Special move...

Inside Kick is the most basic. Inside refer to the inside of the foot. This kick is used for control, passing and setting the ball.

 

Outside Kick is using the outside of the foot are usually defensive move used to retrieve or deflect the ball upwards to the next play but the most thrilling highlight of the game is when the players spikes the ball.

 

Roll Spike is when a player jumps his back to the net rotate in the air kicks the ball over his shoulder opposite his kicking foot making him to flip over. It’s the most dramatic move in any game. Spike balls can reach speed of up to 80miles/hr making this moves the most exciting and crowd pleasing moments in any match. Some of the shots can be at off speed pitches as that will mess up the defence.

 

Sunback Spike is a shot when the player jumps with his back to the net and kicks the ball over the same shoulder as his kicking foot. The Sunback is similar to the bicycle kick in soccer

Sepak takraw equipment..

Equipment

So you decided to take part in this alternative sport... Are you insane? ;) If you are, you should know something about the equipment, which Sepak Takraw requires.

Takraw Balls.
Takraw Balls were originally woven from rattan. In 1982 a Thai engineer revolutionized the sport by introducing woven synthetic balls. Today, almost all players around the world use synthetic takraw balls.
How to Select a Takraw Ball for Players:

• Weight: Takraw balls range in weight from 140 grams to 200 grams. Normally younger and beginner players start with lighter balls and move up in weight. For advanced players the optimal weight for advanced Sepak Takraw balls is 175 grams. Some people use heavier balls for additional spring or when playing outdoors in order to minimize the effect of the wind.
• The Weave: The tightness of the weave of takraw balls determine the spring, bounce and speed. A "soft" ball has less bounce. A "hard" ball will have maximum bounce.
• Official Takraw Balls: The official ISTAF Sepak Takraw ball for Tournament play for men is the: Marathon MT201, and for women is the: Marathon MT201 Jr

Footwear.
In Takraw, the most important piece of equipment, with the exception of ball, is the athletes footwear. Most players prefer to kick in court shoes. They are popular mainly because of their support and flat surface at the instep, unlike the flared sole of a running shoe.
Popular makes/models include:

• Nanyang
• Adidas "Stan Smith"
• Converse "All Star"

In general, any lightweight athletic footwear with a flat instep will work efficiently. Players often must develop a feel for their desired footwear by trial and error.



About the Game.
Sepak takraw is a skill ball game originated from Asia. It combines the teamwork of volleyball, the dexterity of soccer and the finesse of badminton. In Thailand it is called takraw, but the official name of this internationally recognized game is sepak takraw. Without a doubt it is one of the world’s most exciting sports, both to play and to watch, yet it is relatively unknown outside of Southeast Asia. Playing the sport requires little in the way of equipment or preparation but it does require quick reflexes, coordination, agility and, above all, technique. Thick skin is also helpful; a skillfully kicked takraw ball can travel at speeds of over 60mph!
The game is played by two opposing Regus, a team of three players each, on a court separated by a net similar to badminton. It begins with the service, executed by a ball toss from one player to the Server. Then, the players try to beat their opponents using their legs and head, except their hands, inside three kicks. The highlight is the "spike" (see right picture above). This is the most dramatic and explosive move in the game for spectators to watch as players go mid-air, twisting and turning to power the ball down into the opponent's court. To play takraw, players can use either a net, a hoop, or simply stand around in a circle formation. Whatever the style, the object is to kick the ball to another player without the ball touching the ground. Players can use any of their lower limbs and body but absolutely no hands!

Big names in Sepak Takraw..

 

MOHD FUTRA ABD GHANI



MOHD NORMANIZAM AHMAD



MOHD ZULKARNAIN ARIF (in the middle)

Individuals that bring success to this sport...

THE PLAYERS
1. The game is played between two "Regu" consisting of three players on each side.
2.One of the three players shall be at the back and he/she is called "Back".
3.The other two players shall be in front one on the left and the other on the right. The player on the left is called Left Inside" and the player on the right is called "Right Inside"...

