Perhaps this is because of our lazy natures, but many everydayinventions are actually two devices combined.
Think about it. The refrigerator/freezer, the DVD/VCR player,the Swiss Army Knife and peanut butter and jelly in the same jarall came from other devices. Some people call this lazy; I call itinnovation.
You might be asking, "what does this have to do with sports,Will?" Well, some sports are merely two sports combined, includingone of Asia's fastest-growing sports, Sepak Takraw.
Sepak Takraw was invented 500 years ago by the royal family ofMalaysia. Its name, like the sport, is a combination of two ideas.Sepak is the Malaysian word for "kick," while Takraw comes from theThai word for "ball."
Perhaps the royal family thought, "Volleyball is a fun game, butit isn't challenging enough." When creating Sepak Takraw, they tooka major rule from the world's most-popular sport, football(soccer).
Sepak Takraw prohibits using the arms and hands. As you mightguess, this makes the game a little bit more difficult. Played on abadminton court, Sepak Takraw, like volleyball, begins with aserve. One player from the serving team is allowed to throw theball into the air in front of the server, who will attempt to kickthe ball over the net.
After the ball is served, the game continues like a game ofvolleyball. The team has three chances to get the ball over the netand can use sets and spikes. The difference is only in theirexecution.
The spikes are something you must see to fully understand. Itlooks like a combination of a bicycle kick and a scene from "TheMatrix." Often times two players will be in the air sideways. Onekicking the ball; the other trying to block.
I never thought I'd see a game that would combine the dexterityof soccer, the skill of volleyball and the art of break dancing,but Sepak Takraw fits the bill.
Of course, more than feet can be used. Much like soccer, thehead is also a very useful tool in Sepak Takraw.
In fact, in one variation of the game, no one keeps score. Thisversion of the game challenges the players to come up with the bestcombination of moves to volley the ball. Much like figure skating,the best-looking move wins.
Sepak Takraw is slowly gaining international acceptance. It iscurrently played in more than 22 countries, including the UnitedStates. It's even a club sport at Syracuse University.
Write to Will at wjohargan@bsu.edu
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
