3. Fundamental Skills of Kho-Kho

Kho-Kho is an exciting Indian sport in which two teams compete; one team tags the opponents while they try to avoid being tagged.

The court for sub junior boys and girls measures 14 × 24 square metre.

The three types are simple touch kho, early kho and late kho.

The pole turn is used by the chasers to make quick turns and tag or tap the runners.

They shout "Pancham".

Both hands of the chaser should be placed outside the centre line.

The two types are straight running and sidewards running.

A fake kho may also be used near a pole.

Kho-Kho involves quick movement, agility, speed and leg strength. It also involves teamwork, with players taking turns to defend and chase.

The chaser sits on the toes in the block, places the hands on the ground forming a bridge with the fingers and thumb, and leans a little forward. The body weight is balanced on both toes and hands.

The kho signal is given by tapping the back of the teammate and shouting "kho" at the same time. It is both an oral and a touch signal.

The chaser should take out the left leg first for running in the left direction. For running in the right direction, the right leg should come out first.

At the time of giving kho, at least one of the legs should be behind the cross lane. The kho must also be given by tapping the back and shouting kho together.

Acceleration drills are drills of taking a quick start and gaining speed swiftly. They improve a player's ability to chase swiftly.

The track can be prepared with markers or cones. The player should keep the eyes focused on the end-point to maintain a straight line.

Dodging is a skill for the defender that allows them to move quickly and avoid the chasers' attempts to get them out. It combines quick footwork, agility and strategic movement.

The chaser moves at a consistent pace and then suddenly speeds up or slows down. This catches the opponent off guard.

The team works together to create a barrier that moves along with the runners. The objective is to corner the runner and prevent them from crossing the centre line.

A fake kho is a strategy to mislead the defenders. It is used to create openings and gain an advantage.

In the 3-2-3 chain, three players are in the front, two in the middle and three at the back. This forms a strong defence barrier.

As the defender approaches, the chaser extends one arm forward to tap the defender's toe or feet. This must be done without falling over the centre line.

Lateral movements are practised by crossing one foot over the other while changing direction between the cones. They help in improving agility and coordination.

The unit lists three kinds of work:

• Learn and Play: fun sessions to learn Kho-Kho through interactive games and group exercises.
• Develop Skills: exciting lead-up activities to develop Kho-Kho skills.
• Work as a Team: working together and supporting each other during the game.

The circuit is organised as a competition:

• Players hold the Kho-Kho sitting stance for 20 seconds.
• They then do 10 metres of frog jump followed by 10 metres of duck walk.
• All three involve bending and pushing with the legs, so the legs and toes feel the stress and grow stronger, as discussed in the Strength Circle Time.

The book gives three points for the chaser's running technique:

• Maintain an upright posture with the head up.
• Swing the arms naturally back and forth.
• Focus on the defender while running.

Rise and Run trains quick starts from the sitting stance:

• Players assemble on a starting line and sit in the Kho-Kho stance.
• They run towards the finish line at the long whistle and sit down at the short whistle; sitting or rising on the wrong whistle is a foul.
• It develops quick reaction to signals and fast rising from the sitting stance, which a chaser needs.

Proper running form has these features:

• Maintain an upright posture, keeping the chest and head straight.
• Keep the movement of the hands straight and parallel to the ground.
• Keep the eyes focused on the end-point to maintain a straight line, using markers or cones for the track.

The Modified Shuttle Run trains straight running:

• Parallel lines of 10 metres are drawn with 30 cm between them, and players take a sitting stance.
• At the whistle, players get up, run straight to the finishing line and come back to the starting point.
• If the feet touch the boundary lines or the body moves sideways, the player starts again; the first to finish wins.

Both are ways to mislead chasers:

• In leaning, the defender leans the body in one direction and runs in another, misleading the chasers about the intended direction.
• This creates an opening for the defender to slip past the chasers.
• Quick turns and pivots change direction swiftly, making it difficult for chasers to anticipate the defender's movement.

Move to Safety practises dodging:

• A starting line and finishing line are marked 20 metres apart, and players are divided into two groups.
• Runners start from the starting line and try to dodge the chasers standing at the centre to reach the finishing line untouched.
• The number of runners reaching the end-line is the team's score, and then the roles are changed.

