In kabaddi, what is "blocking" in defense?
VerifiedAnswer: Defenders physically obstructing the raider's path to prevent them from returning to their own half.
Explanation:
Blocking is one of the most fundamental defensive techniques in kabaddi that requires strategic positioning and teamwork. When a raider enters the opponent's court, the defending team's primary objective is to prevent them from returning to their own half after touching a defender. Blocking involves defenders standing in strategic positions to create barriers that make it difficult for the raider to find an escape route.
The key to effective blocking lies in understanding the raider's possible movements and cutting off their path to the midline. Defenders typically position themselves in a semi-circle or chain formation, with each player covering specific areas of the court. This coordinated approach ensures that no matter which direction the raider tries to escape, there's always a defender ready to obstruct their path.
There are several types of blocking strategies used in kabaddi:
• Corner blocking: Forcing the raider into the corners of the court where escape options are limited
• Side blocking: Positioning defenders along the sidelines to prevent lateral movement
• Center blocking: Creating a wall of defenders across the middle of the court
• Dynamic blocking: Continuously adjusting positions as the raider moves
Successful blocking requires excellent communication between team members, as defenders need to move in coordination to maintain their formation while adapting to the raider's movements. The defenders must also be careful not to give the raider easy opportunities to touch them and escape, which is why blocking is often combined with other defensive techniques like tackling and holding.
It's important to note that while blocking, defenders cannot simply stand passively. They must be ready to react quickly when the raider makes their move, either by closing gaps in their formation or by transitioning from blocking to active tackling. The ultimate goal is to force the raider into making a mistake or running out of breath, making them easier to tackle and eliminate from the game.
