Kelsey Turner
Sepak Takraw is a sport most easily described as
kick volleyball. It is mainly played in Southeast
Asia. The meaning of its name is literally kick
woven ball which is precisely how it is played.
THE BALL
The takraw is the hand-woven ball used in this sport.
It has a true round
surface and is
bouncy. An air-filled
ball would provide
too much bounce
for this game.
Different color balls can symbolize
varying levels of difficulty. Higher
levels will have a heavier ball for
better control and would be more
tightly woven for a bouncier and
fast-pace game.
• The court is similar to
that of a doubles
badminton court .
•A match is played by
two teams of three also
called a regus.
• One player is
positioned in the back
and two in the front by
the net.
• The players may only
use feet, chest, head,
and knees to touch the
ball.
• The ball cannot be hit
more than three times
by one team before
going over the net.
Serving begins by an
inside player, the
players closest to the
net, tossing the ball to
the tekong, also known
as the player at the
back of the court. The
tekong must be
standing in the service
box.
The serve is valid if it goes over the net into the
opponent’s boundary of two net tapes and stays
within the perimeter of the court. Teams alternate
who serves every three points.
A set is played up
to 21 points with a
minimum 2 point
lead. Ceiling score
is 25 points.
A match or regu is
won by the best
two out of three
matches.
A team event
match is won by
the best two out of
three regus
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Highlights from 2014
Prince Cup
This is an annual sepak
takraw tournament for
both men and women.
It is divided into age
groups categories.
The 37th Prince Cup
was held in Bangkok,
Thailand this past
April.
There are four events:
Open men's team
event, open women's
team event, under 21's
men's regu event, and
open men's hoop
event.
Sepak Takraw is a sport uncommon to
Georgia though it has been played in the United
States since the late 1980s. It is more common in
northern and western states such as California
and Minnesota. Although its popularity has not
reached here, it is a good, healthy, and fun way to
learn about another culture while staying active.