SUBSTITUTION
1. Substitution of a player is allowed at any time on request made by the Team Manager to the Official Referee when the ball is not in play.
2. Each "Regu" is allowed to make one substitution only.
3. Player, who is sent off by umpire during the game, may be allowed to be substituted, provided the substitution has not been made.
4. Any player having played in any "Regu" whether in the starting line-up or as a substitute will not be allowed to play in another "Regu" for the team in the current game.
5. Any "Regu" having less than 3 players will not be allowed to continue the game and will be considered as having lost.

POSITION OF PLAYERS DURING SERVICE
1. At the start of play, the players of both "Regu" must be in their respective courts in ready position.
2. Serving "Back" player shall have one of his/her feet inside the serving circle. The other foot must be outside
     the circle to kick the service ball.
3. Both of the "Inside" players of the serving side must be in their respective quarter circles.
4. The opponent is free to be anywhere within its court.

How human play this sport?

                                                            

Sepak takraw is played between two teams of three players; the left inside, right inside and back. The court is about the same size as a badminton court (20 by 44 feet) and the net is 1.52 metres high. Traditionally balls were hand-woven from bamboo or rattan, but most modern ones are synthetic.

Basic rules and scoring are similar to volleyball. Each team is allowed a maximum of three touches of the ball to get it back over the net to the other side without letting it touch the ground. The first team to score either 15 or 21 points, depending on the rules in play, wins the set. The team that prevails in two sets wins the match.

Play starts when the server is tossed the grapefruit-sized ball by a teammate while keeping one foot in a small 'serving circle'. He then must kick the ball over the net with the other foot. After that, volleyball rules pretty much apply, except for the fact that the ball can't be touched by the hands or arms. Top takraw players have to combine great foot-eye coordination with quickness, anticipation, power, flexibility, and acrobatic skills. 

Read more: How to play Sepak Takraw - Basic Rules http://www.bangkok.com/sport-sepak-takraw/basic-rules---how-to-play.htm#ixzz1Vras6tsx

Basic skills needed??

Basic Skills For You

As I said, Sepak Takraw is a skill ball game originated from Asia... And it combines the teamwork of volleyball, the dexterity of soccer and the finesse of badminton. I think you understand that it's rather difficult to play it.
So here is some advice and the description of basic skills for you: 
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. All rights reserved. Spiker Dek is owned by Sport Action International in the promotion of sepaktakraw in the Takraw Thailand League. All rights reserved.

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 to 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.

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 he 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

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 sepaktakraw 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.

Rule of Takraw..

1. THE COURT
1.1. Area of 13.4 m x 6.1 m free from all obstacles up to the height of 8 m measured from the floor surface (sand and grass court not advisable).
1.2. The width of the lines' bounding the court should not be more than 0.04 m measured and drawn inwards from the edge of the court measurements. All the lines should be drawn a least 3.0 m away from all obstacles.
1.3. The Center Line-The centerline of 0.02 m should be drawn- equally dividing the court into two halves.
1.4. The Quarter Circle-At the intersection of the centerline with each sideline, the quarter circle shall be drawn from the sideline to the centerline with a radius of 0.9 m measured and drawn outwards from the edge of the 0.9 m radius.
1.5. The Service Circle-The service circle of 0.3 m radius shall be drawn on the left and from the side lines, the 0.04'm line shall be measured and drawn outward from the edge on the right court, the center of which is 2.45 m from the line of the court and 3.05 m of the 0.3 m radius.


