Imagine volleyball without players using their hands. That’s the short gist of sepak takraw. This unique sport is incredibly athletic and requires gravity-defying moves if players want to win. Even better, sepak takraw has become popular globally over the years, pushing many major multi-sport events (like the Asian Games and the Southeast Asian Games) to add it to their list of competitive sports.
But with widespread recognition comes the need for the right sepak takraw gear to play the sport safely. Also, recently, there’s been a lot of interest in the sport, with up to 165,000 people searching for it and hoping to learn more about it. And the best part is that a Google Ads search revealed approximately 2,500 searches by potential gear buyers monthly.
That’s why this article will highlight four pieces of sepak takraw gear that retailers should stock to cater to this growing market in 2024.
Table of Contents
What is sepak takraw?
4 pieces of equipment athletes need for sepak takraw
4 marketing strategies to sell sepak takraw gear
Rounding up
What is sepak takraw?
Sepak takraw (or kick volleyball) is a highly athletic sport in which players control the ball with only their feet, knees, chest, and head. Kick volleyball is widespread in Southeast Asia and has been a part of the Asian games since 1990. The rules are also similar to regular volleyball.
Despite their high popularity in Southeast Asian countries, sepak takraw has also become prominent in other parts of the world, including American countries. For example, Los Angeles already has a sepak takraw community, and more and more people are enjoying the game in Canada.
Some countries where kick volleyball has become a prominent sport or is developing as a popular sport include Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Brunei, Pakistan, India, the Philippines, the USA, and Korea. While sepak takraw is not currently an Olympic sport, efforts have been made to include it in future games. Additionally, the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) is working towards achieving Olympic status for the sport.
4 pieces of equipment athletes need for sepak takraw
1. Sepak takraw ball
Sepak takraw balls traditionally feature rattan woven into a sphere. However, manufacturers make modern sepak takraw balls from synthetic materials (like fibers, rubber or soft plastic, and polypropylene) for more durability and consistency. The ball is approximately 13.5-15 cm (5.3-5.9 inches) in diameter and weighs between 160-180 grams (5.6-6.3 ounces).
More importantly, sepak takraw balls are very flexible and shock-absorbing. Their unique designs make them easier to control with the feet, knees, chest, and head during play. Additionally, synthetic sepak takraw balls often feel softer and have more consistent size and weight than their traditional counterparts.
But before selling them, retailers must note that sepak takraw balls have different variations for men’s and women’s competitions—they must note the slight variations in size and weight. These balls have indoor and outdoor versions, with outdoor models offering slightly more complex designs to withstand the elements.
2. Net
Like volleyball, players need to define their playing area in sepak takraw and create a barrier to hit the ball over. And that’s where nets come in. Sepak takraw nets are usually 1.53 meters (5 feet) high for men and 1.42 meters (4.6 feet) for women. The width is usually the same for both genders, typically 6.1 meters (20 feet) wide—but retailers can offer extended versions (up to 1 foot on each side) for double matches.
Whether indoors or outdoors, sepak takraw nets often feature nylon or polyethylene for maximum durability and weather resistance. Business buyers can stock different types, too. There are competition nets of the highest quality for official tournaments and matches.
Retailers can also sell training nets. They are more affordable and can handle practice and recreational use. Lastly, portable sepak takraw nets offer a lightweight and easy way to enjoy the game, making them perfect for casual games or outdoor use.
3. Shoes
Sepak takraw involves a lot of footwork, including kicking, jumping, and twisting. So, manufacturers make shoes that can handle the sport’s unique demands. For example, sepak takraw shoes have flexible soles that allow for a wide range of motion, especially in the forefoot area. The shoe features help players efficiently execute kicks and maneuvers when wearing these shoes.
Since sepak takraw is an indoor and outdoor sport, the shoes must provide excellent traction on various surfaces. For this reason, manufacturers equipped sepak takraw shoes with rubber outsoles and multidirectional thread patterns, giving them extreme grip on all courts. These shoes are also lightweight to avoid hindering agility and speed on the court.
These shoes also offer enough support to keep consumers safe from injuries when jumping and landing in various directions. They often have reinforced upper areas for extra protection when kicking and spiking. Sepak takraw must also have enough cushioning to absorb all that impact from jumps and landings.
4. Sports clothing
Sepak takraw players must wear comfortable and functional outfits that adhere to the sport’s specific regulations, especially during competitions. Although casual players can wear whatever they want, they still benefit from wearing the proper clothing. One of the most essential pieces players need is jerseys or t-shirts.
Retailers must stock jerseys or t-shirts made from lightweight and breathable fabrics like polyester or dri-fit for sepak takraw players. Such tops help wick away sweat and keep players cool in heated matches. Loose fits may hinder movement, so businesses should offer slightly tight fits (typically short-sleeved) for maximum performance.
Shorts are another clothing essential for sepak takraw players. However, they must feature the same breathable fabric as the jersey or T-shirt for consistency and comfort. Retailers must also consider the length, as shorts reaching the knee or slightly above offer players a full range of motion during jumps and kicks.
Lastly, sepak takraw players also need socks. Many athletes prefer moisture-wicking options to keep their feet dry and prevent blisters. Additionally, crew-length or mid-calf socks are the most common options, as they easily support and protect the ankles.
4 marketing strategies to sell sepak takraw gear
1. The “exotic appeal” angle
Emphasize sepak takraw’s origins in Southeast Asia, showcasing its rich history and cultural significance—it’s a great way to generate interest in the sport. Use captivating visuals or traditional attire and exotic locations to create a sense of adventure and intrigue. Then, position sepak takraw gear as an exciting and exotic way to experience the thrill of a different culture through athletics.
2. The “athleticism and skill” angle
Sepak takraw demands incredible agility, flexibility, and coordination. So, when marketing its gear, use dynamic images and videos of jaw-dropping moves like bicycle kicks and flips to showcase the sport’s athletic demands and inspire awe in potential buyers. The athleticism and skill angle can also appeal to athletes seeking new challenges, especially when products emphasize the intense physical ability requirement and the mastering of complex skills.
3. The “health and fitness” angle
Sepak takraw also counts as a full-body workout with various benefits. It may improve cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and agility, meaning businesses can target fitness enthusiasts with sepak takraw gear. Business buyers may make more sales if they position sepak takraw as a fun, engaging way to get in shape and a refreshing alternative to traditional workouts.
4. The “nostalgia and tradition” angle
Business buyers can also target individuals who loved sepak takraw in their youth and have fond memories of playing or watching it. The angle here is to use nostalgic imagery and storytelling to evoke positive emotions and encourage them to reconnect with the sport by buying sepak takraw gear.
Rounding up
Sepak takraw may have started as an indigenous sport, but it didn’t take long for many people across the globe to discover it. Now, many players enjoy sepak takraw beyond Southeast Asia, with organizations pushing for it to become an Olympic activity. Businesses who want to be early birds should stock up on sepak takraw gear to catch the attention of people interested in playing the sport in 2024. And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to Alibaba’s Sports category for more topics like this.
