Kelsey Turner

Sepak Takraw is a sport most easily described as kick volleyball. It is mainly played in Southeast Asia. The meaning of its name is literally kick woven ball which is precisely how it is played.

THE BALLThe takraw is the hand-woven ball used in

this sport.It has a true round surface and is bouncy. An air-filled ball would provide too much bounce for this game.

Different color balls can symbolize varying levels of difficulty. Higher levels will have a heavier ball for better control and would be more tightly woven for a bouncier and fast-pace game.

RULES• The court is similar to that of a doubles badminton court .•A match is played by two teams of three also called a regus. • One player is positioned in the back and two in the front by the net. • The players may only use feet, chest, head, and knees to touch the ball.• The ball cannot be hit more than three times by one team before going over the net.

SERVING

The serve is valid if it goes over the net into the opponent’s boundary of two net tapes and stays within the perimeter of the court. Teams alternate who serves every three points.

Serving begins by an inside player, the players closest to the net, tossing the ball to the tekong, also known as the player at the back of the court. The tekong must be standing in the service box.

SCORING

A set is played up to 21 points with a minimum

2 point lead. Ceiling score is

25 points.

A match or regu is won by the

best two out of three matches.

A team event match is won by the best two out of three regus

THE PRINCE CUP This is an annual sepak

takraw tournament for both men and women.

It is divided into age groups categories.

The 37th Prince Cup was held in Bangkok, Thailand this past April.

There are four events: Open men's team event, open women's team event, under 21's men's regu event, and open men's hoop event.

Highlights from 2014 Prince Cup

SEPAK TAKRAW

Sepak Takraw is a sport uncommon to Georgia though it has been played in the United States since the late 1980s. It is more common in northern and western states such as California and Minnesota. Although its popularity has not reached here, it is a good, healthy, and fun way to learn about another culture while staying active.