Kabaddi Court Diagram: A Complete Guide to Layout & Markings

Kabaddi is a fast-paced, strategic sport that requires a well-defined playing area. The court’s layout plays a crucial role in ensuring fair play, safety, and proper rule implementation. Whether you’re a beginner, a coach, or a kabaddi enthusiast, understanding the kabaddi court diagram is essential. This guide breaks down the kabaddi court’s dimensions, markings, and significance in a detailed yet simple manner.

Kabaddi Court Dimensions

The kabaddi court varies in size depending on the category of players. The official dimensions as per international standards are:

• For Men & Junior Boys: 13 meters (length) x 10 meters (width)
• For Women & Junior Girls: 12 meters (length) x 8 meters (width)
• For Sub-Junior Boys & Girls: 11 meters (length) x 8 meters (width)

The court is divided into two equal halves by a centerline, with teams positioned on either side.

Midline and Its Importance

The midline is a central dividing line that separates the two teams. It ensures that raiders know their boundary when they enter the opponent’s side. The midline also plays a key role in scoring, as a raider must return to their side after tagging an opponent.

Baulk Line: The First Challenge for Raiders

The baulk line is located 3.75 meters from the midline in men’s kabaddi and 3 meters in women’s kabaddi. A raider must cross this line to make a valid raid; otherwise, their attempt is considered unsuccessful.

Bonus Line: A Risky Yet Rewarding Zone

The bonus line is 1 meter away from the baulk line, towards the end of the court. It allows a raider to earn bonus points if they cross it with one foot while keeping the other in the air. However, they must ensure no defender is touched during the attempt.

Lobby Area: Active Only in Certain Situations

The lobby is the 1-meter-wide strip on both sides of the court. It becomes active when a raider touches an opponent. If defenders enter the lobby before a raider makes contact, they are out.

End Line: The Ultimate Boundary

The end lines define the farthest limit of the court. Any player crossing this line is considered out of play. The end lines ensure that players remain within the designated playing area.

Raiders and Defenders: Their Interaction with the Court

Raiders must strategize their movement, ensuring they cross the baulk line while attempting to tag opponents. Defenders use the court markings to position themselves effectively, making it difficult for raiders to escape.

How Court Markings Influence the Game

Each marking on the kabaddi court serves a strategic purpose:

• Midline: Separates the two teams.
• Baulk Line: Ensures a raider’s attempt is valid.
• Bonus Line: Allows additional points with calculated risks.
• Lobby: Affects movement rules after a raid begins.

Standard Court Markings for Competitive Matches

In official tournaments, kabaddi courts must have:

• Clearly visible lines (5 cm thick)
• Proper measurements based on category
• Adequate spacing for spectators and referees

Variations in Court Size for Different Formats

While standard kabaddi follows a fixed court size, some variations exist:

• Beach Kabaddi: Played on a smaller, sand-based court.
• Circle Kabaddi: Uses a circular field instead of a rectangular one.

Importance of Court Dimensions in Training

Coaches ensure that players practice within regulation-sized courts to build their spatial awareness. Training on a correctly marked court improves raiding and defensive strategies.

Setting Up a Kabaddi Court for Practice

To create a kabaddi court, you need:

• Measuring tape for accuracy
• Chalk or tape for marking lines
• Enough space to accommodate players safely

Common Mistakes in Kabaddi Court Setup

Some frequent errors include:

• Incorrect line measurements, affecting gameplay
• Faint markings that cause confusion
• Uneven surface leading to injuries

Conclusion

A well-defined kabaddi court is fundamental to the sport’s integrity. Understanding the court diagram helps players strategize better, ensures fair gameplay, and maintains safety. Whether for professional matches or local practice sessions, setting up the court correctly is key to enjoying the game.

FAQs

What is the standard size of a kabaddi court?
The standard size for men’s kabaddi is 13m x 10m, while for women, it is 12m x 8m.

Why is the baulk line important in kabaddi?
It ensures that a raider crosses into the opponent’s half properly for a valid raid.

How does the bonus line work?
Raiders earn an extra point if they cross the bonus line while maintaining body balance.

What happens if a defender enters the lobby too early?
They are declared out if they step into the lobby before a raider makes contact.

Can kabaddi be played on a different-sized court?
Yes, variations like beach and circle kabaddi use different court dimensions.