Kabaddi Bonus Point Rules Explained: When Does a Raider Score?
A bonus point is one of the important scoring rules in kabaddi. It gives a raider an opportunity to earn an extra point without touching a defender. However, the raider must follow specific conditions to receive it.
If you are new to kabaddi, understanding the bonus line can help you follow matches and understand why referees award certain points. In this guide, we explain kabaddi bonus point rules, when a raider can score, common mistakes and practical examples.
What Is a Bonus Point in Kabaddi?
A bonus point is an extra point awarded to a raider for legally crossing the bonus line during a raid.
Under standard kabaddi rules, the bonus line becomes active when the defending team has at least six players on the court at the beginning of the raid. The raider must cross the line correctly before touching a defender or being caught.
A bonus point is different from a touch point. A touch point is earned when a raider touches a defender and safely returns to their own half, while a bonus point depends on crossing the bonus line under the required conditions.
Kabaddi Bonus Point Rules Explained
Here are the main rules every kabaddi fan should know.
1. At Least Six Defenders Must Be on the Court
The bonus line is active only when the defending team has six or seven players on the court at the beginning of the raid. If the defending team has fewer than six players, the raider cannot earn a bonus point by crossing the line.
2. The Raider Must Cross the Bonus Line Correctly
The raider must cross the bonus line using the required foot position. Under the standard rule, one foot must touch the ground beyond the bonus line while the other foot remains airborne, without the other foot touching the ground in the area between the midline and bonus line.
Simply stepping over the line incorrectly does not guarantee a bonus point. The referee determines whether the crossing meets the rules.
3. The Bonus Must Be Earned Before a Touch or Struggle
The raider must cross the bonus line before touching a defender or entering a struggle with the defending team. If the raider touches a defender first and then crosses the bonus line, the raider does not receive a bonus point for that crossing.
4. A Bonus Point Is Worth One Point
A successful bonus earns the raiding team one point. If the raider also touches defenders and returns safely, the team can earn additional touch points.
For example, a successful bonus plus one valid touch can give the raiding team two points in the same raid.
5. A Bonus Point Does Not Revive an Eliminated Player
A bonus point increases the team’s score, but it does not bring an eliminated teammate back onto the court. Revivals are governed by the applicable rules for other scoring events.
When Does a Raider Score a Bonus Point?
The easiest way to understand the rule is through examples.
Example 1: A Successful Bonus Raid
Suppose Team A is defending with seven players on the court. A raider from Team B crosses the bonus line correctly before touching anyone and completes the raid according to the rules.
Result: Team B receives one bonus point.
Example 2: Bonus Point and a Touch Point
A raider crosses the bonus line correctly before touching a defender. The raider then touches one defender and safely returns to their own half.
Result: The raiding team receives one bonus point and one touch point, for a total of two points.
Example 3: The Raider Crosses After Touching a Defender
A raider touches a defender first and then attempts to cross the bonus line.
Result: No bonus point is awarded for that crossing. Any valid touch points are decided according to the outcome of the raid.
Example 4: The Raider Earns the Bonus but Is Tackled
A raider legally crosses the bonus line before the defenders tackle them.
Result: Under the standard rules, the raiding team keeps the bonus point, and the defending team can earn a tackle point. The final scoring depends on the exact sequence and the referee’s decision.
These examples show why the order of events during a raid matters.
| Feature | Bonus point | Touch point |
| How it is earned | By legally crossing the bonus line | By touching a defender |
| Minimum defenders required | Six at the start of the raid | No six-defender requirement |
| Point value | One point | One point per valid defender touched |
| Can both be scored in one raid? | Yes | Yes |
| Revives an eliminated teammate? | No | Normally, a valid scoring touch can trigger a revival under standard rules |
Why Are Bonus Points Important in Kabaddi?
Bonus points can make a difference in closely contested matches. When a raider cannot find a safe opportunity to touch a defender, a legal bonus attempt may still help the team add to its score.
However, the raider must judge the court position carefully. A poorly timed attempt can leave them vulnerable to a tackle. Defenders may also position themselves to make the raider’s approach to the bonus line more difficult.
For fans, knowing the bonus point rules makes it easier to understand scoring decisions and appreciate the tactical choices made during a match.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many points is a bonus in kabaddi?
A successful bonus is worth one point.
2. How many defenders are needed for a bonus point?
At least six defenders must be on the court at the beginning of the raid for the bonus line to be active under standard rules.
3. Can a raider score a bonus and a touch point in the same raid?
Yes. If the raider crosses the bonus line correctly before touching a defender, then earns a valid touch point and safely returns, both points can count.
4. Does a bonus point revive a player?
No. A bonus point adds to the score but does not independently revive an eliminated player.
5. Can a raider get a bonus after touching a defender?
No. The raider must cross the bonus line before touching a defender or entering a struggle to qualify for the bonus point.
6. Is the bonus line always active?
No. Under standard rules, the bonus line is active when at least six defenders are on the court at the beginning of the raid.
Conclusion
Kabaddi bonus point rules reward raiders who cross the bonus line correctly while meeting the required conditions. The key points are simple: at least six defenders must be present at the beginning of the raid, the raider must cross the line before touching a defender, and a successful bonus earns one point.
Understanding this rule makes kabaddi easier to follow, whether you are watching a local competition or a professional match.
For more information, read our related guides on kabaddi rules and scoring system and kabaddi player positions and roles to learn how raids, tackles and team strategies work together.
Rules can vary by competition, so consult the tournament’s official regulations when a specific match format applies.
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