What is Sepak Takraw?

The game originated by the royal family of Malaysia about 500 years ago. It was called "Sepak Raga" at the time where "Sepak" is Malay for "kick" and "Raga" is the "rattan ball" used in the game. The game originally in involved players standing in a circle and keeping the "Raga" in the air for as long as possible without using their hands. Variations of the game were played in other Southeast Asian countries: Thailand, the Philippines, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Laos.

Modern Sepak Takraw, or just "Takraw", began in Malaysia. It combines features from Soccer, Volleyball, Gymnastics and the ancient sport of Sepak Raga. Modern balls of woven synthetics have replaced the balls woven of rattan stems. In 1965 the game was unified into the present volleyball style with the addition of a net and the adoption of international rules. The modern name now also includes the "Takraw" term which means "ball" in Thai.

Game: The playing court is similar to the vollyball court. Two teams of three players each compete for higher scores by trying to land the ball into the opponent's court. A team consists of 3 members and is called a "Regu". The general rules are similar to to vollyball with the following main exceptions:

• Players can not use their hands are arms.
• Each player may touch the ball only once before it is kicked over the net.
• There is no need to rotate players' positions.
• It becomes a score (net in) even if the ball touches the net before falling into the companion court.

There are 3 sets in every match. The first team to score 21 points wins the set (the team must win by 2 points, up to a ceiling of 25). The first team to win 2 sets takes the game. If each team wins one set then the third set is played and is called the "Tiebreak". The Tiebreak only goes up to 15 points, but a team must win by 2 points, up to a ceiling of 17.

“A Most Amazing Sport!”

This is the reaction you get from people who are watching a Sepak Takraw game, or are just trying it themselves for the first time. It is not true that only super flexible athletes can play this game; actually anyone of any age or ability level can play Sepak Takraw and enjoy it. Simply adjust the playing level for beginners and increase the challenge as their eye-foot skills improve.

Try It!

Most people don't know very much about the game! Try it! It is easy to understand and play, it does not require big playing fields or expensive equipment, and any number of players can enjoy it. It is even great for solo excersize.

EQUIPMENT:

	NP200 145 grams very light weight, non-intimidating softer synthetic material loosely woven, lots of give ideal ball for the Beginner, espacially elementary school and even JHS age $14.50
	NP300 155 grams light weight medium soft synthetic loosely woven, lots of give good Intermediate Trainer for Junior High School age $15.25
	NP300-T 160 grams medium weight, better control medium thight weave, higher bounce & faster play Official Tournament Ball for women's division and JHS boys and girls $15.95
	NP W401 170 grams slightly heavy, very good control slightly hard synthetic tightly woven, higher bounce, faster game Official Tournament Ball for HS boys $16.70
	NP W501 178 grams heavy, great control (feel ball better on contact) quite hard, very nice high bounce, much faster game Official Tournament Ball for Men's Division World Cup $18.60
	Takraw Net 20ft x 2½ft 2" square durable black nylon netting red top & white bottom & side nylon strips for rope strong nylon tying ropes superb net play when tied tightly to posts $23.95

For information email us at: info@takrawkuwait.com