Sepak Takraw

Southeast Asia · no-hands sport · team game · skill

Net and court. Sepak takraw is played on a court just like badminton, with a net dividing two teams. The setup looks familiar, but the sport plays very differently because no one uses their hands.

Feet, not hands. Players can only touch the ball with their feet, knees, legs, chest, and head, everything except their hands and arms. This makes it way trickier than regular volleyball.

Rattan or plastic ball. The ball is made from woven rattan or plastic, which creates a unique bouncy feel. It's lighter and more flexible than a volleyball, perfect for fancy footwork.

Two to four players. Teams can have two, three, or four players on each side, depending on the version being played. Smaller teams mean each player has to be extra skilled.

Southeast Asian tradition. Sepak takraw originated in Southeast Asia and combines elements of volleyball (the net) and soccer (using your feet), creating something entirely its own.