UNIT 1: HISTORY, FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT, AND TERMINOLOGIES

USED IN SEPAK TAKRAW

OVERVIEW

Basically, “Sepak” is the Malay word for “kick” and “Takraw” is the Thai word
for the hand-woven rattan ball originally used in the game. Therefore, Sepak Takraw
quite literally means to kick ball.

Similar to volleyball, Sepak Takraw is a foot volleyball or “kick ball” game

where players touch as well as control the ball using only their feet, knee, chest or head
and try to kick the ball past the net to the opposition side. Failing to kicking the ball past
the net results in a point to the opposition and the first team scoring the maximum point is
declared winner.

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 is also included in Asian games.

HISTORY OF SEPAK TAKRAW

Sepak Takraw, a captivating sport traces its roots to the vibrant cultures of
Southeast Asia, where it has burgeoned from a traditional pastime into a globally
appreciated athletic endeavor. The fusion of soccer, volleyball, and gymnastics elements
creates a dynamic and visually stunning spectacle that has resonated with audiences
worldwide.

Sepak Takraw was originated in Malaysia and became popular in countries such
as Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In the 15th century, it was mostly
played by the royal court and it began as a communal activity during festive occasions
and celebrations. Around 16th century, the game was spread across Indonesia, where
people called it Sepak Raga. In fact, the game is played on a court similar to a badminton
court, with a net suspended in the middle.

Over the centuries, this cultural pastime metamorphosed into a structured sport
with defined rules and competitive formats, drawing on influences from various
traditional games across the region.

The first official Sepak Takraw competition was held at a swim club on May 16th,
1945 in Penang Malaysia where teams mostly from various villages of Penang
participated in it. During that period, the game used to be called Sepak Raga Jaring.
Slowly the game spread across Southeast Asia and around 1950s, it was played in almost
every school.

International Sepak Takraw Federation

Sepak Takraw is a form of volleyball where the players have to hit the ball with
foot instead of hands. Many championships have been organized worldwide but still the
game has not yet been included in Olympics. The main governing body of this game is
International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF). It was formed in 1988. The main goal
of ISTAF popularise the game in 75 countries in order to include it in Olympics. Under
its memberships, ISTAF presently has 31 national associations representing their
respective countries.
 ISTAF is responsible for organizing major Sepak Takraw tournaments worldwide
notably the ISTAF Super Series (ISS) and ISTAF World Championship (IWC). Since
1990, it is also a medal sports in the Asian games. It is also a part of Southeast Asian
games (SEA) since 1967.

King’s Cup Sepak Takraw Championship

Kings Cup Sepak Takraw Championship is dedicated to the King of Thailand. It

is a team game where a team is formed by three regus. The team that has won two points
out of three is the winner. For men’s the championship was started in 1992 and for
women in [Link] both men and women categories, Thailand has mostly won the
championship.

Korea Sepak Takraw Championship

Korea Sepak Takraw Championship is the largest domestic tournament which is

organized every year. The championship included both regu and doubles competitions.
The competition is divided into four divisions which are
 Open division
 College division
 High school division
 Middle school division

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT USED IN SEPAK TAKRAW

The equipment used in Sepak Takraw are mostly comprised of the net and the
hand woven rattan ball. Besides these two, other equipment such as playing jersey, shoes
and protective guards are also used. A brief description about all these equipment is as
follows:

A. Court
The Sepak takraw court is very much similar to that of volleyball court with a flat,
horizontal and uniform surface. The dimension of the court is same as doubles badminton
i.e. around 20' X 44’ with different boundary lines drawn over it. Court borderlines
should be 10 feet away from all obstacles. The net height at the centre is around 5 feet 1
inch.

Different parts and lines of the Sepak takraw court are as follows −
 Center Line − The central line is of 6.1 metre drawn in the middle of the court,
dividing it into two equal halves.
 Quarter Circles − At each side of the central line corners, quarter circles with a radius
of 3 feet are drawn.
 Service Circle − Each half has a service circle from where the server serves the ball.
Each of them has a radius of around 1 foot and the centre of each circle is 8 feet from
the back lines and 10 feet from the side lines.

