BASIC DEFENSIVE SKILL

 THIGH HOLD
1. Thigh hold is an individual skill which can be applied
by any defence player.
2. This skill is a major advantage for defence players,
since the playing system or the position of the anti is
immaterial for applying it.
3. Every team uses the thigh hold technique as a
planned and surprise tactic.
4. With the skill, most raiders are caught not only by
corners and covers; but also by supporting players.
TYPES OF THIGH HOLD
1. THIGH HOLD ON SAME STANCE
(WITHOUT CHANGING POSITION)
(COVERS/CORNERS).

2. HOLD WITH FORWARD SKIP

(CORNERS/COVERS).

3. TAKING STEP AND HOLD

(CORNERS/SUPPORTS).

4. HOLD FROM BEHIND (CORNERS).

 MECHANISM OF
THIGH HOLD
1. Observation and anticipation
Before going to thigh hold, anti should
observe the moves and attacks of the
raiders. Weather the legs are in reach of
an anti during attack.
2. Body position
The anti should bend his upper body to
be in line with the raider’s hip joint in
order to check the raider speed. To
maintain balance, the anti should try to
keep his leading leg in between the
raider’s stance.
3. Approach
To execute this skill, anti should cover
the raider’s outer shoulder from behind,
with a wider chain. When the raider
 comes back to his position to restart his
attack during the raid or when the raider
runs blind towards corner zones.

4. Hold/Grip
To hold the better grip, it is suggested
that the grip is made with the elbow,
since this is more firm when compared
to a grip made with palm or wrist. Inner
hand should be placed below the knee
joint to give the better support to the
hold. It is advisable to put a supporting
hand on the ankle from behind to change
the raider’s direction easily.
5. Follow-through action
Lift up: situation
 In condition when the raider is not
heavy compared to defender’s body
weight.
  When raider is in full motion to attack
at the corner. Cover can attack to
thighs and lift the raider up.
Holding at same place: situation
 When raider is playing on leading leg,
the anti hold the raider at the same place
with firm grip.

 Changing the direction: situation

 When the raider is running towards the
anti to attack .The anti holds the thigh
and changes the direction of anti toward
 end line.

 When to apply thigh hold

(a) The raider drags his feet back for
executing any skill.
(b) When the raider comes back to his position
to restart his attack during the course of
raid.
(c) When raider skips back or changes his
direction towards corner to attack.
(d) When the raider takes a sideward running
movement from center zone to corner
zone.

DRILLS FOR THIGH HOLD

1. The player holds the thigh of a partner who moves
forward. The player will try to resist and pull the
partner towards his direction.

2. The player holds the partner’s thigh with an elbow

grip and pulls him towards his direction.
3. Partner will try to go forward while the catcher
moves with the partner, holding both his thighs in
same direction.

4. Player encircles the thigh and lifts the partner

while rushing towards the flag post and takes a
turn to reach the starting point.
5. Equal partners are selected. One player will take
the position for thigh hold, keeping his shoulder
in level with the hip joint of his partner and tries to
push without lifting him. Partner also will try to
resist the pressure and will push the player in
opposite direction.

6. Players stand in a line. One player will stand

opposite to the line as an anti. Each player starts
his raid from the cone and attacks on the anti who
takes a thigh hold. After taking the hold the anti
will join the line of players who act as raiders,
while the raider become the anti to continue the
drill.
7. Raider is positioned in the midfield with two
anties on either side as corners. Raider is free to
attack any side the anties on both sides must be
ready to initiate a hold. The anti who holds the
raider will replace him and so on. This drill is
carried out with three players in the court.

8. The raider is at midfield and is covered with

two chains on either side. The raider is asked
to take a turn and attack on the opposite
 corner. The corner player goes for thigh hold
and other anties will support.

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY
CATCHING FROM THE BACK

Objective: to develop strength and agility

No. of players: about 12
Area: 10*10m
Description: the game is played in pairs. The teacher divides
the class into pairs of almost equal ability. The partners stand
facing each other at about an arm’s distance. On a signal, the
partners try to pull and push with the aim of catching the other
from behind. Any one who is successful is the winner. The
competition may be on best three contest basis.
 Rules/ guideline
1. Hard push is not permitted.
2. Second contest is organized when all pairs have completed the contest
subject to maximum period of one minute.

Bibliography
Rao . E. Prasad (1994)” MODERN COACHING IN
KABADDI”DHARAM VIR SINGH SAINI.