Homepage > My Country > Takraw (Wicker-Ball Game)

Takraw is a ball made of rattan, woven into a shape about 5 to 6 inches in diameter. In itself it is a work of art that is admired by the lovers of folk art. The Takraw game is basically an outdoor game that is easy to play but difficult to master. A player can use his foot, head, knees, shoulders, or elbows to hit the ball. Commonly there are three kinds of the takraw game. They are Takraw Wong (Circle takraw), Takraw Lot Huang (Hoop takraw) and Takraw Takhai (Net takraw).

These are some pictures from the Asian Games

In Takraw Wong (Circle takraw) about 5 to 6 players stand in a circle and try to keep the ball in the air as long as they can by using nine parts of their body (2 feet, two knees, two elbows, two shoulders and a head) to deliver the ball. This type of Takraw aims at self-enjoyment, as well as for the entertainment of others. The players may display skills in fancy kicks and balancing.

Takraw Lot Huang (Hoop Takraw) is a competitive game that can be played by many teams with not less than six players in each team. The players in each team take turns hitting the ball into a basket hoisted about six meters from the ground. Each team has forty minutes to play ball and send it into the basket as many times as possible. Scoring is based on the basket shots and also the manner of hits. All hits have different scores depending on their degree of difficulties. The team with the highest score is the winner.

Net Takraw is widely played especially in international competition, very comparable to badminton in the size of the court and the rules. Each team has 3 players. Lots are drawn and the winner has the option to choose ends or to serve first. Then from a position near the net, the ball is tossed to a team-mate in the middle of the court who kicks it into the opposite camp and the game is on. A band of cloth is usually tied about the head for protection. The side which scores 21 points first wins the game.

Information from: "Thai Studies Through Games" Book 2 by Assist. Prof. Wadee Kheourai.