Buka Study Guide

The goal in any form of takraw is to keep the Buka off the ground for as long as possible using any part of your body except for your hands and arms. Takraw challenges your assumptions of what you are and are not capable of doing. As you come to control the Buka, you can not help but feel great about such accomplishments as a string of consecutive kicks or a well placed pass to another player. Soon you’ll be amazing yourself and your friends while having fun, strengthening your legs, and increasing your flexibility and overall concentration.

The Games of Buka Ball

Solo Consecutive Kicks: The object is to see how many kicks in a row you can get before the Buka hits the ground. It’s a fun way to work on your skills while measuring your own improvement.

The Circle Game: Get three or more people kicking together and you’ll have a takraw circle. The object of the Circle Game is for the players to work together to keep the Buka off the ground for as long as possible. It is a great way to work on controlling and passing skills plus it gives you a chance to show off some freestyle moves.

The Net Game (Sepak Takraw): A fast paced, action packed team sport that combines the elements of both volleyball and soccer. Sepak Takraw is played by two teams, of three players each, over a 5 foot net. Each team is permitted to hit the Buka three times before it must cross the net, much like in volleyball. The only difference is that the same player can hit the ball all three times.

Four Basic Kicks

The Inside Kick: This is the most important of the four basic kicks as it provides for maximum ball control. Use this kick by either foot to field a ball dropping in front of you. Turn your ankle so you hit the Buka with the flat surface on the inside of your foot. Shift your weight to the ball of your support foot while flexing your knee. Keep your eye on the ball while concentrating on where the Buka hits your shoe. Remember, the harder you hit the Buka, the more difficult it is to control.

The Outside Kick: After getting a feel for the inside kick, it’s now time to try the outside kick. This kick is used when the ball drops outside your shoulders and slightly behind you. Start by lifting either leg away from your body with your knee bent. Turn your ankle and kick the Buka with the flat surface on the outside of your foot. Take a shuffle-step and lean away from your kick. Shift your weight to the ball of your support foot and bring your kicking leg up slowly. Avoid swinging or batting at the Buka. Make your kick a smooth lifting motion and gently bunt or tap the Buka for maximum control.

Front Foot and Thigh Control: Both the front foot and thigh kicks are used for added control. Though the motions are familiar and may come naturally to you, these kicks do not allow for consistent control and therefore should only be used when making a save or controlling a pass. The front foot kick is used to save a low ball dropping in front of you. The thigh is used to deflect upwards a low angle pass to your mid-body.

Player’s Positions

· The serving team’s forwards must remain in their ‘quarter circles’ while the back must have only one foot in the ‘serving circle’.

· The receiving team’s players may stand anywhere in their side of the court though usually the back stands just in front of his serving circle with the forwards on either side of him or her.

· Players are allowed to move freely on each half of the court once the ball has been served.

To Begin Play

The game is initiated when one of the forwards tosses the Buka to the back. The back must then kick the ball with the foot that is outside the serving circle into the opponent’s court in one try. The serve is still good even if it hits the net before going into the other half of the court.

Scoring

· A game is won by scoring 15 points.

· A point can only be made by the serving team

· A set is won by winning two out of three games.

NOTE: The court and net height are the same as badminton.