B. Ball
Considered as the most essential equipment of the game, the ball is spherical in
shape and usually made of synthetic fibre. In some cases, a hand woven layer is also used.
Initially, the ball was made up of rattan strips which were gradually replaced by synthetic
strips. Usually the ball has a maximum weight of 170-180 gram for men and 150-160
gram for women.

Usually, the ball has a diameter of 5 inch. Balls made of synthetic rubber must
have 12 holes and 20 intersections with a maximum circumference of 42- 44 cm for men
and 43- 45 cm for women. The ball can be single coloured or multi coloured but colours
impairing player’s performance are not allowed.

In order to soften the impact of the ball on the player’s body, the ball can be made
of synthetic rubber or any other soft durable material that is approved by the governing
committee.

C. Net
The net used in the game is usually made of ordinary cord or nylon with 6-8 cm
mess and is usually heavier and stronger than badminton nets in order to provide better
impact when the ball hits it. The net shall be 0.7 metres with a maximum length of 6.1
metres. The height of the net should be 1.42 metres from the centre of the court for
women and 1.52 metres for men.

D. Shoes
The shoes used in this game are light in weight and have flat sides with soles. It
has a good grip on both indoor and outdoor surfaces and has a sole inside for supporting
the high impact of constant jumping and landing. These are especially made for players
to help them kick perfectly.

E. Protective gears
In this game, usually, ankle supportive bands are used by players for providing
protection as high jumping is involved throughout the game. Even knee tensors are also
used by players in order to prevent joints and tendon injury. Some players use ankle gears
for ankle support. Players also use forehead bandanas in order to stop the sweat running
into eyes.

OTHER FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

Court Boundaries:
The court is marked with boundary lines that define the playing area. Players must
stay within these boundaries during the game.

Attire:
Players typically wear athletic attire suitable for free movement. Proper footwear
with non-marking soles is recommended.

Referee Stand:
The referee oversees the match from a designated area, ensuring that the game is
played according to the rules.

Scoreboard:
A scoreboard is often used to display the current score and set information.

Whistle:
The referee uses a whistle to signal the start and stop of play, as well as to indicate
faults and other infractions.

Tekong Circle:
The tekong, the player who performs the initial serve, stands within a designated
circle during service.

Cushioning Material:
Some courts may have additional cushioning material around the playing area to
minimize the impact on players during dives and acrobatic moves.
Regulation Height Mark:
A mark on the court may indicate the regulation height for the net during setup.

Officials’ Chairs:
Chairs for officials, including line judges and the scorer, are often placed on the
sidelines.

Training Equipment:
Training aids such as cones and agility equipment may be used for practice
sessions.

First Aid Kit:

A first aid kit should be available on-site to address any minor injuries or medical
needs.

Ensuring that the facility and equipment meet regulation standards is crucial for a
fair and safe Sepak Takraw match. The specifications may vary slightly based on the
level of play, whether it's casual play, local competitions, or international tournaments.

COMMON TERMINOLOGIES USED IN SEPAK TAKRAW

Here are some key terms associated with Sepak Takraw:

Regu: A team in Sepak Takraw consists of three players. This group is referred to as a
"regu."

Toss: The initial action in the game where the referee tosses the ball to a player for the
service.

Service: The act of starting the game by kicking the ball over the net to the opposing
team.

Rally: A sequence of plays where the ball is continuously kicked back and forth between
the two teams.

Spike: A powerful kick or hit aimed at sending the ball forcefully into the opponent's
court, often used to score points.

Dink: A softer, controlled kick intended to place the ball strategically in the opponent's
court.

Kill: Another term for a powerful and decisive spike that results in a point.

Fault: Any violation of the rules, such as touching the net, stepping out of bounds, or
committing other infractions.

Overhand Kick: A kick where the player strikes the ball with the instep, similar to a
soccer kick.

Underhand Kick: A kick where the player strikes the ball with the sole of the foot, often
used for low shots.

Tekong: The player who performs the initial serve at the beginning of a match or after a
fault. This player is usually a specialist in serving.
Substitution: The act of replacing a player with another during a game. Substitutions are
typically allowed during stoppages in play.

Match Point: The situation where one team is one point away from winning the entire
match.

Deuce: A tie situation where both teams have the same score, and one team must score
two consecutive points to win.

