I happened to be at this match and didn't even know the name of the game. I had to take pictures from one spot because the spectators and the fence were in the way. Not everything got into the frame, but the lens didn't allow it otherwise. Let's get to the point!
Sepak Takraw - an exciting game that combines football, volleyball and martial arts
Sepak Takraw is a dynamic sport popular in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. In this game, participants throw a small ball over a net using only their legs, head, chest and shoulders.
History and Popularity
This game originated several centuries ago in Southeast Asian countries and remains a part of their culture to this day. It is especially popular in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos and Myanmar. The name "Sepak Takraw" consists of two words: "Sepak" means "kick" (Malay), and "Takraw" means "ball" (Thai).
How to play?
There are three players per team and the court resembles a badminton court.
The net is stretched at a height of 1.52 m.
Players must throw the ball to the opponent's side of the court so that they cannot return it.
It is forbidden to use hands - only kicks, head, chest and shoulder strikes are allowed.
A team has three touches to return the ball back, but one player can touch it several times in a row.
The match is played up to 21 points and is usually played until two winning sets.
What makes sepak takraw special?
A special ball - it is woven and used to be made of rattan, but now plastic is more often used.
Spectacular strikes - players perform complex acrobatic moves, including jump strikes and somersaults in the air.
One of the most spectacular moves is an overhead jump strike, when a player does a backflip and sends the ball to the opponent's side of the court.
Why is it worth trying?
This sport requires flexibility, speed, agility and excellent reaction. In Thailand, you can see locals playing sepak takraw on the streets, beaches and in gyms. It’s not just a game – it’s part of the country’s culture, which impresses with its energy and spectacle!
If you find yourself in Thailand, don’t miss the chance to watch a real match – it will be an exciting spectacle! 🚀
All the photos were taken in Thailand 🇹🇭 - the city of Pattaya! 📷
I write my texts myself, correct mistakes and translate via ChatGPT (which is not a violation on Hive)!
All photos were taken by me personally - I am a beginner photographer, so I ask professionals not to judge strictly.
Thank you for sharing these moments with me! Until new stories and new holidays!
Camera 📷: Sony Alpha 7 IV full-frame
Lens 🔭: Sony FE 70-200mm F: 2.8 GM OSS II
Lens 🔭: Sony FE 20-70 mm F: 4 G
Processed 🛠: Lightroom
photo by openai