2. THE POSTS
2.1 The posts shall be 1.55 m (1.45 m for women) in height from the floor and shall be sufficiently firm to keep the-net strain. It should be made 'from very strong materials and shall not be more than 0.04 m in
2.2 Position of Posts - The posts shall be erected or placed 0.3 m away from the side line and In line with the centerline.
3. THE NET
3.1 The net shall be made of fine ordinary cord or nylon with 0.06 m to 0.08 m mesh. 
The net shall be of 0.7 m wide and not shorter, than 6.10 m in length and taped at both ends with 0.05 m Tape from top to bottom to be in line with court sidelines, called boundary tapes.
3.2. The net shall be edged with 0.06 m tape both at the top and the bottom of the net supported by a fine ordinary cord or nylon cord that runs through the tape and strains over and flushes with the. Top of the posts. The top of the net shall be 1.52 m (1.42 m for women) in height from the center and 1.55 m (1.45 m for women) at the post
4. THE SEPAKTAKRAW BALL
The Sepaktakraw ball shall be a sphere of one woven layer having 12 holes with 20 intersections. 
It shall be made of natural rattan or synthetic fiber. If it is made of rattan, it shall consist of 9-11 strains. The circumference shall not be less than 0.42'm and not more than 0.44 m (0.43 m to 0.45 m for women). The weight before play shall not be less than 170 gm and not more than 180 gm (150 gm to 160 gm for women).
5. THE PLAYERS
5.1. The game is played between two "Regu" consisting of three players on each side.
5.2. One of the three players shall be at the back and he/she is called "Back".
5.3. The other two players shall be in front one on the left and the other on the right. The player on the left is called Left Inside" and the player on the right is called "Right Inside".
6. PLAYER'S ATTIRE
6.1. The man players must wear jerseys / T-shirts and shorts (round neck T-shirts with sleeves, shorts length at knee level for woman players), and sports shoes with rubber soles. It is forbidden for players to wear anything that endangers the opponents during the game. In case of cold weather, the players are permitted to use tracksuits.
6.2. The entire apparel of a player is regarded as part of his/her body. All jerseys/T-shirts should be tucked in.
6.3. Anything that helps to speed the ball or that helps the movement of a player is not allowed.
6.4. Captain of each "Regu" shall wear an armband on the left arm.
6.5. All jerseys/T-shirts; must be numbered on the back. A player must be assigned with a permanent number throughout the tournament Only numbers 1-15 are allowed to be used by each participating team. The size of the number shall not be less than 19 cm in height
7. SUBSTITUTION
7.1. Substitution of a player is allowed at any time on request made by the Team Manager to the Official Referee when the ball is not in play.
7.2. Each "Regu" is allowed to make one substitution only.
7.3. Player, who is sent off by umpire during the game, may be allowed to be substituted, provided the substitution has not been made.
7.4. Any player having played in any "Regu" whether in the starting line-up or as a substitute will not be allowed to play in another "Regu" for the team in the current game.
7.5. Any "Regu" having less than 3 players will not be allowed to continue the game and will be considered as having lost.
8. OFFICIALS
The following officials shall manage the game
i) I Official referee
ii) 2 umpires
iii) 6 Linesmen (4 Side Line and 2 Base Line)
9. THE COIN TOSS AND WARM UP
Before commencing the game, the umpire will toss coin/disc and the side winning the toss shall have the option of "First Serving" or of "Choosing Side". The "First Serving" shall "warm-up" first for 2 minutes followed by the other "Regu". Only 5 persons are allowed to move freely in the court with the official ball.
10. POSITION OF PLAYERS DURING SERVICE
10.1. At the start of play, the players of both "Regu" must be in their respective courts in ready position.
10.2. Serving "Back" player shall have one of his/her feet inside the serving circle. The other foot must be outside the circle to kick the service ball.
10.3. Both of the "Inside" players of the serving side must be in their respective quarter circles.
10.4. The opponent is free to be anywhere within its court.
11. THE START OF PLAY AND SERVICE
11.1. The side that chooses to start the game, shall start the first set the winner of the first set shall change sides and start the second set.
11.2 The throw must be executed as soon as the umpire must calls the score. If either of the "Inside" players throws the ball before the umpire calls the score, it must be a rethrown and a warning will be given to the thrower.
11.2. During the service, as soon as the server kicks the ball, all the players are allowed to move about freely in their respective courts.
11.3. The service is valid if the ball passes over the net, whether it touches the net or not, and inside the boundary of the two net tapes and boundary lines of the opponent's court
