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Takraw (Thai: "ball" or "basket"), also thuck thay (Lao: "twine" and "kick"), or sepak takraw (Malay: "kick" and "takraw" from Thai) is a sport native to Thailand and Laos, resembling volleyball, except that it uses a rattan ball and only allows players to use their feet and head to touch the ball. The game evolved from a hacky sack-type practice, into the aiming of a kick into a high, suspended net. Eventually, competitive takraw developed, pitting teams of players versus each other across a volleyball-type net. Modern competitive takraw allows three players to a team, one to serve, one to gather the ball, and one to deliver the ball at high speed across the net; the killer (like the 'spiker' in vollyeball.) Modern contests play to 21 points. Another version of the sport involves the use of bamboo scoops to both toss and catch a ball in a simple game of "catch." Similar games include Bossaball, Footbag net, Footvolley, Jianzi and Sipa.
Takraw in Thai history In Bangkok, murals at Wat Phra Kaew depict the Hindu god Hanuman playing takraw in a ring with a troop of monkeys. Other historical accounts mention the game earlier during the reign of King Naresuan of Ayutthaya. The modern version of sepak takraw, however, is fiercely competitive and began taking shape in Thailand almost 200 years ago. In 1829, the Siam Sports Association drafted the first rules for takraw competition. Four years later, the association introduced the volleyball-style net and held the first public contest. Within just a few years, takraw was introduced to the curriculum in Siamese schools. The game became such a cherished local custom that another exhibition of volleyball-style takraw was staged to celebrate the kingdom’s first constitution in 1933, the year after Thailand abolished absolute monarchy. See also | ||||||||
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