Crouch Position: The stance adopted by players when preparing to receive the ball,
involving a low crouching position to enhance agility.

Feint: A deceptive move or feigned action intended to mislead opponents about the
direction or type of kick.

Referee: The official who oversees the match, enforces the rules, and makes decisions on
points and faults.

These terms provide a basic understanding of the language used in Sepak Takraw.
As with any sport, there may be additional local or regional terms used by players and
enthusiasts.

UNIT 2: RULES AND REGULATIONS OF SEPAK TAKRAW GAME

The rules and regulations of Sepak takraw are very much similar to that of
volleyball. The rules vary based on event levels and organizations. The game is played
between two teams which are known as Regu. There are two types of sepak takraw
events −
 Regu − Three players on each side.
 Doubles Regu − Each team has two players.

In Regu, each team has three players including two substitute players. On the
court, the team comprises of a Striker, a Server, and a Feeder. Each player possesses
different set of skills and tactics.

Server
The main job of the server or Tekong is to serve the ball. Prior to the match, each
team must register with minimum 9 players or maximum 12 players. The server usually
hits the ball with high speed across the net with great speed making it difficult for the
opponent players to defend.

Striker
The striker or killer is responsible for executing the volleys in to opponent side
with high speed. When the striker does not possess the ball, he usually tries to block high
kicks from the opponent side.

Feeder
The third type of player is the Feeder, who has the maximum control over the ball
during the match. He is the most agile and responsive player in the team. The main job of
the feeder is to set the ball in a suitable way for the striker to kick hard past the net. He
can also hit the ball across the net. The server usually stands in the back whereas the
striker and feeder take the front left side and front right side.
Basic Rules

The very basic rules of the game are as follows −

 The game starts with a serve. The team that has to serve first is decided by tossing a
coin. The winner of the toss can either choose to serve or choose to defend. The side
that serves first starts the set.
 During the serve, the server must have one of his legs inside the service circle,
whereas the other players must stay in their respective quarter circles.
 Either the feeder or the striker first tosses the ball to the server who then kicks the
ball across the net to the opponent side with one foot in the service circle.
 Tossing the ball to the server must be done only after the referee announces the score.
If the throw takes place before the score call, then the ball is again re-thrown and a
warning is given to the team.
 A serve is called valid if it passes over the net to the opponent side inside the
boundary before the boundary line of the opponent team. Whether it touches the net
or not doesn’t matter. Once the serve is done, the players are free to move in to any
part of their respective court.
 In order to respond the serve, the defending team tries to again pass the ball across
the net to the opponent side within three touches of the ball.
 Usually, the feeder and the server move around the court to defend the serve of the
opposition and set the ball for the striker to strike in two touches.
 The side that wins the first set has the option of choosing the service.
 The game continues till one of the team makes a fault. Once a fault is done by a team,
the opponent team gets a point.
 When the ball is not in play, each team is entitled to a tactical timeout of one minute
during the game. There are no automatic timeouts.
 During the timeout, maximum five players are allowed on the base line in case of
Regu matches.
 In case a player gets injured and needs immediate treatment, the referee can suspend
the game temporarily for 5 minutes. If after the 5 minutes, the player is still unable to
play, he can be substituted with another player.

During a set in a match, the game continues till any of the teams make a fault. It
is considered as fault if −

 A player fails to pass the ball to the opponent team within three touches.
 The ball hits the ground before being kicked off to the other side.
 The ball lands out of bounds.
 The inside player plays the ball after the score call before passing it to the server.
 The inside players lift their foot, cross the quarter circle, or touch the net during
tossing of the ball before the serve.
 The server jumps of the ground during a serve.
 The server fails to kick the ball once it is tossed by the inside players.
 The ball does not go to the opponent side after serve.
 The players use any other part of the body besides the legal ones.
 The ball hits the hand or arm of a player.
 The players shout during the game.
 The player touches the ball at the opponent team side.
 Any body part crosses under or over the net.
 The player holds the ball under the arm or between the legs.
 The ball hits the roof or walls of the court.

