This children’s article, Kick, flip, score! A kid’s guide to sepak takraw, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It helps children build vocabulary, learn about world sports, and enjoy reading for fun. Written by Mark Pulley, a writer and teacher who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
A ball, a net, and no hands allowed!
Imagine playing volleyball, but you’re not allowed to use your hands. Sounds tricky, right? That’s Sepak Takraw!
It’s a super-fast, high-flying sport where players use their feet, head, chest, and shoulders to keep the ball in the air. Some players even do backflips to spike the ball!
Malaysia’s pride and passion
Sepak takraw is Malaysia’s national sport and is loved by people of all ages across the country. You’ll often spot locals kicking the ball in schools, parks, and even on busy streets! Both kids and grown-ups play on teams and compete in local matches as well as big international tournaments. Malaysia is known for having some of the strongest teams in the world!
The name comes from two languages: “sepak” means “kick” in Malay, and “takraw” means “ball” in Thai. That’s why it’s sometimes called “kick volleyball.”
How do you play sepak takraw?
Each team has three players. The court looks like a small badminton court, with a net in the middle. The ball is made from rattan or plastic and is light but bouncy.
The goal is to hit the ball over the net and make it land in the other team’s court. You can’t use your hands, which means that some of the moves are incredible. Players flip, jump, spin, and kick the ball like martial arts dancers!
A sport with style
Sepak Takraw is not just fun, it’s full of tradition. At big matches, you’ll often hear traditional music and see players perform respectful greetings before the game begins.
It’s especially popular at the SEA Games (Southeast Asian Games), where the best teams from Asia compete. Take a look at some of the best moments from the most recent tournament in this YouTube video.
Article vocabulary list
- Sepak Takraw – A sport where players kick a ball over a net using their body, not their hands
- National sport – The main or official sport of a country
- Rattan – A bendy plant used to make traditional sports balls and furniture
- Spike – A powerful hit to send the ball downward in sports like volleyball or Sepak Takraw
- Flip – A quick spin in the air, often seen in gymnastics and Sepak Takraw
- SEA Games – A big sports event for Southeast Asian countries
- Tradition – Something special or meaningful that people do again and again over time
- Martial arts – Sports like karate or taekwondo that use powerful moves and kicks
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. What body parts do sepak takraw players use?
a) Hands and elbows
b) Feet, head, chest, and shoulders
c) Only their legs
Answer: b) Feet, head, chest, and shoulders
2. What does “Sepak Takraw” mean?
a) Jump high
b) Kick ball
c) Fast net
Answer: b) Kick ball
3. Where is sepak kakraw the national sport?
a) Malaysia
b) Thailand
c) Indonesia
Answer: a) Malaysia
4. What is the ball made from?
a) Wood
b) Paper
c) Rattan
Answer: c) Rattan
5. Where can you watch the best teams play sepak takraw?
a) SEA Games
b) Rugby World Cup
c) Winter Olympics
Answer: a) SEA Games
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
