Kabaddi: tactics, strategies and game play
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can play a basic game of Kabaddi utilising raiders and chain formations for defence.
Key learning points
- Move: defenders move together as a unit, stay balanced and in sync to close down space and stay connected.
- Move: defenders stay low with knees bent to lower their centre of gravity, making it harder for raiders to escape.
- Think: defenders must read the raider’s body language to anticipate their next move correctly.
- Feel: staying connected helps players feel more supported and confident in defence.
- Connect: strong leadership, quick reactions and clear communication is needed to coordinate defensive players
Keywords
Defensive chain - a group of defenders moving together in a linked formation to trap the raider as a team
Bonus line - a line in the opponent's half that raiders must cross to earn an additional bonus point, provided certain conditions are met (e.g., at least six defenders are on the court)
Baulk line - a line on each side of the court that the raider must cross to make their raid valid and be eligible to score points
Common misconception
Pupils think that as a defender they need to rush individually to stop the opposition.
Rushing alone often leaves space for the raider to escape. Defenders are more effective when they move together, stay connected and communicate to trap the raider as a team.
Teacher tip
If pupils are uncomfortable holding hands, use bibs between each player in defence that they hold onto to remain connected. Again these activities could also incorporate the full contact rules allowing defenders to thigh hold, ankle tap or get the raider into the lobby to prevent them scoring.
Equipment
2 x bibs per pupil, 30+ cones, optional: tag rugby belt per pupil.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is the name of the 1 attacker that invades the defender's side of the court?
Q2.What does the attacking player have to cross before returning back to their side?
Q3.What can an attacker do to score 1 point before crossing the mid line, if they don’t make it to the bonus line?
Q4.How does the defender score 1 point?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.How is the defensive team best able to prevent a successful raid in Kabaddi?
Q2.What happens if a defender doesn’t work as a team?
Q3.What should a defender watch to help them plan their next move?
Q4.Other than tagging a defender, how can a raider score an extra point?
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Kabaddi: tactics, strategies and game play, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Kabaddi: tactics, strategies and game play, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 4 physical education lessons from the Invasion games: tactics and strategies in world games unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.