Kho-kho is one of the ancient and exciting sports traditions of India, in which a unique combination of speed, stamina and strategic thinking is seen. It is not just a game of running, but an art in which every player has to master some basic skills. I have played many matches in my sports career and have experienced that without these basic skills, it is difficult to succeed in Kho-Kho and here’s what I learnt.
Running & Balancing Technique
The first and most important skill is running technique. In Kho-Kho, not only running fast is enough, but the ability to change direction, control speed, and stop suddenly is also important. I have seen that players who run fast in a straight line but lose balance on the turn are often caught. On the contrary, players who work on the mobility of their feet are able to stay on the field for a longer time. Become a chaser and runner, this running skill is must!
Flexibility – Quick Reflex Skill
The second important aspect is flexibility and balance of the body. Once, in a match, I saw that a player had made his body so flexible that he did not fall even while changing direction. This quality is especially important for defenders, who often have to sit in one place and turn quickly. Yoga and stretching exercises help develop this skill and people in young age can do this in better and faster way then old ones.
Teamwork & Communication
The third skill is teamwork and communication. Kho-kho is not a solo sport, here every player has to coordinate with his teammates. I have felt many times that when team members do not communicate with each other through signals or voice, the strategy fails. For example, if a defender shouts out the direction in which the running player is going, the rest of the players can position themselves accordingly. It means being a kho-kho player, you should always be in active mode and whenever a player gives kho, you should quickly take the action!
Right Decision
The fourth aspect is taking the right decision at the right time. Every moment in Kho-kho brings a new challenge. Once I saw a match where one player decided to change direction at the wrong time and got caught. On the other hand, the other player showed patience and waited for the right opportunity and escaped till the end. This skill does not come without experience and field practice.
Keep Calm
Finally, mental toughness is the secret weapon of Kho-kho. When I first played at the national level, I saw that the level of competition was very high. The players who won there were those who kept calm and took decisions even under stress. I learned from my coach that meditation can help develop this skill.
Final Words
Kho-Kho is not just a physical sport, but a perfect coordination of mind and body. By working on these basic fundamental skills, any player can master this game and become a pro. I believe that if young players take these things seriously, then India can once again become the world champion in Kho-Kho.