In order to make a match free from any controversy, players are enforced with
different penalties in order to behave in appropriately and with proper sportsman attitude
during the game.
 In some of the cases, players are normally cautioned whereas in some severe offenses,
the players are sent off. Details are explained below.

Cases when a player is given a caution and shown the yellow card are −
 If the player is showing unsporting behaviours which are against the norms of the
sports ethics.
 If the player is persistently breaking the laws of the game.
 If the player is delaying the re-start of the game.
 If the player enters or re-enters or deliberately leaves the court without taking
referee’s permission.

Some cases where a player is sent off and shown the red card are −
 If the player is guilty of serious foul play.
 If the player is guilty of violent conducts by deliberately trying to injure his
opponent players.
 If the player either spits or uses any offensive languages against any of the
opponent players.
 If the player gets two yellow cards in the same game.

When the player gets the first yellow card, normal caution is given to him. In case of
getting a second yellow card in the same match, the player is suspended from the next
match.

In case a player gets a red card, he is awarded a send-off from the game as well as
immediate suspension from playing any tournament until a disciplinary committee is
convened and a decision is taken.

Disciplinary actions are taken against any misconduct or disturbances committed by

any team officials in or outside of the court. Similar to players, a team official causing
disturbances during the game gets suspended immediately till a disciplinary committee is
convened and decisions taken.

Scoring

An official Regu or Doubles Regu match usually comprises of three sets of game
with each set having 21 points. Once a set is over, the teams change their side and the
team which lost the previous set serves first. When a team wins two sets, the match is
won. If any of the team doesn’t win two back to back matches, the third match which is
also called the tie-breaker match, only has the target of 15 points.

Before a tie-breaker match takes place, again a coin is tossed by the referee and
the winner of the toss chooses to either serve or defend. After 7 points during the tie-
breaker match, the teams change sides. In case of a tie- breaker match, if both teams are
at 14-14, then the match is extended up to 16 points and the first team to be ahead by 2
points wins the match.

In case of a team event, three back to back matches are played using different
players for each Regu.

Substitution

During the matches, teams can make a substitution from the two substitute players.
The same player cannot be repeated for any team competition involving more than one
team. Out of the registered players, different players are chosen for different Regus. A
player can be substituted at any time on request made by the team when the ball is not on
play.

A team can consider a maximum of two substitute players but during a match,
only one substitution is allowed. A player who has been sent off by the referee can be
substituted, if and only if no substitution has been done till that moment. A team with less
than three players is not allowed to play in the game and is considered as the looser side.

UNIT 3: HAND SIGNALS IN SEPAK TAKRAW

Referee’s / Umpire’s Hand Signals in Sepak Takraw

Line Judge’s / Linesmen’s Hand Signals in Sepak Takraw

UNIT 4 : BASIC SKILLS IN PLAYING SEPAK TAKRAW

Often involving agility, flexibility, and strength, Sepak Takraw is a sport that
combines many different kicks, spikes, and serves. These range from basic ones that most
beginners would be able to pick up easily, to the more acrobatic kinds that require long
periods of training and practice to execute flawlessly.

Except agility and quickness, players also have to perform different kind of shots
based on the situation as well as player characteristics. A player as a striker can play
offensive shots where as a feeder on the defending side tries to defend the shot first in
order to set it for the striker. Some of the shots performed by players are as follows –

KICKING

1. Inside Kick.
Arguably it is the most important skill. This is the kick you will use the most.
Watch any top class players in action and you'll see that this is the control kick of choice.
This move sets up all the killer spikes. While doing an inside kick, you should stand in a
good athletic stance. Feet shoulder width apart. Remember to bend your support leg at the
knee. And, it is important, always keep an eye on the ball! The kicking motion is easy
and don't swing at the ball too hard. The ball is bouncy and you need to just hit it in the
right spot on your foot as well as with the proper motion. Try a few times of simply
tossing the ball to yourself. Focus on the ball and pop it back up to your hands. Catch the
ball and then try again. Do this until the ball is consistently coming back up with ease and
pop it back up to your hands. Once you have gained consistency in this drill you can
begin to try to link some kicks together. Try dropping to your strong foot, popping the
ball up and then kicking with your weak foot before catching the ball. Try to link three
kicks together, on alternating feet. You should be able to see your progression.