The book suggests a gradual approach:

• Start slow with a jog or walk through the zig-zag pattern, focusing on footwork and changes of direction, and add dodging, chasing and tagging gradually.
• Increase speed slowly, with quick and controlled movements, and practise lateral movements by crossing one foot over the other.
• Finally, respond to random directions or visual cues from the teacher, with no fixed pattern.

The pole turn has four stages:

• Approach the pole with a controlled, balanced run, keeping the eyes on the pole.
• Plant the inner foot, closest to the pole, firmly and rotate the body by pivoting on it while swinging the free leg around the pole.
• As the turn is completed, push off the pole with the direction of the flow.

The Pole Shuttle Run is a team race:

• Team members sit in a row 4 metres from the Kho-Kho pole.
• The first player runs to the pole, completes the turn and comes back to give kho to the next player, who repeats it.
• The time is noted at the start and finish, and the team that completes it in minimum time wins.

Covering is an offensive skill for chasers:

• It helps players understand chaser strategies that work in coordination with teammates, while keeping proper position and pursuing the defender.
• The chaser reads the defender's actions and adjusts the approach.
• The chaser gets up, walks towards the defender in a straight line and, when an opportunity arises, moves straight, left or right towards the defender.

The relay practises covering and attacking:

• Team A lines up in sitting stance on the centre line; the first player gets kho, walks in the cross line, takes 3 steps and attacks towards the left.
• The player touches a cone placed at a 45 degree angle, turns left and returns to give kho to the player in box number two.
• This continues till the 8th player, who comes back to touch the pole; Team B repeats it, and the relay can also be done with a right turn.

A chain works only when every player knows the plan:

• Positions are assigned by the order in which players line up at the start, and each player has a specific role in the barrier.
• Players must move together as a unit, first practising in slow motion.
• Hand and sound signals tell players when to form the chain and when to adjust positions.

The Sitting Relay Race trains quick response to kho:

• Two teams of nine are formed; one player stands while the others sit in Kho-Kho stance 2 to 3 metres apart.
• The standing player runs to the nearest sitting partner and gives a pat (kho) on the back, and the sequence continues.
• The team whose last player finishes first wins.

A fake works only if the defender cannot read it:

• Timing and unpredictability are very crucial when executing fakes.
• Fakes should be integrated seamlessly into the game without disturbing the flow of movements.
• Reaction time drills and one-on-one faking drills make fakes more natural during the actual game.

Ace-of-the-fake practises actual and fake kho:

• Three to four teams of nine players are formed; eight sit in the Kho-Kho formation and one player starts.
• Each team must give three actual kho and two fake kho as soon as possible.
• The team then shouts "Pancham", and the team that finishes first wins.

The pole dive is executed as follows:

• Keep the body low to the ground and lean slightly in the direction of the dive.
• When diving left, plant the left foot and grab the pole with the right hand; when diving right, plant the right foot and grab it with the left hand.
• Use the free arm and torso to generate the movement and get the player out.

The book describes the push-off in these steps:

• As the dive is completed, push off with the outer foot.
• Use both hands to push off as well.
• Rotate the non-planted foot around the pole to get out of the dive.

The Elbow Lock Challenge is a lead-up activity of the Pole Dive session:

• Two teams line up facing each other about six metres apart, and one player from each comes to the centre and locks elbows.
• Both sing one or two lines of a folk song while moving in a circle.
• As the first stanza ends, each tries to pull the other to their own side; a successful pull earns one point.

Toe tapping is done by a sitting chaser:

• Position: the chaser is in the sitting position, ready to react to the defender.
• Focus and anticipation: the chaser watches the defender and predicts speed, direction and pattern.
• Timing: as the defender approaches, the chaser extends one arm to tap the toe or feet without falling over the centre line.

Grab the Cone trains reaching without crossing a line:

• A starting line and a restraining line are marked about three to five metres apart, with three cones in a row one metre after the restraining line.
• Each player runs and touches the cones as instructed (centre, right, left) without crossing the restraining line.
• The teacher slowly decreases the time between instructions to make it harder.

The 3-2-3 chain is taught step by step:

• Each player learns the designated position, assigned by the order of lining up at the start of the match.
• The teacher demonstrates the formation, highlighting the role of players in the front, middle and back.
• Students first practise without the chaser so they can focus on technique without opponent pressure.

Standing Kho-Kho is played in a circle:

• Six groups stand at the circle's border; one player is the chaser and another the runner.
• The chaser can enter the circle but the runner cannot, except to pass and stand in front of a lane, after which the last person in that lane becomes the runner.
• If the chaser catches the runner, the runner becomes the chaser and the chaser becomes the runner.

