That's a Thing? Sepak Takraw

            In Southeast Asia, there is a game unlike anything I have ever seen in the United States. The game is called Sepak Takraw, and it can best be described as kick volleyball. That is right, if Volleyball and Soccer had a child, it would be something like Sepak Takraw.

           Similar to soccer, in Sepak Takraw, players are not allowed to use their hands or arms, but must instead use their feet, knee, chest and head to touch the ball. Sepak Takraw has professional leagues, but is not an Olympic Sport as of yet due to its lack of international presence. However, it is a constant at both the Asian Games and the Southeast Asian Games.

           As far as how the game is played, players compete in teams of three to score points when the ball touches the ground on the opposing team’s side of the net. However, the use of feet and a player’s body makes for some of the best highlights I have seen from any sport. Players often get airborne and flip to kick the small synthetic fiber or woven ball (measuring 42 to 44 centimeters wide for men and 43 to 45 centimeters wide for women) across the net to the other team.

             The scoring for Sepak Takraw is very similar to volleyball. The first team to score 21 points in two out of three sets, with the third set being played only to 11 points, win the game. It is truly a magnificent spectacle to watch. So yes, Sepak Takraw is a thing.