caught by the defenders. If he gets caught, he is out.

The raider chants the word Kabaddi without stopping, proving they’re holding his breath. The defenders’ job is to stop and hold back the raider, preventing him from returning to his side. Each successful attempt earns a point for the respective team. This superfast and energetic game needs swiftness and prompt thinking.

So, if you aspire to become a successful kabaddi player, you should understand the basics of this game. You will need to undergo proper training for this. Hence, do not waste time. Search for Kabaddi training coaches or institutes in your area. However, before joining the training, know which skills you must hone to succeed.

First, this game demands the strength of ten bulls to escape from the defenders’ clutch. So, fitness is the ultimate word. You need to undergo extensive fitness training. Let us find out how you can master the art of Kabaddi.

1. Calisthenics: Practice exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and isometric core exercises or planks.
2. Plyos or Jump Training: Clap push-ups, aerobics, squat jumps, box jumps, and more will increase your power and agility.
3. Weight Training: Always remember bench presses, squats, deadlifts, etc. These will increase your general strength.
4. Balance Training: Practice squats and lunges to strengthen your legs.
5. Measures to increase agility: Go for ladder training. It will make you an expert in footwork. Cone drills will help you to ascertain directions and when and how to change them. Do shadow practices. It will increase your speed and movement and help you to gain points while playing practically.

Now, there are some fundamental skills that you will have to master to become a successful player. They will change according to your role in the game. Let us find out what those skills are and how to master them.

 

Skills that you must have as a Raider:

1. Hand Touch: This is a primary attacking skill that tests the reflex of a raider. You will have to be proactive. Your expertise is judged by your ability to run, stoop, and turn your hand. These are the moves you should master as a raider.
2. Back Kick: This is a clever skill where you should deceive the defender by showing your back and trying to kick backward. This way, you may receive a touch point. Some people in other parts of the globe also call this a “mule kick.”
3. Dubki: Being an essential part of raiding, Dubki requires sharpness of mind and exceptional time calculation. Here, as a raider, you must evade the chain created by the defenders by ducking below their stretched arms and earn a point.
4. Toe Touch: Here, the raider tries to grab a point by touching the defender with his toe. So, be speedy here, and the defender should not be able to gauge your action.
5. Lion Jump:  You must have strong legs to be successful, as this requires unbelievable strength to thrust. Here, you need to jump over the defenders and reach your court. The Lion jump is considered one of the challenging moves in Kabaddi.
6. Sidekick: In this move, you must touch the defenders by kicking sideways without losing your balance. To master this, you will need extensive practice.

 

Skills that you must have as a Defender:

1. Chain Tackle: This technique requires all the defenders to coordinate tactfully and stop the raider from reaching his court. Two or more defenders leap on the raider, creating a chain and preventing them from returning to his court. A lot of teamwork is needed to execute this.
2. Ankle Hold: In this move, the defenders grab the raider’s ankle and try to stop him from reaching his court. Proper timing and anticipation abilities are needed for the ankle-hold or diving-ankle-hold performance.
3. Block: In this move, the defender allows the raider to come near him and then tactfully, with his body, blocks the same raider from returning to his court. You should be in the correct position on time to be successful in this skill.
4. Thigh Hold: In this technique, the defender holds back the raider by grabbing his thigh. Be cautious and thoughtful if you want to master this skill.
5. Dash: This popular technique is used by defenders at the corner or cover area. Here, the raider is pushed out of the court.
6. Waist Hold: In this move, the defender lifts the raider by grabbing his waist and pins him on the floor. It requires a lot of strength.

 

Some other Tips for an Aspiring Kabaddi Player:

1. Breathing exercises: In Kabaddi, breathing practice is crucial as you need to hold your breath for a considerable time. Pranayam and Yoga will help you increase your lung capacity.
2. Mental Health: Focus is the primary key to success in Kabaddi. You will have to remain calm and composed no matter what happens. So, practice meditation.
3. Prepare Yourself Mentally: Study your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses before plunging into the game. Prepare yourself accordingly.
4. Team Coordination: Communicate well with your teammates. Proper communication will help you coordinate as and when needed. Teamwork is essential to achieve success in Kabaddi.
5. Practice: Remember to practice regularly. Follow a fixed schedule for skill development, match practice, etc., alongside practice time management.
6. Nutrition: Follow a balanced diet, remain well-hydrated, and rest adequately. A healthy body and mind create a successful player.
7. Guidance: You will need an expert’s advice. Proper guidance will never let you down to succeed as a Kabaddi player.
8. Play Tournaments: Experience is always the keyword to success. So, participate in the tournaments where you are selected.

 

Conclusion: 

Whatever may be the reason that made you join Kabaddi, it will make you more disciplined, dedicated, and strong. Your strength of mind and body will improve. Never take the game lightheartedly if you want to make an impression. You will not lose even if you choose the sport as your profession. So, do not think and waste time. Just go for it!