Sepak Takraw (“see’ pahk tahk’ rahw”)

SEPAK TAKRAW(“SEE’ PAHK TAHK’ RAHW”)

By: Jordan Bright

WHAT IS SEPAK TAKRAW?? Click the link below to find out! Link The object of Sepak Takraw is to hit the

ball (takraw) over the net without the opposing group being able to return it. The difference between this and volleyball is that the ball is hit only using your lower body.

“Sepak” is the Malay work for kick.“Takraw” is the Thai word for woven ball.

GENERAL INFORMATION Modern Sepak Takraw, or Takraw for

short (also known as Kick Volleyball), began in Malaysia and is now their national sport.

It combines elements of Soccer, Footbag, Volleyball, Baseball, Badminton, Gymnastics and the ancient sport of Sepak Raga.

Balls woven of rattan stems have primarily been replaced by woven synthetic balls, which are much safer and more durable.

HISTORY The modern version of Takraw began

taking shape in Thailand about 200 years ago.

And in 1829, Thailand’s sports authority drafted the first official rules of the game.

Within a few years, Sepak Takraw was introduced to the physical education curriculum of Thai public schools.

RULES The Sepak Takraw court and net are of the same

height and dimensions as in badminton. A team consisting of 3 members is called a "Regu". Two regus compete for higher scores by spiking a ball into the opponent's court. Most of the same rules apply as for volley ball, with the following main exceptions:

- players are prohibited from using their hands & arms

- a player can touch the ball up to 3 times consecutively

- the players' positions on the court need not be rotated

- net serves (falling within the boundary) are accepted

COURT AND DEMENTIONS

SCORING A match is composed of 3 sets. The first regu to score 21 points wins a set. The first regu winning two sets wins the match. In either set, if both regus are tied, 20 - 20, play

continues until one regu wins by 2 points, up to a ceiling of 25 points.

If each regu wins one set out of the first two, then the third set is played and is called the "Tiebreak".

The Tiebreak only goes up to 15 points, but again a regu must win by 2 points, up to a ceiling of 17.