Balloon Sepak Takraw

A balloon version of sepak takraw, a traditional Southeast Asian game similar to volleyball but played with the feet, knees, chest and head. Students build foot-eye coordination, balance and teamwork.

How to play

1. Set up 4 courts of 20 × 13 ft with cones and a low net or rope about 3 ft high in the middle. Make teams of 3; two teams per court and the rest wait on the sideline to rotate in.
2. Solo practice (4 min): each student keeps a balloon in the air using only feet, knees, thighs and head. Challenge: 5 touches in a row with no hands.
3. Serve: one player tosses the balloon by hand to a teammate, who kicks or knees it over the net.
4. Each team gets up to 3 touches to return the balloon, and one player may touch it twice in a row. A team loses the point if the balloon hits the floor or is played with arms or hands.
5. Games last 3 minutes or go to 7 points. The winning team stays and a sideline team rotates in, so everyone plays almost the whole time.
6. Play 12 minutes of rotating games. Finish with a cooperative challenge: how many passes over the net can both teams make together?

Rules

• No touching the balloon with arms or hands, except on the serve.
• Up to 3 touches per team before sending it over.
• No touching the net or stepping onto the other side.
• Safety: keep kicks below chest height and stay about 3 ft from teammates.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student plays seated on a smaller court, hitting with forearms and hands.
• Visual impairment: use a large, brightly colored balloon with a bell inside and lower the net.
• Lower coordination: allow one hand touch per play to control the balloon.

Learning goals

• Control a light object with different body parts without using the hands.
• Work with your team to set up the three touches.
• Learn about a traditional game from Malaysia and Thailand.

Equipment for a class of 25

• balloons: 20
• low nets: 4
• cones: 16

Teacher tip

Have spare balloons ready, because they pop. Good-quality balloons blown up to medium size float slower and let every student experience success.

More activities like this

More main activities for Elementary