2. Outside Kick
This shot mostly used as a part of defense in order to propel the ball move upward.
To perform this shot, the player needs to bend his supportive leg a little while he needs to
make the contact with the ball using the outside of his playing leg. The knee of the
playing leg turns inward and makes a right angle with the leg while performing the shot.

3. Knee/Thigh kick.
The knee and thigh is used when the ball comes fast towards the area between
your knees and your waist. This skill is used to "bump" or deflect the ball up enough to
use an inside kick to control the ball. It is also used when kicking consecutive kicks or in
a circle and the ball gets too close to your body. The motion is like a high step marching
motion. Simply raise the leg with your hip allowing your knee to bend. Try to contact the
ball on the thigh where possible instead of the knee as it provides better control. Make
sure the ball hits the fleshy part of the thigh to "bump" the ball up and out a bit. Try a few
back up to your hands. Once you feel comfortable, try to link with one inside kick, then
catch the ball. Do this over and over until it comes naturally. Once you get this
combination and doing it naturally without thinking, you will be aware of your
improvement in skill.

4. Header.
The header is probably the second most important skill to have, especially in the
net game. The header is used to pop up a ball that comes higher than the waist. The best
way to learn the header is like the inside kick. The contact point should be just above the
forehead at the hairline, not too much on the forehead and not too much on the top of the
head, right in between. Toss the ball to yourself, hit it with your head and then catch it.
Do this several times until you feel comfortable with this skill. When doing the header,
remember to bend your knees and get low beneath the ball. Like the other kicks, you
don't need to focus on power but on accuracy and placement. The next step in this skill
drill is to toss the ball higher and again control it with your head before catching the ball.
It hurts a bit at first, but you'll get use to it. The graduating step is to a header from a high
inside kick or from a header to a controlling inside kick. Try both combinations as you
will be using both of them as you begin to play more.

5. Front kick/Toe kick.

The toe kick is a defensive kick, great for saving a ball that has gotten out in front
of you. It is not, however, a good control kick. Those who play soccer may disagree, but
in sepak takraw the inside is the right way. Learn the toe kick for saves, the inside for
control. The toe kick is achieved by placing the foot out for the ball and depending on the
height of the, either lifting the foot with your hip or just letting the ball bounce off. You
don't need much power because the ball tends to fly off uncontrollably. Do it slow and
take it easy. Like the other kicks, do the same toss and catch drill. Then try with different
combinations. Do the same progression.
SERVING

The act of starting the game by kicking the ball over the net to the opposing team.
The main job of the server or Tekong is to serve the ball. The server usually hits the ball
with high speed across the net with great speed making it difficult for the opponent
players to defend.
The designated team serves first. At the start of the match, the Feeder and the
Striker stand in the quarter circle on their side of the court while the Tekong stands with
one foot inside the serving circle. Either the Feeder or the Striker tosses the ball to the
Tekong to start the match. He then kicks the ball up and over the net with the foot not in
the serving circle.

 The other team can be anywhere in their court.

 The serving team gets a point if the ball touches the net and lands in the court.
 The team continues to serve each time they are awarded a [Link] the initial serve,
all players are free to move around the court.

Horse Kick Serve

A difficult shot to perform, the horse kick serve requires players to have a high
degree of flexibility in order to perform the shot. It is usually a high kick used to hit the
ball as high as the player wants. Here the player needs to perform a high kick and for that
he needs to use his foot to hit the ball in backward direction over his shoulder or head.

PASSING / SETTING

The setter is commonly known as Feeder, who has the maximum control over the
ball during the match. He is the most agile and responsive player in the team. To respond
to the serve, the defensive team will try to get the ball over the net within 3 touches of the
ball. The Tekong and the Feeder both move around the court to pass the ball to the striker
with 1-2 touches. The striker will use the final third touch to send the ball over the net.
Players can have more than one touch.

SPIKING

This is an attacking shot, usually made by lifting the foot above the net and
kicking the ball in a downward direction towards the opponents’ floor. These shots are
usually difficult to stop.

Head spike
Unlike a football header, the header shot in this game is played using the forehead
to hit the ball and make it fly. This shot is mostly performed when the ball height is too
much for performing a shot using their legs. This shot is played both as a serving as well
as striking shots.

