Kho-Kho is one of the ancient and popular sports of India, in which a unique combination of agility, stamina and strategic thinking is seen. In this game, the skills of dodging (cunning defense) and change of direction are of special importance. Both these skills help the player to stay ahead of the opponent and gain an edge in the decisive moments of the match. Today we will discuss the nuances of these skills, their training and their use in the match.
Kho-Kho is a game where it is extremely important to maintain a balance of speed and accuracy. When the defender (chasing player) chases the runner (attacker), the runner not only has to run fast, but also has to dodge the chaser by suddenly changing direction. This is where the skills of dodging and change of direction come in handy. A skilled player uses these techniques to confuse his opponent and gain extra time.
Dodging means avoiding the opponent’s attack by moving the body flexibly. In this, the player has to make a sudden turn while maintaining the balance of his body. For example, if the defender is moving straight towards the runner, then the runner can get away from him by turning left or right in a jerk. For this, it is necessary to have strong legs and core strength. It has often been seen that national level players like Sudeep Kumar Malik and Mamta Patil are adept at this skill, due to which they save their team at the crucial moments of the match.
Here’s a video that clearly describes who dodging works in Kho Kho and how to change the direction:
The skill of change of direction is equally important. In this, the player has to change direction suddenly while controlling his speed. This technique is effective only when the player has excellent physical balance. For this, agility drills, such as zig-zag running, ladder exercises and cone drills, are made a part of the training. The coach of the Indian Kho-Kho team often reiterates that the speed and accuracy of change of direction decides the difference between a good runner and an average runner.
While using these skills in a real match, the player has to take decisions according to the situation. Sometimes, suddenly stopping and changing direction while running at a fast speed surprises the opponent, but if it is done at the wrong time, the player himself can lose balance. Therefore, it is important to perfect these techniques by repeating them again and again during practice. It has often been seen that junior level players focus on speed, but miss out on changing direction, due to which they get out easily.
There have been many matches in the history of Kho-Kho where the skill of dodging and changing direction turned the tables of the match. Remember the final match of the 2016 National Kho-Kho Championship, where the Maharashtra team, led by its captain, confused the Tamil Nadu defenders by constantly changing direction and won in the last minute. Such examples prove that these type of advance Kho Kho skills play a decisive role not only in individual performance, but also in the success of the team.
If a new player wants to learn these skills, he will need patience and regular practice. Dodging and change of direction should be practiced slowly in the beginning so that the body balance is maintained. The speed can be increased with time. Apart from this, core exercises, plyometrics and stamina training also help in improving these skills.
In short, in a fast-paced game like Kho-Kho, the skills of dodging and change of direction make the player complete. These not only improve their performance but also help in winning in the crucial moments of the match. If India wants more success in Kho-Kho at the international level, then young players will have to pay special attention to these basic skills. Even if you are playing at district level or state level, this skill can be game changer!
