Sipa
A traditional Filipino kicking game where players keep a washer-like object in the air using only their feet.
Players
• Can be played solo or with 2 or more players competing for the highest score.
• Great for both boys and girls of all ages!
Equipment (Sipa or Tingga)
• The main object is called Sipa (see-PAH), meaning “kick.”
• It’s made from a lead washer (tingga – ting-GAH) or small metal disc.
• Colorful plastic straw strips, rattan strands, or paper strings are attached to the washer to make it visible in motion.
Play Area
• A flat, open space such as a yard, gym floor, or school courtyard.
• Make sure the area is free from obstacles for safe kicking.
Prepare the Sipa
• Tie or attach colorful straw strips into the hole of the washer (tingga).
• The finished Sipa should look like a small metal disc with a “tail.”
Set the Play Area
• Mark a clear boundary if playing with multiple players.
• Decide if it’s a solo practice (counting how many kicks) or a competition (highest score wins).
Determine Who Starts
• If playing in turns, decide who goes first with “Jack-en-Poy” (rock-paper-scissors) or a simple toss of the Sipa.
The Objective
• The goal is to keep the Sipa in the air by kicking it repeatedly — without letting it touch the ground.
Basic Moves
• Hold the Sipa in one hand, drop it, and kick it upward with the inside of your foot.
• Try to keep it in the air as long as possible using quick, light kicks.
Scoring
• Each successful kick counts as 1 point.
• If the Sipa falls to the ground, your turn ends, and you record your total kicks.
• The next player then takes their turn.
Winning the Game
• The player with the highest number of continuous kicks wins the round.
• You can also play by rounds or challenges, such as using only one foot or switching styles.
Trick Styles (Common Moves)
• 🐥 The Chicken Style – Kick lightly with alternating feet.
• 🦵 The Jump – Kick high while hopping on one leg.
• 🕺 Happy Feet – Use both feet in rhythm for fast kicks.
• 🪄 Black Magic – Spin the Sipa midair before kicking again.
• 🤫 The Silencer – Catch it gently with your foot and flick it back up without a sound.
- Play on smooth, safe ground — not near traffic or rough surfaces.
- Avoid kicking too hard or toward other players.
- Stretch before playing to prevent cramps.
- Encourage friendly competition and cheer for each other!
The word Sipa (see-PAH) means “kick” in Tagalog.
Its root comes from the everyday verb “sumipa” (soo-mee-PAH), meaning “to kick something.”
The metal disc used in the game is called Tingga (ting-GAH) — meaning “lead.” In the Visayan language, the same game is known as Takyan (tahk-YAHN).
Through Sipa, children learn words connected to motion and action, while also reinforcing Filipino expressions like:
- “Ako na!” (ah-KOH nah) → “It’s my turn!”
- “Bilangin mo!” (bee-LAHN-een moh) → “Count it!”
- “Sumipa ka pa!” (soo-mee-PAH kah pah) → “Kick again!”
- "Galing mo!" (GAH-ling moh) — “You’re good!”