The main objective of the defence players or ‘antis,’ is to catch the raider and prevent him from escaping to his home court with ‘cant’. To achieve this objective, the antis can use any of the six fundamental defence skills i.e., Ankle hold, Thigh hold, Knee hold, Waist hold and Blocking.
1. Ankle Hold
Ankle hold is an individual defence skill in Kabaddi and is used by the defence players as a counter skill against leg thrusts and foot touches by the raider during an attack. Corner zone players can capitalize on this skill especially in the bonus line game, since every raider does make an attempt to cross the bonus line in the corner zones. The second position defence players can also use this skill to advantage in the baulk line game for initiating a catch. The application of this skill involves observation, body posture inclined towards the raider, the right approach to the raider, a firm grip on the raider’s ankle, and follow through action which includes lifting up, pulling back, and changing the direction of the raider towards the side lines in order to make his escape to home court more difficult.
2. Thigh Hold
Thigh hold is also an individual defence skill which can be applied by any defence player irrespective of his position. This skill has an element of surprise for the raider and can be used to advantage by the defence as a planned surprise tactic. The advantages of this hold are that chances of counteraction by the raider are minimum, even heavy raiders can be overpowered, even reduced number of players in the defence can attempt this skill since less support is required, the raider has no scope to escape by creating a gap, the grip is firm and less risk is involved. Thigh hold can be attempted by the antis in situations when the raider moves from one zone to the other during his attack, when the raider uses the leading leg raid, when the raider turns back to apply hand touch, when the raider moves from second to second position or when the raider runs blindly towards the corner zones. Keen observation, right approach, firm grip and proper follow through action as in the case of ankle holds also apply in the case of thigh holds.
3. Knee Hold
Knee hold is very much like thigh hold, and is applied in similar situations but whereas thigh holds is an individual initiating defence skill; knee hold is more of a combination defence skill and requires immediate support from the remaining defence players for its success. The grip in knee hold is comparatively less firm and it is difficult to change the direction of the raider. The antis in second / supporting positions can apply this skill.
4, Waist or Trunk Hold
Waist or Trunk hold is a skill used by the anti to capture the raider from behind. his is considered one of the best defence skills since the raider has negligible chances of escape. This defence skill in comparison to other skills is more powerful due to the strong grip, close reach, and more covering area which is advantageous to the defenders.
5. Waist Hold
Waist hold can be applied in situations when the raider shows his back, when the raider attacks on 2nd / In, when the raider drags back or moves back to the corner zone, when the raider moves blindly from corner to corner, when the raider comes back to position during the course of his raider to restart the attack or when the raider uses turning attack. The mechanism of waist hold involves careful observation and anticipation of the raider’s path & attack. After applying the waist hold technique, the follow through action involves lifting up, changing the direction of the raider and falling / rolling back to check the movement of the raider.
6. Wrist Hold
Wrist hold is a rare defence skill which can be applied only when the occasion presents itself on raiders who have a typical style of raiding with both arms extended and concentration in one direction with slow measured movements. This skill which was once in use as a major defence skill is a rarity nowadays. The reason for this is that the players were heavier, their movements were much slower and the style of the game was also different from the present day game. The players are now more agile, flexible and employ quick movements. The footwork /raiding style has also undergone a radical change and since the arm of the raider is extended only to execute a quick touch, the antis rarely get an opportunity to apply wrist hold. It is advisable to apply this skill as a combination hold along with ankle hold in situations when the raider extends his hand to touch at one position, when the raider attacks on deep corners to apply hand touch or when the raider returns to first position to restart his attack.
7. Blocking
Blocking is a wall of obstruction created by the defence after catching the raider to prevent his escape to home court. Although the cover and corner antis generally apply this skill as a combined defence technique, it is considered indispensable for the covers who are considered the watch dogs of the defence system. Blocking is generally applied in situations when the raider is fully covered, when the raider goes into deep corners, when the raider attacks on the centre zone, or when the raider takes reverse turn to attack. Te types of blocking are on the spot blocking, running block & following block.
Advance skill in kabaddi
The chain system in Kabaddi is an advanced defence skill used as a strategy to capture tall & heavy players who appear invincible. This skill can be used to advantage by even light weight antis to overpower comparatively heavier raiders with minimum chances of injuries. This advanced defence skill is classified into three types i.e., chain holds by corner/centre zone players, running chain holds & following chain holds. Each of these types of chain holds can be applied depending on the situation and have different hand grips for the best results. The mechanism of the chain hold includes formation of the chain, covering the path of the raider, maintaining the hold after the capture.
Skill Drills
Skill Drills are the repetition of the technique used in the sports with an aim to attain perception. With perfection through repeated practise of the drills comes mastery over the sports. Drill is the best means to get acquainted with new skill. Repeated practise will equip the player to apply the skill automatically as per the demands of the game situation, without any hesitation. In a team sports such as kabaddi, each players has to use his individual skill for the benefit of the entire team. This is possible with direct instruction with the players of the team. It is not practical for the coach to give direct instructions to the entire team since this will be too time consuming and cause a situation in which most of the players stand around while a few receive instruction. To avoid a situation it would be more practical to break up the team into smaller drill groups so that each player’s is able to participate in the training programme and understand the purpose of the manoeuvres as well as visualize the technique being demonstrate. It is essential to set aside a specific time in each practise session for training drills in order to improve the player’s potential in various individual skills. Training or skill drills are not restricted to beginners only. Even advance players are to be given drills to polish and intensity the existing potential. While designing skill drills, every conceivable game like situation is kept in view and such situation are created for specific skill training. The steps involve in teaching a drill are introduction, demonstration, explanation, organization, practice and rectification of wrong moves and mistakes. Specfic drills have been designed to develop the fundamental and
