Sepak Takraw
Southeast Asian Kick Volleyball
What is Sepak Takraw?
Sepak Takraw is a spectacular foot volleyball game where players touch and handle the ball using only their feet, knee, chest and head. The rules and regulations of the game are very much similar to that of volleyball. A very popular game around Southeast Asia, the game is played using a rattan or synthetic ball.
Since 1990, Sepak Takraw has been included in the Asian Games, showcasing its significance as a major competitive sport in the region.
For more information: Wikipedia - Sepak Takraw
Suitable For
Ages 10 and up
Duration
1-2 hours per session
Team Size
3 players per team (regu)
Equipment
All provided
Game Terminology
"Takraw" is the Thai word for the hand-woven rattan ball originally used in the game. Therefore, the game is essentially "kick ball". The concept of Footvolley originates from Thai Takraw pronounced (Tha-Graw).
Also sometimes misnamed by foreigners as "Shaolin Soccer", however it is an ancient game mainly enjoyed between Thai and Laos communities.
Event Categories
There are two main types of event categories in competitive Sepak Takraw:
Regu (Team)
Played by three players on each team
Doubles Regu
Played by two players on each team
Court Specifications
The sepak takraw sport is played on a court similar to a badminton double-sized court.
Court Dimensions:
- • Court size: 13.4 by 6.1 metres (44 ft × 20 ft)
- • Height clearance: Free from all obstacles up to 8 metres (26 ft) from floor
- • Boundary lines: Not more than 4 cm (1.6 in) width, drawn inwards from edge
- • Center line: 2 cm (0.79 in) width, dividing right and left court equally
- • Quarter circles: 0.9 metres (2 ft 11 in) radius at corners of center line
- • Service circles: 0.3 m radius, 2.45 m from back line, 3.05 m from sidelines
Note: Sand and grass courts are not advisable for competitive play.
Net Specifications
The net shall be made of fine ordinary cord or nylon with 6 cm to 8 cm mesh, similar to a volleyball net.
Net Requirements:
- • Width: 0.7 m
- • Length: Not shorter than 6.10 m
- • Edging: 0.05 m tape double at top and bottom
- • Net height (center): 1.52 m for men / 1.42 m for women
- • Net height (posts): 1.55 m for men / 1.45 m for women
Ball Specifications
The sepak takraw ball shall be spherical, made of synthetic fibre or one woven layer.
Traditional Rattan Ball:
- • Structure: 12 holes and 20 intersections
- • Circumference (Men): 42 to 44 cm (16.5–17.3 in)
- • Circumference (Women): 43 to 45 cm (16.9–17.7 in)
- • Weight (Men): 170 to 180 g (6.0–6.3 oz)
- • Weight (Women): 150 to 160 g (5.3–5.6 oz)
Modern Synthetic Ball:
Can be constructed of synthetic rubber or soft durable material for covering, to soften the impact on the player's body.
Colours: Plain single colour, multi-colour, and luminous colours (must not impair player performance).
Competition Standard: All world, international, and regional competitions must use ISTAF approved sepak takraw balls.
Player Positions & Roles
A match is played by two teams called 'regu', each consisting of three players.
Tekong (Server)
Player at the back who executes the service kick
Feeder/Setter/Tosser
Player on the left front position
Attacker/Striker/Killer
Player on the right front position
Note: On some occasions, matches can be played by two players (doubles) or four players (quadrant) per team.
Start of Play & Service
Service Order:
The side that must serve first shall start the first set. The side that wins the first set shall have the options of "Choosing Service".
Throw Execution:
The throw must be executed as soon as the referee calls the score. If either "Inside" player throws before the score is called, it must be re-thrown with a warning given.
Player Movement:
During service, as soon as the Tekong kicks the ball, all players are allowed to move freelyin their respective courts.
Valid Service:
The service is valid if the ball passes over the net (whether it touches or not) and inside the boundary of the two net tapes and boundary lines of the opponent's court.
Faults in the Game
Serving Side During Service:
Serving & Receiving Side During Service:
For Both Sides During Game:
Scoring System
Official Match Format
An official doubles or regu match is won by best of three sets (win 2 out of 3 sets), with each set being played up to 21 points.
Team Event / Group Match
A team event is effectively three regu matches played back to back, using different players for each regu. The winner is determined by best of three regus (win 2 out of 3 regus), where each individual regu is determined by best of 3 sets, played up to 21 points per set.
Third Set Rule
In the last 3rd set, the change of sides takes place when one team reaches 11 points.
Point Allocation
When either serving side or receiving side commits a fault, a point is awarded to the opponent side.
Sepak Takraw - The spectacular acrobatic sport of Southeast Asia