Sepak Takraw in Bangkok

Activities in Bangkok

Essentially a net game played with feet, 'sepak takraw' is a hybrid of football (soccer) and volleyball with a bit of gymnastics and kung fu thrown in. Countless variations of the game are played throughout the region, but the basic objective of each is to keep the hollow, grapefruit-sized ball from touching the ground - while its on your side of the net - by keeping it airborne with the feet, knees, head, shoulders, elbows - or almost every part of the body, except the hands. A point is scored when the ball falls on the ground on the opponent's territory.

A typical sepak takraw match is filled with lots of adrenaline, thrill and curious acrobatic moves. Each side has three players - the tekong is at the back and two at the front, standing on the tekong's left and right, forming a triangular shape. The game involves alternating attacks and defenses, with the attacking team performing a high-flying scissor kick to send the ball over the net and essentially bury it into the ground.