Sepak Takraw is a team sport that combines elements of volleyball and soccer, where competitors use only their feet and heads to volley a ball over a net.

Similar to volleyball in rules and gameplay, sepak takraw is an ancient southeast Asian game where players use their feet and legs to volley a ball over a net. Points are scored, among other ways, when the ball fails to clear the net or is handled too many times. The first team to score 21 points, wins a set and the first to win 2 sets, wins the match.

Score more points than the opposition by using the feet and legs to volley a ball over a large net.

Sepak takraw is played on a roughly 13 m by 6 m court rectangular court. A net (similar to those used in volleyball) is placed across the the middle of the court. The takraw is usually made of synthetic fiber or one woven layer, and weighs about 6 oz (5.3 oz for women). Each match is played between two regus, consisting of three players each. Play begins with one team kicking the takraw over the net, towards the opposing regu. Once the takraw is in play players can move anywhere on their side of the court. Points are awarded when the opposing regu commits a fault. Faults are called when the takraw falls outside the court's boundaries, when the takraw fails to cross to the opposing side, when players uses his/her hands or arms and when the takraw is played more than 3 times in succession. Each set is played to 21 points, with the winner required to win by 2 points. If after 2 sets the regus are tied, a third set is played. This tiebreak set is played to 15 points.

Earliest known records show evidence of sepak takraw being played in 15th century Malaysia. The game spread to Thailand, where, in the 1740's, the modern version of the game was developed. In 1886 the Siam Sports Association drafted the first set of rules for competition. The volleyball style net was introduced in 1870. By the 1940's modern sepak takraw had spread throughout southeast Asia. Today, the game is played in dozens of countries around the world, including the US, Canada, India and Australia. The International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF) governs all international play, including the largest tournament, The King's Cup World Championship, held annually in Thailand.

Takraw
Net

Sepak takraw is a relatively safe sport due to a lack of intentional contact between players. Injuries can occur however, and usually concern the knees, thighs and ankles. Proper conditioning and stretching prior to competition play a large part in reducing the risk of injury.

Sepak takraw players must have strong, flexible legs and good balance. These can be attained through weight training, yoga and aerobic exercise.

Regu - Malay for "team"

Sepak - Malay for "kick"

Takraw - Thai for "ball"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepak_takraw