Sessions and Workshops

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND BENEFITS OF SEPAK TAKRAW:

Sepak Takraw (Kick Volleyball) is one of Canada's hottest new recreational/sports activities, that is basically a cross between soccer and volleyball, played on a badminton court with a hand-woven ball (takraw). Three players on each side of a 5-foot high net get three chances to kick, knee, shoulder, or head a takraw ball back to the opposing team. Like Volleyball, players try to play the ball toward the front of the net, making the best use of their three hits to pass, set and spike, as opposing players attempt to block – but all without using hands or arms, just like soccer! It is very exciting to play, and is a great spectator sport! Developed in Asia, this game also introduces some unique aspects of Asian culture. The benefits of Takraw are that it: can be played as a solo activity, group recreation, or team sport; can be played indoor or outdoor; develops excellent eye-foot co-ordination, leg strength, and flexibility; enhances the skills required for playing soccer; and is very inexpensive to play (equipment is minimal and inter-club traveling can be done in one vehicle since there are only 3 or 4 players on a team – perfect for smaller schools). The overall main benefit of Takraw is that it is new game and very appealing, so it attracts participation in recreation and active living among "youth of all ages", but primarily for ages 10 and up.

Session 1.) LEARN TO PLAY & TEACH SEPAK TAKRAW (Kick Volleyball)

Sepak Takraw is a cross between soccer and volleyball, played on a badminton court, as 3 players on each side of a 5-foot high net get three chances to kick, knee, shoulder or head a unique hand-woven ball back to the opposing team. Through video, instruction, lead-up activities, demonstration and participation, participants will be able to learn the skills and strategies necessary to PLAY and TEACH Sepak Takraw. Each participant will also receive handouts on takraw skills, lead-up activities and games, and current international rules that will assist them in implementing Takraw as part of their PE and/or recreation program.

EQUIPMENT/AV NEEDS: Gymnasium, Badminton Nets set up, Gym Mats, Small Step Ladder, TV/VCR
TIME: 1 - 2 hours

Session 2.) SEPAK TAKRAW (Kick Volleyball) REFEREE CLINIC

In this session, participants will be taken through each of the updated (July, 2003) international rules of Sepak Takraw, and learn about all the components of umpiring (refereeing) a Takraw match in the order that they occur. In many respects, refereeing Takraw is quite similar to refereeing volleyball. Those who take the clinic, and hold current STAC membership ($20 per year), will have taken the first step in becoming a STAC-certified Takraw Umpire to be eligible to referee local, provincial, national and international Takraw matches that are sanctioned by STAC.

EQUIPMENT/AV NEEDS: Classroom, Overhead Projector & Screen
TIME: 1 - 2 hours

INSTRUCTOR'S BIOGRAPHY:

Rick Engel received his Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Regina. He helped establish, and is President of, the Sepak Takraw Association of Canada (STAC) and is one of eight Vice Presidents of the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF), which governs the sport globally. Rick still competes in the sport at every level and has quite a collection of every color of medal from both provincial and national championships, as well as a silver medal from the World Championships. He has been player/coach of Canada’s national team, leading them to 10 world championship events in Thailand, Malaysia and China since 1999. Rick has been awarded his international Coaching and Refereeing Certificates from ISTAF, and is in demand for conducting Sepak Takraw Clinics all across North America. Interviewed by TIME magazine in an article on Sepak Takraw (May 28, 2007, Canadian & Asian editions), Rick is considered one of the key pioneers in the promotion and development of Sepak Takraw world-wide, has authored 3 books on the sport, including “Sepak Takraw 101, 1st & 2nd Editions”, and produced 5 Sepak Takraw videos/DVD’s. In the spring of 2008, Rick was the recipient of the National Enriching My Canada and Yours (EMCY) Award for his work with Sepak Takraw and contributions to Diversity in Sports in this country.