Both are skills used at the pole, but they differ:

• In the pole turn, the chaser plants the inner foot, pivots and swings the free leg around the pole to turn quickly.
• In the pole dive, the chaser keeps the body low, plants the foot on the side of the dive, grabs the pole with the opposite hand and dives to get the player out.
• The pole turn ends with a push-off in the direction of the flow, while the pole dive ends with a push-off using the outer foot and both hands.

This Circle Time follows the session on running on a straight line:

• Students identify the mistake they made when the sound and visual signal for starting was given.
• Understanding the mistake, such as rising late or moving sideways, helps them correct it.
• It teaches that recognising one's own mistakes is the first step to improving.

A chaser must sit correctly and then rise and run correctly.

• Stance: stand at the designated block looking straight, then sit on the toes in the block.
• The hands are placed on the ground, forming a bridge with the fingers and thumb, with the body leaning a little forward.
• The weight is balanced on both toes and hands.
• Chasing footwork: take out the left leg first to run left and the right leg first to run right.
• Running: keep an upright posture with the head up, swing the arms naturally and focus on the defender.

Giving kho is the basic action that passes the chase from one chaser to another.

• The kho signal is both oral and touch: tap the teammate's back and shout "kho" at the same time.
• At least one leg should be behind the cross lane while giving kho.
• There are three types: simple touch kho, early kho and late kho.
• Teams practise giving kho in different techniques in the lead-up activity.
• In the Circle Time, players discuss how they anticipated who would give them the kho, so they can rise quickly.

Dodging allows defenders to avoid being tagged by the chasers.

• It combines quick footwork, agility and strategic movement.
• Leaning: the defender leans one way and runs the other, creating an opening to slip past.
• Quick turns: rapid turns and pivots change direction swiftly, so chasers cannot anticipate.
• In Move to Safety, runners must cross 20 metres past chasers at the centre without being tapped.
• Each runner who reaches the end-line earns a point, so players practise leaning and turning under real pressure.

Zig-zag running includes straight running and sidewards running.

• Start slow: walk or jog through the pattern, focusing on footwork and changes of direction.
• Add Kho-Kho movements such as dodging, chasing and tagging gradually.
• Increase speed slowly, keeping movements quick and controlled.
• Practise lateral movements by crossing one foot over the other between cones, which improves agility and coordination.
• Respond to random directions from the teacher, which trains reaction time for the unpredictable moves of a real game.

The pole turn is a skill used by chasers to make quick turns and tag runners.

• Approach: run in a controlled and balanced way with the eyes on the pole.
• Execution: plant the inner foot firmly and pivot on it, rotating the body in the direction of the turn.
• At the same time, swing the free leg around the pole in the desired direction.
• Pushing off: as the turn ends, push off the pole with the direction of the flow.
• Practice: in the Pole Shuttle Run, players sitting 4 metres from the pole run, turn and give kho to the next player, racing against time.

Covering chase teaches chasers to pursue the defender in coordination with teammates.

• It shows the importance of offensive strategies, proper position and effective pursuit.
• The chaser reads the defender's actions and walks towards them in a straight line, moving straight, left or right when an opportunity comes.
• One-on-one pursuit drills improve speed, timing and anticipation.
• In the relay, each player gets kho, takes 3 steps, attacks left, touches a cone at 45 degrees and returns to give kho to the next player.
• The 8th player finally touches the pole, and the team with the minimum time wins.

The chain is a team skill in which players work together to form a moving barrier.

• Its objective is to corner the runner and prevent them from crossing the centre line.
• Each player has a designated position, based on the order of lining up at the start, and a specific role.
• Players must move together as a unit, practising first in slow motion, and use hand and sound signals.
• In the Sitting Relay Race, nine players pass kho one after another as fast as possible.
• This trains players to anticipate the kho and reduce the time between receiving it and standing up, which the chain needs.

Fake kho is a strategy to mislead defenders, create openings and gain advantage.

• Timing and unpredictability are crucial for a successful fake.
• Fakes should be part of the normal flow of movement so that the defender cannot tell them apart from real kho.
• Reaction time drills, where players respond quickly to cues using fakes, make fakes natural.
• Competitive one-on-one drills require players to use fakes to get past defenders.
• In Ace-of-the-fake, teams give three actual and two fake kho as fast as possible and shout "Pancham"; fake kho may also be used near a pole.

