How Many Players Are There in Kabaddi? Team Size Explained

Introduction – Why Team Size Matters in Kabaddi

Understanding how many players are there in kabaddi team helps fans and new players grasp match flow, strategy, and team dynamics. Players in Kabaddi uses a mix of raids and tackles. With the right number of players on court and enough substitutes on the bench, teams manage energy, strategy, and momentum. This guide covers standard team size, total squad limits, player roles, and rule variations in circle and beach kabaddi. New fans and players will see exactly how team size shapes every raid and defense.

---

What Is the Regulation Team Size in Kabaddi?

How many players are there in a kabaddi team (On‑Court)

In official kabaddi, each side fields seven players on the court at any time. That includes one raider and six defenders. The raider crosses mid‑court to tag opponents, while defenders aim to stop that raid. Understanding that there are seven active players clarifies the balance of offense and defense in every round.

Substitutes and bench limits

Beyond the seven starters, professional rules allow up to five substitutes per team. When a starter is tagged out, the coach can bring in a reserve. This makes the kabaddi total players per side up to twelve in the match roster Olympics. Amateur or youth leagues often limit substitutes to three or four, based on local guidelines.

---

Kabaddi Total Players in the Match Roster

Official roster size in professional leagues

In competitions like the Pro Kabaddi League, squads list twelve players for match day: seven on court and five on the bench. Coaches select starters and plan substitutions to counter opponents or manage player fatigue.

Variations in amateur and school levels

Local clubs and school tournaments may cap squad size at ten: seven starters and three reserves. Some youth events allow up to fourteen total, so every player gets a chance. Always check “how many players in kabaddi team” for your specific event.

---

Roles and Positions of Kabaddi Team Players

Raider, defender, all‑rounder explained

• Raider: Enters opponent’s half to touch defenders and race back.
  
• Defender: Includes two corners (edge specialists) and four covers (middle defenders) who tackle the raider.
  
• All‑Rounder: Skilled in both raiding and defending, useful for flexible substitutions.
  

Knowing “players in kabaddi” by role reveals why squads carry extra raiders or all‑rounders on the bench.

Specialized roles – corners and covers

• Corners: Stand at court edges to ram raiders toward the sideline.
  
• Covers: Support tackles in the center, trapping raiders between corners.

Roles and Designated of Players in Kabaddi:

Role	Description	Key Skills / Responsibilities
Raider	The attacking player who enters the opponent’s half of the court to score points by tagging defenders while chanting “Kabaddi” continuously and returning to their own half within a single breath and 30 seconds. They aim to get touch points on as many defenders as possible and may also aim for a bonus point by crossing the bonus line.	Offensive Skills: Agility, speed, quick footwork (e.g., toe touch, running hand touch, scorpion kick), canting (maintaining the chant), awareness of defender positions and formations, ability to escape tackles, strategic thinking to maximize points. Physical Attributes: Good lung capacity, endurance, flexibility, and strength to evade and resist tackles.
Defender	Players in the defending team’s half whose primary goal is to prevent the raider from scoring points and returning to their half. They achieve this by forming chains, blocking, and tackling the raider. There are usually 7 defenders on the mat.	Defensive Skills: Strong tackling techniques (e.g., ankle hold, thigh hold, block, chain tackle), coordination with teammates, anticipation of raider’s moves, awareness of court boundaries and lines. Physical Attributes: Strength, power, stability, and quick reactions.
Corners	Two key defenders positioned at the extreme ends of the defensive formation (left and right corners). They are often the first to initiate a tackle or draw the raider deep into the court. They require excellent timing and strong ankle/thigh holds.	Specialized Defensive Skills: Advanced ankle and thigh holds, ability to isolate the raider, quick lateral movement. They need to be highly disciplined in their positioning.
Covers	Two defenders positioned in front of the corners, typically in the center of the defensive formation. They provide support to the corners and often execute blocks and chain tackles with other defenders. They are crucial for coordinated defense.	Supportive Defensive Skills: Strong blocks, effective chain formation, quick reflexes to assist corners and other defenders, good communication with teammates.
All-Rounder	A versatile player who possesses skills in both raiding and defending. They can switch between attacking and defending roles based on the team’s needs and match situation. All-rounders often contribute points in both phases of the game.	Hybrid Skills: A balance of raiding and defensive techniques, good game sense, adaptability to various situations, strong physical and mental endurance to perform effectively in both roles.
Captain	The leader of the team on the court. The captain makes strategic decisions, motivates teammates, and communicates with the coaching staff and referees. They are responsible for team formations, substitutions, and overall game management.	Leadership Skills: Strategic thinking, decision-making under pressure, communication, motivation, ability to read the game, understanding of rules, and managing team dynamics.
Substitutes	Additional players on the bench who can be brought into the game to replace existing players. Teams typically have 3-5 substitutes. Substitutions are tactical and are often used to bring in fresh legs, change strategy, or replace an injured player.	Versatility: Should be able to perform effectively in different roles, depending on the team’s requirements. Readiness to enter the game at any moment.