Sunback Spike
This shot is very much similar to that of horse kick serve. The only difference is
that the shot is performed in a jump. Here the player needs to jump on one leg while
using the other leg to hit the ball while still in air. Here the player needs to hit the ball in
backward direction over his shoulders or head before finishing the kick
and touching the ground.

Roll Spike
One of the toughest and most stylish shot, here the player first needs to jump
using one leg and while being airborne, he needs to flip in the direction in which he wants
the ball to go. He usually needs to kick the ball backward over the opposite shoulders and
the kick has to happen before the player touches the ground.

BLOCKING

When an attack is imminent, defenders can jump in the air and try and stop an
attack reaching the floor and players will usually turn their backs and lift their legs to
prevent an imminent attack.

UNIT 5: CORE VALUES ASSOCIATED WITH SEPAK TAKRAW / MINI-

TOURNAMENT

Here are some of the core values associated with Sepak Takraw:

Sportsmanship

 Respect for opponents, teammates, and officials is fundamental in Sepak Takraw.

 Players are encouraged to display fair play, honesty, and integrity on and off the
court.

Teamwork
 Sepak Takraw is a team sport that relies on effective communication and
collaboration among team members.
 Players learn to work together to achieve common goals, emphasizing the value of
teamwork.

Discipline
 The sport instills discipline as players adhere to rules, regulations, and codes of
conduct. Disciplined training and commitment contribute to skill development and
overall team success.

Resilience
 Sepak Takraw involves quick movements, acrobatic kicks, and precise ball control,
requiring physical and mental resilience.
 Players learn to bounce back from setbacks, stay focused, and persevere through
challenges.

Cultural Respect
 Sepak Takraw has deep roots in Southeast Asian culture, and players often represent
the cultural heritage of their nations.
 Participants gain an appreciation for cultural diversity, fostering respect for traditions
and customs.

Adaptability
 The dynamic nature of Sepak Takraw, with its fast-paced rallies and unpredictable
ball movements, hones players' adaptability.
 Athletes learn to adjust strategies and tactics during a match, showcasing flexibility
and quick thinking.

Leadership
 Players often take on leadership roles within their teams, guiding and motivating
their teammates.
 Sepak Takraw nurtures leadership qualities, helping players develop as both skilled
athletes and influential individuals.
Courage
 Sepak Takraw features high-flying kicks, powerful spikes, and daring acrobatic
moves that require courage and self-confidence.
 Players learn to overcome fear, take risks, and perform under pressure.

Community and Camaraderie

 Sepak Takraw is not just a game; it is a symbol of community, tradition, and national
pride. Players and enthusiasts form a close-knit community, fostering camaraderie
and a sense of belonging.

Physical Fitness
 The sport promotes physical fitness, agility, and overall well-being.
 Regular training sessions and competitive play contribute to players' health and
fitness levels.

Self-Expression
 Sepak Takraw allows players to express themselves creatively through their unique
playing styles and acrobatic maneuvers.
 It encourages individuality within the framework of teamwork.

Lifelong Learning
 Participants in Sepak Takraw engage in continuous learning, refining their skills and
strategies. The sport promotes a mindset of continuous improvement and a
commitment to lifelong learning.

These values contribute to the holistic development of individuals involved in

Sepak Takraw, fostering qualities that extend beyond the boundaries of the playing field.
As players embrace these values, they not only enhance their athletic abilities but also
contribute positively to their communities and society at large.

REFERENCES:

Bauzon, Orlando D. and De Jesus, Virginia B. (2000) TEAM SPORTS, SLA Publishing
House.

Bertuci, Bob Peterson, James (1992) SEPAK TAKRAW DRILL BOOK, Published by
Masters Press A Division of Howard W. Sames and Company.

FIVB OFFICIAL Sepak TAKRAW RULES.

Macfarlane, A. (2022, August 9). Sepak Takraw: the origins, history, rules, and
equipment. History of Soccer. Link

[Link]. (2022, December 13). Sepak takraw History - Sepaktakraw.

Sepaktakraw. Link

Wikipedia contributors. (2022, November 13). International Sepaktakraw Federation.

Wikipedia. Link