The pole dive is a quick movement at the pole to get a defender out.

• Approach the pole at a controlled and steady pace.
• Keep the body low and lean slightly towards the dive; plant the foot on the side of the dive and grab the pole with the opposite hand.
• Use the free arm and torso to generate the movement.
• Push off with the outer foot and both hands, rotating the non-planted foot around the pole.
• For safety, keep the eyes on the pole, use correct footwork and keep the head and legs clear of the pole to avoid collisions.

Toe tapping is a chaser's skill done from the sitting position.

• The chaser watches the defender and predicts the speed, direction and pattern of movement.
• As the defender approaches, the chaser extends one arm forward to tap the toe or feet.
• The chaser must not fall over the centre line while reaching.
• In Grab the Cone, players touch cones placed one metre beyond a restraining line without crossing it.
• As the teacher shortens the time between instructions, players learn to react fast and reach far without losing balance.

The 3-2-3 chain is a defence strategy in Kho-Kho.

• Players form a chain with three in the front, two in the middle and three at the back.
• This formation creates a strong defence barrier.
• Positions are assigned based on the order in which players line up, and each player has a specific role.
• The teacher first demonstrates the formation and the role of each row.
• Practising without the chaser lets players focus on forming the chain and improving movements without the pressure of opponents.

Kho-Kho is a team game in which players depend on one another.

• Giving kho passes the chase from one teammate to another, so chasers must anticipate and respond quickly.
• The chain requires all players to move together as a unit and use hand and sound signals.
• The 3-2-3 chain gives each player in the front, middle and back a specific role.
• Covering chase teaches chaser strategies that work in coordination with other players.
• The unit's aim "Work as a Team" is met through such skills and the Circle Times that follow them.

Kho-Kho is fast, so players who anticipate and react quickly have an advantage.

• Chasers anticipate who will give them kho, as discussed in "Anticipating the Kho".
• In the Chain session, players learn to reduce the time between the kho and standing up for a chase.
• In toe tapping, the chaser predicts the defender's speed, direction and pattern.
• In zig-zag running, random signals from the teacher train players to react quickly.
• Covering chase drills improve the ability to anticipate the runner's movements.

Team, to play well we must master the basic skills we have learnt.

• Sit correctly in the stance, balanced on toes and hands, and rise with the correct leg first.
• Give kho by tapping the back and shouting "kho" together, with one leg behind the cross lane.
• Run with an upright posture, eyes on the defender, and use pole turns to change direction quickly.
• As defenders, use leaning, quick turns and zig-zag running to dodge the chasers.
• Above all, work together, appreciate good performances, even of opponents, and play safely.

This Circle Time follows the 3-2-3 Chain session and asks whether we will appreciate the opposing player's performance.

• Appreciation shows respect for the effort and skill of others.
• It keeps the game friendly even when competition is strong.
• Watching and appreciating good moves helps us learn new skills ourselves.
• It supports the unit's aim of working together and supporting each other.
• Thus appreciation makes players better sportspersons and the game more enjoyable.

Jaya's stance is incorrect, which slows her start.

• (i) She should sit on her toes in the block, leaning a little forward.
• (ii) Her hands should be on the ground, forming a bridge with the fingers and thumb.
• (iii) Her weight should be balanced on both toes and hands.
• (iv) The circuit of 20 seconds of sitting stance, 10 metres of frog jump and 10 metres of duck walk.

Karan's kho broke two requirements.

• (i) Tapping the teammate's back and shouting "kho" at the same time.
• (ii) At least one leg should have been behind the cross lane.
• (iii) Simple touch kho, early kho and late kho.
• (iv) By watching the chaser coming towards them and being ready in the stance, as discussed in "Anticipating the Kho".

The case is based on running on a straight line.

• (i) He must start again from the beginning.
• (ii) He should keep his eyes focused on the end-point.
• (iii) His hands should move straight and parallel to the ground.
• (iv) The lines are 30 cm apart (and 10 metres long).

The defender has used dodging to mislead the chaser.

• (i) It is leaning.
• (ii) It creates an opening for the defender to slip past the chaser.
• (iii) She could use quick turns and pivots to change direction swiftly.
• (iv) "Wrong footing a player".

Manav has skipped the gradual stages of practice.

