How to Play Kho-Kho?

Game Setup

  • Kho Kho is played by two teams, each with 15 players, but only 9 players from each team take the field.
  • The game takes place on a rectangular field, typically around 29 by 16 meters.
  • A central lane divides the field lengthwise, and 8 wooden poles are placed at equal distances along the lane.
  • The field has two zones, each called an “end,” with players facing alternating directions.

Roles & Objective

Chasers :These players are responsible for tagging the opponents.

Runners :These players avoid getting tagged by dodging or using the poles.

  • The main goal is to tag as many players on the opposing team as possible within a set time.
  • The team that tags the most players or tags all opponents within the time limit wins the round.

Gameplay Flow

  • The game begins with the chasers kneeling along the central lane, facing alternate directions.
  • The active chaser starts chasing runners from the opposing team.
  • The chaser can tag the runners by touching them with their hand.
  • To change direction or pass the chase to a teammate, the chaser taps one of the poles, says “Kho,” and allows the next chaser to take over.
 

Rules for Chasers

  • Only one player (the active chaser) is allowed to chase at a time.
  • The active chaser can run in either direction along the central lane but cannot cross it or turn back.
  • A chaser can only tag a runner by hand, calling out “Kho” when passing the tag to the next chaser.
  • The chaser must say “Kho” clearly and audibly to signal the change.

Rules for Runners

  • Runners dodge the chasers by running around the central lane or using poles as a barrier.
  • Once a runner is tagged, they are out of the game until the inning changes.
  • Runners can’t step out of bounds or touch the central lane directly.
  • Runners can use the poles to change direction and dodge the chaser.
  • Runners are not allowed to cross the central lane or touch it directly.

Scoring and Winning

  • Each runner tagged by the chasers counts as one point for the chasing team.
  • Each team scores by tagging as many runners as possible.
  • After each inning, teams switch roles – chasers become runners and vice versa.
  • At the end of both innings, the team with the highest score wins.
  • If the scores are tied, an extra inning or sudden-death round may be played.
 

Key Skills

Agility and Reflexes :Both chasers and runners need to make quick decisions and movements.

Team Coordination :Chasers need good communication for smooth role changes.

Pole Utilization :Runners can use poles to evade tags; chasers use poles to switch directions.

Endurance :Kho Kho is fast-paced, so players need to pace their energy for sustained performance.

Strategies

Positioning and Anticipation :Chasers should position strategically to block runners’ escape routes.

Efficient Use of “Kho” :Switch roles only when needed to maintain energy and field coverage.

Deceptive Movements :Runners should use fake moves and pole dodges to mislead chasers.

Endurance Management :Both teams should pace their energy, with chasers avoiding unnecessary sprints and runners using strategic pauses.

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