Finite Element simulation of takraw balls and their impact on a flat surface

Abstract

Takraw balls are used in sepak takraw games which are one of the most popular traditional games in Southeast Asian region. In this game, three players on each side of a 5-foot high net, get three chances to kick the ball mainly by the use of the head and legs or other parts of the body (except for both hands or arms) to return the ball to the opposing team. Recently, the International Sepak takraw Federation (ISTAF) has been endeavouring to bring this traditional game into the Olympic games by the year 2020 (Utusan Malaysia Online, 2009). The traditional takraw ball is manufactured by conventionally weaving split rattan strips into a spherical basket. Modern takraw balls are manufactured by forming strips of plastics materials into interwoven hoop. These interwoven hoops form 12 holes and 30 intersections.