Looking for a unique sport to take up? Want to be a spectator at a high-energy game? Then read on and discover the interesting and fast-paced sport known as sepak takraw.
What is Sepak Takraw?
Sepak takraw is a sport which originated in South-East Asia and can be simply thought of as ‘kick volleyball.’ Just like volleyball the aim of the game is for each team to pass the ball back and forth over the net using their bodies (but not their hands or arms) until someone wins a point.
The most common form of the game involves two teams on either side of the net, with three players on the court for each team.
How to Play Sepak Takraw
Serving
To begin serving in a game of sepak takraw, the server must stand with one foot inside the service circle, while the other two players on the team stand within their corresponding quarter circles. One player throws the ball to the server, who must then kick it over the net into the opponent’s court on the full.
The three players on the opposition team can be anywhere within the court whilst awaiting the serve.
Playing
During a game of sepak takraw, once the ball is served, each team can have a maximum of three touches of the ball before having to return it back over the net without the ball touching the ground.
A variety of kicks and touches can be used, as long as the ball does not touch the hands or arms. Headers, kicks, spikes and knee kicks are used and can look pretty impressive if they are done correctly.
Scoring
Basically speaking, a team receives a point if the opposition cannot return the ball over the net in three touches or less.
A team must score 21 points (by two clear points) to win the set. The first team to win two sets, wins the match.
If a team scores 21, but not two clear points ahead of their opponent, the set continues until one of the team has a clear two-point lead or reaches 25 points.
Equipment Required to Play Sepak Takraw
Sepak takraw is a game which requires minimal equipment to get started. You will need a:
- Ball – the ball used in sepak takraw is ‘woven’ and made of synthetic material or rattan. The ball must contain 12 holes and 20 intersections and must meet specific sizes and weights restrictions.
- Court – a specific lined court for sepak takraw is required with a net in the centre. Courts can either be indoors or outdoors.
- Opponents – it goes without saying, to play a game of sepak takraw you will need opponents. Generally speaking, there will be two teams consisting of three players each, though sometimes teams can consist of two players (doubles) or four players (quadrant).
Sepak Takraw Terminology
If you are new to sepak takraw or are thinking of taking up the game, then perhaps you should brush up on the lingo commonly used around the court
Quarter circle – with a radius of 0.9m, quarter circles can be found at the front corner of each half of the court, at the centre line. There are four quarter circles on the court (two on each side). The left and right forward players are to remain in their quarter circle until the server kicks the ball.
Regu – regu is a Malaysian word meaning ‘team.’ A regu in sepak takraw consists of three players.
Service circle – a service circle is located on each side of the court, with the centre of the circle 2.45m from the baseline. This circle is where the ball is served from.
Tekong – a tekong is also known as the server, and stands toward the back of the court.
Benefits of Playing Sepak Takraw
Like any sport there are many benefits to playing sepak takraw including:
- Increased cardiovascular fitness
- Improved endurance and stamina
- Assisting in physical coordination and balance
- Promoting teamwork
- Contributing to social and cultural connectedness
Just like any exercise it would be wise to do a bit of physical preparation before taking to the court to decrease the risk of injury. Make sure you warm up and stretch before beginning to play.
What Does a Sepak Takraw Court Look Like?
A sepak takraw court is a rectangle court (13.4m x 6.1m), with the same external dimensions as a double badminton court. The court is divided into two halves, with a 1.55m high net in the centre.
A service circle can be found in each half, and quarter circles at the centre line.
Sepak takraw courts at Eridani Park.
Where to Find Sepak Takraw Courts in Brisbane
While there is not a great deal of sepak takraw courts around Brisbane, there are a few available for the public to use. Hopefully more will pop up as the sport increases in popularity.
Eridani Park (Kingston) – Boasting plenty of space, nature play, a basketball court and sepak takraw courts, Eridani Park has it all. It even has picnic facilities and toilets.
Logan Gardens Park (Logan Central) – On the southside Logan Gardens Park is popular among locals with a playground, water play, sporting courts, green space, picnic facilities and accessible toilets. There are two sepak takraw courts and as well as disc golf course.
Indoor courts can often be found in school halls and indoor sports centres, but generally incur a fee for hire.
If you know of any other sepak takraw courts around Brisbane, please let us know in the comments below.
Learn More About Sepak Takraw
Playing sepak takraw is a fun and social sport which is relatively new in Australia. For further information visit the following sites:
Join the conversation