THE SCOOP

Takraw has been played in Thailand and Malaysia for over 500 years. The oldest form of kicking the woven "Buka" balls was for players to stand in a circle and try to keep the ball in the air as long as possible without using their hands or arms. The game was a lot of fun and helped increase the foot skills and agility of the players.
About 50 years ago, some players decided to add a net and a set of rules to make the game more competitive. This move would make takraw truely one of the most amazing foot sports in the world. With rules similar to volleybali, players may contact the Buka bali up to 3 times on each side of the net (you do not have to alternate hits) using everything but their hands or arms - usually their head and feet. The net height and dimensions of the court are the same as badminton - net height of 5 feet and a court 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. The most dramatic action in the sport happens at the net. Players often kill the ball by thrusting their bodies into inverted positions and spike the ball into the opponents court at speeds of over 80 mph.
Often called "Foot Volleyball" in English, this sport was made a medal event in the 1990 Asian Games. Every year Thailand also hosts the Takraw World Championships held in April. In 1996, more than 20 countries from around the world, including the United States, sent teams to compete in the World Takraw Championships.


With soccer exploding in popularity in this country and the exhilarating foot fun of takraw, we expect a whole new tribe of takraw enthusiasts to spread across the U.S. The future of the sport in the U.S. is with new players. With practice, you too could be playing for the U.S. National Team and ready to take on the world!

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