Sepak Takraw is a popular game all over the world. Interestingly, it is a very similar sport to volleyball. However, it has some differences, too. Moreover, the rules and popularity of the game vary from country to country.
History
Sepak Takraw is a dual sport that originated in Southeast Asia. It is played with a ball made of rattan or synthetic fiber. Players try to serve the ball over the net while the other team tries to block it. A point is scored if the team fails to return the ball over the net within three hits.
The game’s origins can be traced to the Malaccan Sultanate in the 15th century. While Sepak was initially a leisure activity, it was eventually standardized and developed into a competitive game. In 1965, Malaysia held the first international Sepak Takraw competition. Since then, the game has spread to other countries and become a sport with multiple versions.
There are over 20 countries that have sepak takraw federations, including the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Currently, the International Sepak Takraw Federation is the governing body for the sport.
Sepak Takraw is a 2-on-2 game that features spectacular jumping skills and flips. The game is played on a court with a volleyball-like net. This is a similar game to a sport called sipa, a native sport in the Philippines.
Sepak Takraw is a great training sport for soccer. The game was designed with mechanics similar to soccer. Originally, the ball was made from rattan strips. However, modern equipment uses synthetic fiber and replaces the rattan strips.
Sepak Takraw is a very popular sport in South East Asia. In fact, it is now a part of the Asian Games. Countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore dominate the sport. But there are also countries such as Iran, Myanmar, and Oman that are strong contenders in the game.
During the first half of the twentieth century, the sport was sown simultaneously in Malaysia and Thailand. The game was recognized as an Olympic event in 1990.
While the original game was not played as a competitive sport, the popularity of the game grew and reached its climax when the first constitution was established in 1933. By then, most schools had badminton courts. That year, Malaysia won gold in the first two Asian games, forcing Thailand to develop its team.
Similarity to volleyball
Sepak Takraw is a sport originating in Southeast Asia. It is a 3-on-3 game that is similar to volleyball in many ways. But the primary difference is the use of feet instead of hands.
The game is played in a court with a net that is about five feet high. The width of the court is about half that of the net. Traditionally, the ball is made of rattan. However, modern grapefruit-sized balls are usually made of synthetic fibre.
Two teams of three players are placed on the court, with the inside player being the closest to the net. The other two players are positioned behind the net, known as tekong.
To start a game, the server kicks a grapefruit-sized ball over the net. Each team has three touches to pass the ball over the other team’s net. If the ball hits the ground, the team on the side of the net is credited with a point.
There are a variety of kicks that can be used to score points. These include a cross-legged jump kick, a instep kick and a head kick.
Sepak Takraw is a fast-paced, gravity-defying sport. Players perform acrobatic moves to volley the ball over the net. They are allowed to touch the ball with their knees, chest and head, but not with their hands.
This fast-paced, two-on-two game is extremely popular in Southeast Asia. Although it has deep roots in this region, it is spreading to other parts of the world. Countries like Thailand, Indonesia and South Korea are now considered powerhouses on the international stage.
In the United States, there are national Takraw tournaments held every year. There is also an opportunity for American athletes to compete in international competitions.
Sepak Takraw is not only an exciting sport, but it also offers a unique experience for players. Players can practice this sport in a gym or even on the beach. The game is also a martial art and it is often played during special occasions in Asia.
While this sport has been around for centuries, it has recently been gaining international recognition. As a result, it may one day become an Olympic sport.
Rules
The rules of Sepak Takraw are similar to those of volleyball, though there are some variations. While most players are allowed to touch the ball with their hands and heads, some are limited to the knees or chest.
To play, players wear shoes, protective guards, and a playing jersey. They also wear a ball, which should be made of durable and soft material. It must weigh between one and two hundred grams.
Players can play with either two, three, or four people on their team. The goal is to send the ball over the net. Each team is allowed to make three shots to pass the ball to their teammates.
Each team can have up to 21 points in a match. A team is declared the winner when they have beaten the other team in two sets. If a team fails to pass the ball over the net, it is considered a fault.
Sepak Takraw is played on a court, which is twice the size of a regular badminton court. The players should wear a pair of flat shoes and have a minimum of twelve holes in their ball. There should be a net that stretches across the width of the court.
Each player on a team can be assigned a specific role. Two players are placed on each side of the net, near the center line. Depending on the team, the other two players may play close to the net, or they may play in the centre of the court.
As with most athletic sports, the game requires a high level of fitness. To play, players must be able to kick the ball with speed. Also, they must be flexible enough to be able to move and flip the ball while airborne.
Sepak Takraw is played with a ball, which is usually made of rubber or synthetic fibre. The ball should be at least four and a half inches in diameter. It should have a minimum of 20 intersection points.
The opposing team can also touch the ball with their head, chest, or other parts of their body. If the other team touches the ball with these other parts, they are penalized, which means they lose a point.
Popularity in other parts of the world
Sepak Takraw is a fast-paced sport that is played in several countries in Southeast Asia. The game is also popular in Malaysia and Indonesia. A number of other countries have their own federations, including the United States and India. It is becoming a growing sport throughout the world.
This game is considered a hybrid of soccer and volleyball. Players use a ball made from rattan or synthetic fiber to kick it back and forth. Teams play two-on-two with a net. One team will serve first, and the other will get a chance to hit the ball back within three hits.
The game is played on a court that is approximately the size of a badminton court. The equipment used is a net and a rattan ball. Although rattan is traditionally used, a synthetic ball has been introduced in recent years.
Sepak Takraw is a very physical sport that requires players to perform acrobatic tricks. The most prestigious tournament is the King’s Cup in Thailand. Other competitions include the International Sepak Takraw Federation World Cup and the ISTAF Super Series. There are more than 30 countries that recognize a sepak takraw federation.
It has been a medal sport at the Asian Games since 1990. During the 2011 World Cup, 180 athletes from 36 teams competed. Most of the athletes came from South-East Asia. Some countries that participated in the tournament included Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.
While the sport is popular in Southeast Asia, it has spread in other parts of the world as well. Canada and the US have national teams that have competed in some of the most important international tournaments. In 2000, Rick Engel and Perry Senko played for the Canadian team.
Sepak Takraw has received worldwide recognition as a unique and exciting sport. Its popularity is expected to grow in the coming years. In fact, it may be one day featured in the Olympics.
Sepak Takraw has already become very popular in the Philippines and Indonesia. In the meantime, it is still growing in popularity in the United States and Canada.
In the future, it is expected that Sepak Takraw will expand into other countries, as well. There are already some fans in France and Canada.