A balanced kabaddi team players number across these roles ensures strong defense.

---

How to Play Kabaddi – General Rules

The Raid

A raid begins when one player—the raider—steps across the mid‑court line into the opponent’s half. From the moment the raider’s foot touches the opposing side, a continuous chant of “kabaddi… kabaddi” must be maintained. This chant proves the raider is holding their breath. If the raider pauses or inhales before returning, the raid ends and the raider is declared out. While in enemy territory, the raider tries to tag as many defenders as possible. Each successful touch must be followed by a quick return behind the mid‑court line to score points and avoid being tackled.

Scoring

• Tag points – For every defender the raider touches and then safely returns, the raider’s team earns one point.
  
• Tackle points – If defenders hold, wrestle or block the raider until the chant stops or the raider steps out, the defending team scores one point.
  
• Bonus points – A bonus line sits a short distance inside the opponent’s half. If the raider crosses this line with just one foot while still chanting, and at least one defender is on court, the raider’s team scores an extra point.
  
• Lona (all‑out) – When a single raid clears all seven defenders, the raider’s team gains two bonus points and all out‑players on both sides rejoin the court. This rare feat can swing the match in a single moment.

Pointing System on Each Players in Kabaddi

Point Type	Description	How to Gain Points
Touch Point (Raid)	Points awarded to the raiding team for successfully tagging one or more defenders. Each tagged defender is declared “out.”	A raider enters the opponent’s half, tags one or more defenders, and successfully returns to their own half within 30 seconds and without breaking their “cant” (the continuous “Kabaddi” chant). For each defender tagged, the raider’s team earns one point.
Tackle Point (Defense)	Points awarded to the defending team for successfully stopping the raider from returning to their half. The raider is declared “out.”	Defenders collectively or individually prevent the raider from crossing the midline back to their half within 30 seconds of the raid. This can involve holding, blocking, or pushing the raider out of bounds. The defending team earns one point for a successful tackle.
Bonus Point	An additional point awarded to the raider for successfully crossing the “bonus line” in the opponent’s half under specific conditions.	The raider must step into the opponent’s half, then cross the “bonus line” (a line drawn parallel to the midline) with one foot while keeping the other foot in the air, and then return to their half. The bonus line is only active when there are six or more defenders on the mat. This point is awarded even if the raider is subsequently tackled.
Lona / All-Out	Awarded when one team eliminates all seven players of the opposing team from the mat.	If all players of one team are declared “out” (either by being touched by a raider, successfully tackled, or stepping out of bounds), the opposing team earns two additional points (a “Lona”). All players of the eliminated team are then revived and return to the mat.
Super Tackle	An enhanced tackle point awarded to the defending team in a specific low-defender situation.	If the defending team has three or fewer players on the mat and successfully tackles the raider, they are awarded two points instead of the usual one point. This encourages defensive play even when outnumbered.
Do-or-Die Raid	A special type of raid that occurs after two consecutive “empty raids” (raids where no points are scored).	If a team has two consecutive empty raids, their third raid becomes a “Do-or-Die” raid. The raider must score at least one point in this raid. If they fail to score any points, the raider is declared “out,” and the defending team earns one point. This speeds up the game.
Technical Point / Penalty	Awarded to the opposing team due to an infraction of the rules.	Various rule violations can lead to a technical point for the opposing team. Examples include: – Raider breaking the “cant” before crossing the midline. – More than one raider entering the opponent’s half. – Defender entering the raider’s half before their turn. – Team members coaching or advising the raider from outside the court during a raid. – Stepping out of bounds (self-out).
Super 10 (Raider)	A bonus milestone for raiders in modern Kabaddi leagues.	A raider who scores 10 or more raid points (touch points + bonus points) in a single match achieves a “Super 10.” While it doesn’t directly add points to the team’s score, it’s a significant individual achievement and can contribute to a team’s strategy.
High 5 (Defender)	A bonus milestone for defenders in modern Kabaddi leagues.	A defender who scores 5 or more tackle points in a single match achieves a “High 5.” Similar to Super 10, it’s an individual achievement but reflects strong defensive performance.

Simplified Pointing System for Kabaddi Total Player

Category	Events	Points
Playing Time	In Starting 7	4
	Substitute appearance	2
Attack	Every Successful Raid	4
	Every Raid Bonus	2
	Every Super Raid	4
	Every Unsuccessful Raid	-1
	Getting Opposition All Out (Only Starting 7)	3
Defense	Every Successful Tackle	5
	Every Super Tackle	4
	Every Getting All Out (Only Starting 7)	-2
Cards & Penalties	Green Card	-2
	Yellow Card	-4
	Red Card	-6
Bonus Points	Every Super 10	5
	Every High 5	5
	Every Double	7
Others	Captain Multiplier	x2
	Vice-Captain Multiplier	x1.5

Court Boundaries of Players in Kabaddi

• Mid‑court line – Marks where each raid starts and ends. The raider must fully cross it both ways.
  