11.4. The execution of the Serve by the "Back" player can be kicked in any manner, provided one of his/her feet must be always touching the ground in the service circle.
12. FAULTS
12.1. The Serving Side during Service
12.1.1. "Inside" player who is making service throws, plays about with the ball, (throwing up the ball, bumping, giving to other "Inside" player, etc.) after the call of score has been made by the umpire.
12.1.2. The "Inside" player lift his/her feet or steps on the line or crosses over or touches the net while throwing the ball.
12.1.3. The "Back" player while kicking the service ball, the other foot does not touch the ground or steps on the service circle line.
12.1.4. The "Back" player does not kick the ball on the service throw.
12.1.5. The ball touches his/her own player before crossing to the opponent court.
12.1.6. The ball goes over the net but falls outside the court
12.1.7. The ball does not cross to the opponent side.
12.2. Receiving Side during Service
To create distracting manner or noise or shout at his/her opponent
12.3. For Both Sides during the Game
12.3.1. Stepping on the centerline.
12.3.2. Any player who touches the ball on the opponent side.
12.3.3. Any part of players body crossing over the opponent's court whether above or under the net except during the follow through ball.
12.3.4. Playing the ball more than 3 times in succession.
12.3.5. The ball touches the arm.
12.3.6. The ball rolls over the body.
12.3.7. Stopping or holding the ball under the arm, between the legs and body.
12.3.8. Any part of the body or player's outfits e.g. shoes heads band etc., touches the net or the post or the umpire's chairs or falls into the opponent’s side.
12.3.9. The ball touches the ceiling, roof or the wall (any objects).
12.3.10. Any player who delays the game unnecessarily.
13. SCORING SYSTEM
13.1. When a fault is committed by either serving side or receiving side, a point is awarded to the opponent side including making next service.
13.2. The winning point for a set is a maximum of 21 points.
13.3. The game is played in 2 sets with 2 minute-rest in between.
13.4. If each "Regu" wins one set, the game shall be decided in the third set called "Tiebreak" with 15 points.
13.5. Before the tiebreak set takes place, the umpire shall toss a disc or coin, and the side winning the toss shall serve first. The changes of the side will occur when one "Regu" reaches 8 points.
14. TIME OUT
Each "Regu" can request for one time out lasting of one minute's rest by team manager or official coach per set when the ball is not in play. Only 5 persons are allowed at the base line.
15. TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF PLAY
15.1. The umpire can suspend play temporarily in the event of obstructions,Disturbances or any injury to player who needs immediate treatment, for not more than 5 minutes.
15.2. An injured player is allowed up to 5 minutes injury time-out ,if after 5 minutes, the player is unable to continue, a substitution must be made. If the injured players team has already made a substitution, the match will be declared a forfeit in favor of the opposing team.
15.3. In the course of such suspension, all players are not allowed to leave the court to receive drinks or any form of assistance.
16. DISCIPLINE
16-1. Every player must abide by the rules of the game.
16.2. Only the Captain of the "Regu" is allowed to approach the umpire during the game.
17. PENALTY
The following offences will be penalised:
17.1. Showing dissent by words or action towards any officials, with regards to any decision and to any players or spectators.
17.2. Using foul or abusive language to any officials, players or spectators.
17.3. To take any improper steps or actions in order to influence any decision made by the officials.
17.4. To leave the court without the permission of the umpire (except between the second and the third set).
17.5. To give the ball to his/her opponent with by kicking the ball with the feet.
17.6. To commit ungentlemanly conduct.
17.7. To disobey orders and rules of play.
Players disobeying rules (19) will be penalised by the umpire.
The umpire will use one of the following cards. 
Yellow Card - Caution 
Red Card - Expulsion
Red Card should be given to the following offences committed "INTENTIONALLY" 
i) Persist in misconduct after receiving a caution. 
ii) Violent conduct (e.g., striking, kicking, spitting, etc.) 
iii) Using foul or abusive language.
Note: Any player who is shown a red card will be sent off the court and disciplinary action will be taken against him. The player concerned will not be allowed to play in any game until sanction has been made.
18. MISCONDUCT OF TEAM OFFICIALS
Disciplinary action will be taken against Team Officials or his/her team for any misconduct or disturbances committed by the official or team during a tournament whether in or outside the court.
19. GENERAL
In the event of any question or any matter arising out of any point which is not expressly provided for in any of the rules of the game, the decision of the Official referee shall be final.