• (i) He should begin with a slow-paced jog or walk through the pattern, focusing on footwork.
• (ii) He should increase speed gradually, keeping movements quick and controlled.
• (iii) Crossing one foot over the other while changing direction between cones.
• (iv) The teacher calls out directions or uses visual cues to prompt random changes in the pattern.

Ritu's technique is incorrect in two ways.

• (i) She should plant the inner foot, the one closest to the pole.
• (ii) Her eyes should be on the pole.
• (iii) The free leg should swing around the pole in the direction of the turn.
• (iv) Chasers use it to make quick turns and tag or tap the runners.

Rohit did not follow the relay pattern.

• (i) He should take 3 steps after walking in the cross line.
• (ii) He should attack towards the left (the right-turn version is played separately).
• (iii) The cone is placed at a 45 degree angle.
• (iv) The 8th player comes back to touch the pole.

The team failed to act as one unit.

• (i) To corner the runner and prevent them from crossing the centre line.
• (ii) By the order in which players line up at the start of the match.
• (iii) In slow motion, focusing on the action.
• (iv) Hand and sound (verbal) signals.

The case is based on the Fake Kho session.

• (i) No; the target is three actual kho and two fake kho before shouting "Pancham".
• (ii) It is meant to mislead defenders, create openings and gain advantage.
• (iii) Timing and unpredictability.
• (iv) Near a pole.

Sameer used the wrong footwork for a right dive.

• (i) He should plant his right foot.
• (ii) He should grab the pole with his left hand.
• (iii) His body should be low to the ground, leaning slightly towards the dive.
• (iv) Keep the head and eyes on the pole and follow the correct footwork so the body moves around the pole, not into it.

The case is based on the Toe Tapping session.

• (i) About three to five metres.
• (ii) In a row, one metre after the restraining line.
• (iii) She crossed the restraining line, which is not allowed while touching the cone.
• (iv) Toe tapping, in which the chaser reaches without falling over the centre line.

The case is based on the 3-2-3 Chain session lead-up.

• (i) Six groups.
• (ii) The chaser.
• (iii) The runner becomes the chaser and the chaser becomes the runner.
• (iv) Appreciating performance, including the performance of the opponent team player.

The extract is from the Dodging session.

• (i) It describes leaning, a technique of dodging.
• (ii) The defender.
• (iii) To mislead the chasers about the intended direction and create an opening.
• (iv) Move to Safety.

The extract introduces the 3-2-3 chain.

• (i) Eight players: three, two and three.
• (ii) To create a strong defence barrier.
• (iii) The teacher demonstrates it.
• (iv) To focus on the technique of forming the chain without the pressure of opponents.

Varun responded to the wrong signal.

• (i) Sit down.
• (ii) At the sound of the long whistle.
• (iii) It is a foul, because rising on the wrong whistle is not allowed.
• (iv) He should take out his left leg forward first.

The case is based on the Pole Turn session.

• (i) Team A wins, because the team with the minimum time wins.
• (ii) Players sit 4 metres from the Kho-Kho pole.
• (iii) Each player comes back and gives kho to the next player.
• (iv) Students discuss what happens each time the elbows are flexed and not flexed while making the pole turn.

The Elbow Lock Challenge is played in the Pole Dive session.

They are marked 20 metres apart.

It is a one-on-one drill in which covering chasers try to chase a single runner. It improves speed, timing and the ability to anticipate the runner's movements.

Practising in slow motion lets players focus only on the action of forming the chain. It helps them learn to move together as a unit before playing at full speed.

Students explain why footwork is important for the pole dive with examples. They also write a set of instructions on avoiding head or leg collisions with the pole.

The warm-up is On the spot run to fast feet and Head-to-Toe Stretch. The cool-down is Hamstring Stretch, Calf Stretch and Crossed-leg Toe Touch.

Once players are confident, the teacher calls out directions or uses visual cues to prompt random changes in the zig-zag pattern. This challenges players to react quickly.

Several habits can cut this time:

• Sit in the correct stance with the weight balanced on toes and hands, so the body is ready to rise.
• Watch the teammate who is coming to give kho and anticipate the moment of the tap.
• Practise relays such as the Sitting Relay Race, where kho is passed quickly from one sitting player to the next.

The lead-up uses the game itself:

• Players play Kho-Kho using the single chain pole to pole running skill.
• The player who covers the court in the minimum time is the winner.
• It develops speed and controlled changes of direction while running between the poles, and the Circle Time adds reaction to random signals.