An Introduction to Takraw; The Kick Volleyball Game Popular in Thailand and Southeast Asia

I had never even heard of Takraw before coming to Thailand. The first time I saw it played was on the Thai island of Pha Ngan. My first impression of the game was that it looked painful; young Thais kicking a hard rattan ball with their bare feet. I couldn't help being impressed though as they made martial art like kicks to keep the ball up in the air. I didn't realize at the time that Sepak Takraw is one of the most popular sports in Southeast Asia.

How to Play Sepak Takraw

At first glance Sepak Takraw just looks like volleyball but instead of using your hands you only use your feet. It doesn't take long though, before it becomes obvious that the game has its own unique rules. There are two teams with three players in each team. They are divided by a five foot high net in the middle of the playing area. One player is situated further back from the net and the other two are nearer the net on the left and right hand sides.

The game begins when one player throws the ball to the server who then kicks it over to the other side of the net. Once the ball has been served players can only use their hands or feet to contact the ball. If a ball is not kicked before it hits the ground it is a fault and failing to make it over the net is also a fault. Every time a team has a fault it gives a point to the opposition team. The first team to reach 21 points is the winner of that round. At the end of each game the teams change sides with the losers getting the serve. There are also many more other rules that give the game its unique flavor.

Takraw and the Rest of the World

Sepak Takraw is already a favorite game in most parts of Southeast Asia. It is also making its way into the west due to immigration and people visiting places like Thailand and falling in love with the game. The King's Cup World Championship is held in Thailand each year and countries from around the world can compete in the competition. It also appeared in the 1990 Asian Games.