Takraw

Takraw
Thai style volleyball
This game similar to volleyball but instead of hands you use feet,knees.elbows and head the ball,it
is a fun game to watch and no doubt fun to play,but you need the skills as the more fancy the kick over the net the more points you get,it is very popular in Thailand and can be seen at many parks where there is room for them to play.
It is also played in the other Asian countries in Malaysia it is called Sepak Raga in Indonesia- Sepak Takraw,Laos-Kator and Philippines-Sipa it is starting to get more recognition as a professional sport I would like to see it at the Olympics although the westerners would be at a disadvantage as slim and fast is the Key.
Fast accurate kicks almost martial arts style with the knees controlling the in play.Similar to volleyball rules in the 1-2-3 and over the net.
A small rattan ball is used instead of the larger volleyball.
The game has been around for hundreds of years so is not new to Asia.World championships are held each year in Thailand.
There are 3 players to a team (local fun games have more) One to serve ,one to control the ball and to set up the third player who delivers are well aimed kick to put the ball over the net at high speed.
Contest games are based on 21 points.In the villagers no score is kept the winning team is the one that draws the most attention from the crowd and puts on the best show.
The Park I go to watch the game has the same guys there everyday,month after month,this is
not just a game this is their social life there are always young guys there practicing hoping to get in on a game.
In the time I have watched I have never seen a fight or show of anger and although I do not understand what they are saying there is definitely some ribbing going on.If you are in Asia do not miss seeing at least one game as the skill of these players is impressive.
The Asian girls love this sport and are among the loudest supporters.
There may well be Asian women teams if so I have not seen them but maybe in the future,,I
wouldn't miss it.

  • 19 Nov, 2015