Kabaddi Defending Skills: Ankle Holds and Chain Tackles

Kabaddi defending is the art of stopping a raider from returning to their half after entering your court. Defenders, often called antis, use holds such as the ankle hold, thigh hold and chain tackle, working together to trap the raider. Strong kabaddi defending skills depend on positioning, timing and teamwork rather than size alone.

The Role of the Defence in Kabaddi

When the opposing raider steps into your half, the players on your side, up to seven, act as a unit. Their aim is to hold the raider and keep them from reaching the midline. A successful tackle earns a point for the defending team, while every defender the raider touches before escaping is out.

This means defenders must balance patience and action. Moving too early can give the raider an easy touch, while waiting too long can let them escape. Good defences communicate constantly, calling out when to hold and when to stay back.

Defensive Positions on the Court

Each defender has a named position, and each one suits different skills:

Corners: the players at each end of the line, usually strong at ankle holds and quick dives.
Covers: the players next to the corners, who often join or start chain tackles.
Middle or centre players: they guard the central area and help seal gaps.
Left and right sides: teams usually have specialist left corner and right corner players, depending on which side suits their grip.

Most teams arrange these players in a curved line facing the raider, adjusting the shape as the raider moves across the court.

Key Kabaddi Defending Skills

Coaches teach several core holds. Each one is meant to stop movement safely and legally:

Ankle hold: a defender dives low and grips the raider’s ankle, usually when the raider extends a leg for a toe touch.
Thigh hold: a defender wraps both arms around the raider’s thigh to stop forward or backward movement.
Waist hold: a hold around the raider’s middle, often from behind, used when the raider turns away.
Chain tackle: two or more linked defenders hold hands and move together to block or surround the raider.
Block: defenders step in front of the raider’s path to the midline, cutting off the escape.

Defenders must hold only the raider’s body or limbs, not their clothing or hair, and must never use dangerous force. Referees penalise holds that break the rules.

Timing, Teamwork and the Super Tackle

Timing is the most important defensive skill. The best moment to move is often just as the raider commits to a touch, when their weight is shifted and recovery is harder. Defenders watch the raider’s hips and feet rather than their hands.

In professional leagues, a special rule applies when the defending side has three or fewer players on court. A successful tackle in that situation is called a super tackle and is worth two points instead of one. It encourages small defences to stay brave and organised. For more easy to follow sports explainers like this one, visit our kabaddi and cricket explainers.

Training and Safety for Defenders

Defensive training builds grip strength, quick reactions and safe falling technique. Players practise holds slowly with a partner, then increase speed as they become comfortable. Core and leg strength help defenders stay low and stable.

Safety comes first. Train on a proper mat, warm up thoroughly and learn how to release a hold once the raider is stopped. Respecting opponents keeps the sport enjoyable for everyone. If you are new to this site and want to see how its content is organised, this official site access guide explains the layout.

Watching matches closely is another useful way to learn. Pay attention to how corner players wait for the raider to reach toward them, and how covers step in at the same moment to close the escape route. Noticing these patterns helps young defenders copy good habits in training.

In Short

Kabaddi defending relies on clear positions, well-timed holds and close teamwork. Learn the ankle hold, thigh hold and chain tackle, watch the raider’s movement carefully, and keep communication strong. A disciplined defence can be just as exciting as a skilful raider.