• Baulk line – Positioned three‑quarters into each half. Raiders must cross this line on a valid raid, so tags at the very edge do not count.
  
• Bonus line – A line closer to the back of the half; crossing it under the right conditions earns a bonus point.
  
• Sidelines and end lines – Running out of these lines while raiding or defending results in an automatic out, even if a tag or tackle was in progress.

Fouls and Outs

• Stopping the chant – If the raider’s chant breaks, the raid ends and the raider is out, giving the defending team a point.
  
• Boundary breach – Stepping on or beyond any boundary line (sideline, end line) while raiding or defending leads to an out.
  
• Illegal holds – Defenders who use kicking, hair‑pulling, or lifting above shoulder height commit fouls; the offending player is sent out.
  
• Self‑out – If a defender falls or exits the court while attempting a tackle, that defender is out and the raider’s team scores a point.

Revival

After each point, one out‑player from the team that scored immediately returns to the court. For example, tagging a defender brings that defender back. A lona brings all out‑players back. This revival system keeps both teams’ numbers in play and reflects the ebb and flow of momentum throughout the match.

---

How Many Players in Kabaddi One Side – Quick Facts about Kabaddi Total Players in every match!

Understanding how many players are there in kabaddi also means knowing what each person does on the court and how the full squad comes together. Here’s a closer look at team size and the duties of each role:

On‑Court Players: 7

Each side fields seven players, divided into specific roles:

• Raider (1):
  
  • Duty: Cross into the opponent’s half, chant “kabaddi” without pause, tag defenders and return safely.
    
  • Responsibility: Use speed, deception and breath control to earn points and draw defenders out of position.
    
• Corners (2):
  
  • Duty: Stand at the left and right ends of the defensive line.
    
  • Responsibility: Trap raiders toward the sidelines or hold them in place for covers to assist in tackles. Corners must react quickly to lateral movements.
    
• Covers (4):
  
  • Duty: Position themselves between corners along the mid‑court area.
    
  • Responsibility: Support corners by intercepting raiders who break through the edges, execute chain tackles, and communicate to organize the defense.

(Some teams use an “All‑Rounder” in place of a cover or corner; that player can both raid and defend as needed.)

Substitutes (Pro): 5

Professional squads carry five reserves, ready to enter when:

• A starter is tagged out.
  
• A coach wants fresh legs to maintain high intensity.
  
• A tactical change is needed (for example, swapping in a specialist defender when facing a strong raider).
  

These substitutes ensure the team can sustain energy through two 20‑minute halves.

Total Squad per Side: 12

Combining the seven starters and five substitutes gives a match‑day roster of twelve. This number lets coaches plan rotations and manage injuries without disrupting on‑court balance.

Common Amateur Squad: 10 (7 + 3)

Local clubs and school leagues often limit squads to ten players: seven on court and three on the bench. This smaller bench still allows basic rotations while fitting limited team sizes.

Youth or School Squads: Up to 14–15

Junior or development tournaments may expand squads to 14 or 15 players. This extra depth ensures every child gets playing time, and coaches can manage young athletes’ stamina and growth needs.

With these numbers and roles in mind, fans and new players can see how each position contributes to the team’s strategy, and how squad size varies from professional to amateur levels and how many players are there in kabaddi for it to be optimal. 

---

Common Variations in Team Size

Circle style kabaddi

Circle kabaddi uses a circular field but still fields seven on‑court players. Substitutes can expand to six due to extended play times and regional preferences.

Beach kabaddi

Beach kabaddi cuts on‑court players to five per side, with five substitutes. The sandy surface and shorter halves suit smaller teams and emphasize endurance.

---

TL;DR – Team Size at a Glance

Standard Kabaddi Team and How Many Players Are There in Kabaddi:
7 players on court (1 raider + 6 defenders)
5 substitutes allowed → 12 total players per side

Amateur/School Levels:
7 starters + 3 subs → 10 total
Youth tournaments may allow up to 14–15 players

Variants:

• Circle Kabaddi: 7 players + up to 6 subs
  
• Beach Kabaddi: 5 players + 5 subs (smaller court, faster game)

Main Roles:

• Raider: Tags defenders, scores by returning safely
  
• Corners: Defend side boundaries, trap raiders
  
• Covers: Central defense, support tackles
  
• All-Rounder: Plays both offense and defense

Substitution Rules:
Unlimited in pro games, used to manage stamina and tactics

Minimum Team Requirement:
7 players must be on court to start or continue a match

Roles include raider, corner, cover and all‑rounder. Substitutes keep energy high and tactics flexible.

---

FAQ – Your Questions on Kabaddi Players Answered

---

Final Thoughts – Why Team Size Shapes Strategy

Understanding how many players are there in kabaddi reveals how coaches balance offense and defense. A full squad of twelve ensures fresh raiders and defenders, while variations like beach or circle kabaddi tweak numbers to match field conditions. With clear team sizes and roles, fans can follow tactics and players can optimize their lineups. For more sports guides and expert advice, visit VIPJEE – South Asia’s trusted casino authority and deepen your game knowledge.