Buzz
Sipa, originating from the Philippines, offers enjoyable and straightforward amusement. Participants utilize their feet, palms, and elbows to strike or kick a lead washer, known as the 'sipa,' aiming to maintain it airborne for as long as possible. Crafting a homemade sipa is a breeze and requires just a few minutes, utilizing a washer and some yarn.
Instructions
Constructing a Sipa
Acquire a small metal washer resembling the size of a bottle cap. Select a washer approximately the dimensions and thickness of a quarter.
- Although traditionally fashioned from lead washers, any metal washer will suffice.
Cut approximately twenty strips of cloth or yarn, each measuring about 6 inches (15 cm) in length. Any spare cloth or regular craft yarn will suffice. Yarn typically has a thin enough consistency, but if utilizing cloth, ensure it's cut into slender strips.
- The color choice is irrelevant; you may even opt for multiple colors for added flair.
Fasten the initial strip of cloth or yarn to the washer with a single knot. Insert one end of a strip through the center of the washer, roughly halfway. Then, secure it in place with a single knot, leaving the two loose ends hanging from the washer.
Continue attaching additional yarn or strips to envelop the washer.
Proceed to tie strips around the washer consecutively. You can halt once the washer is halfway covered or continue until it's completely concealed for a denser, more vibrant sipa.
- If employing multiple colors, alternate them accordingly.
Reinforce the strips with extra knots to enhance the sipa's durability. While optional, if you desire a sturdier sipa, take two adjacent strips on the washer and tie them together with a knot. These knots replicate the original ones you made, just using different strips.
- For instance, if a green strip and a red strip are tied side by side on the washer, grasp one green strip and one red strip and tie them together in a single knot.
Engaging in the Game
Position yourself opposite another player or form a circle with a group. While playing sipa solo is feasible, it’s far more entertaining with companions! Face off against one opponent by standing opposite them. For larger gatherings, divide into two teams and assemble in a circular formation.
- Ensure there’s ample space between participants for unrestricted movement.
Lob the sipa upward and strike it with the top, side, or sole of your shoe. Sipa closely resembles hackey sack. The objective is to consecutively kick it as many times as possible without letting it touch the ground.
- To utilize the top of your shoe, allow the sipa to land on it and softly bounce it with your foot.
- Angle your leg sideways (as if sitting cross-legged) and rebound the sipa off the side of your shoe.
- If the sipa moves behind you, flex your knee and kick it with the sole of your shoe. This maneuver is challenging!
Award yourself one point for each successful kick of the sipa. Aim to sustain a continuous sequence of kicks, akin to hackey sack. Each time the sipa contacts your shoe without touching the ground, grant yourself a point.
- Achieving numerous consecutive kicks is the traditional gameplay approach.
- The player who keeps the sipa airborne the longest and accumulates the most kicks emerges victorious.
Employ your palms and elbows to alleviate the difficulty of the game. Kicking requires skill and practice! If you’re a novice, don’t hesitate to strike the sipa with your foot, palm, or even elbow to maintain its flight.
- Assign yourself a point for each instance of striking the sipa with your hand or elbow.
Pass or kick the sipa to another player to sustain the game’s momentum. Your turn concludes upon the sipa touching the ground, so transfer it to the next player when this occurs. Alternatively, deliver a kick to pass the sipa to one of your teammates if you feel fatigued or sense a loss of momentum.
Set up a net and volley the sipa across it for a different twist. Divide into two teams and position a net between them, with one team on each side (similar to a volleyball setup). Exchange the sipa over the net, striving to prolong the rally for as long as possible.
- If one team allows the sipa to touch the ground, the opposing team earns a point.
- In this variation, focus on volleying the sipa over the net rather than maintaining consecutive kicks.
Pointers
Materials Needed
Creating a Sipa
- Lead washer
- 20 cloth strips or yarn pieces
