How to Play and Make Improvised Sipa (Kick)

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Sipa is a fun and simple game that originated in the Phillipines. The players kick or hit a lead washer (the "sipa") with their feet, palms, and elbows, and the goal is to keep it in the air as long as possible. If you want to play sipa, you can whip up a homemade sipa in just a few minutes with a washer and yarn.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Making a Sipa

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    A washer is a small, flat piece of metal with a hole in the middle. Grab a washer that’s about the size and thickness of a quarter. [1]
    • Traditionally, sipas are made with lead washers, but any metal washer will work.
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    Any old cloth you have laying around will work or you can use regular craft yarn. Yarn is already thin enough, but if you’re using cloth, be sure to cut it into thin strips. [2]
    • The color doesn't matter and you can even use multiple colors if you want.
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    Poke the end of a strip through the middle of the washer about halfway. Then, tie a single knot so it stays in place and the 2 loose ends are dangling from the washer. [3]
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    Keep knotting strips around the washer, one after the other. You can stop once the washer is halfway covered, or cover the whole washer with strips for a thicker, more colorful sipa.
    • If you’re using multiple colors, be sure to alternate them.
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    This is optional, but if you want to make an extra durable sipa, take 2 strips that are next to each other on the washer and tie them into a knot. These knots are exactly like the original knots you made—you're just using different strips to make them.
    • For example, if you have a green strip and a red strip tied next to each other on the washer, grab 1 of the green strips and 1 of the red strips and tie them together in a single knot. [4]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Playing the Game

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    You can play sipa all by yourself, but it’s a lot more fun with friends! You can play against 1 other person by standing across from them. For bigger groups, create 2 teams and gather together in a circle. [5]
    • There should be enough room in between players for everyone to move freely.
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    Sipa is very similar to hackey sack. The object of the game is to kick it repeatedly as many times as you can and never allow the sipa to hit the ground. [6]
    • To use the top of your shoe, let the sipa land on it and gently bounce it in the air with your foot.
    • Turn your leg to the side (like you’re sitting cross legged) and bounce the sipa off the side of your shoe.
    • If the sipa goes behind you, bend your knee and kick the sipa with the bottom of your shoe. This is a tough move!
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    Try to keep the sipa going with as many consecutive kicks as you can, just like in hackey sack. Each time the sipa hits your shoe and doesn’t hit the ground, give yourself a point. [7]
    • Hitting the sipa as many times as you can in a row is the most traditional way to play the game.
    • The player that can keep the sipa in the air the longest and get the most kicks is the winner.
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    Kicking is hard and takes practice! If you’re a beginner, feel free to hit the sipa with your foot, the palm of your hand, or even your elbow to keep it in the air. [8]
    • Give yourself a point each time you hit the sipa with your hand or elbow, as well.
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    Your turn is over if the sipa hits the ground, so hand it to the next player when that happens. You can also kick the sipa over to one of your teammates if you get tired or start losing your momentum. [9]
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    Get into 2 teams and put a net in between you so there’s 1 team on each side of the net (like how you would set up for a volleyball game). Vault the sipa back and forth over the net and try to keep it going as long as possible. [10]
    • If a team lets the sipa hit the ground, the opposing team gets a point.
    • In this version of the game, hit the sipa back and forth over the net rather than trying to keep it for consecutive kicks.
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  • Question
    Where should I play sipa?
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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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    Find a place with plenty of room so the players can spread out and move around easily. A gymnasium would be good, or you could play outside in a grassy field.
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      Things You'll Need

      Making a Sipa

      • Lead washer
      • 20 strips of cloth or pieces of yarn

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.starofhope.us/for-donors/sipa
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU9t_9IwawI&feature=youtu.be&t=20
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU9t_9IwawI&feature=youtu.be&t=85
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU9t_9IwawI&feature=youtu.be&t=173
      5. ↑ https://www.starofhope.us/for-donors/sipa
      6. ↑ https://www.starofhope.us/for-donors/sipa
      7. ↑ https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/blogs/post/sipa-a-beloved-filipino-game/
      8. ↑ https://steemit.com/philippines/@watersnake101/street-games-sipa
      9. ↑ https://www.starofhope.us/for-donors/sipa
      1. ↑ https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/blogs/post/sipa-a-beloved-filipino-game/

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