Chinlone
Chinlone is the traditional non-competitive sport of Myanmar combining dance, martial arts, and hacky-sack-like footwork. Six players pass a woven rattan ball in a circle using six key body points without letting it touch the ground.
AT A GLANCE
- ERA
- Traditional
- ORIGIN
- Myanmar
- PLAYERS
- 1–6 per circle
- EQUIPMENT
- Woven rattan ball
- PLAYING AREA
- 6.7 m circle
- DURATION
- 30 min (varies)
- GOVERNING BODY
- MBF
- OLYMPIC
- No
Allowed striking points
| Body Part | Primary Use |
|---|---|
| Top of foot | High lifts and basic passes |
| Sole of foot | Control and ground saves |
| Instep | Side passes and directional changes |
| Outstep | Acrobatic side strikes |
| Heel | Blind back passes |
| Knee / Thigh | Mid-air bumps and blocks |
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| c. 600 | Earliest silver cane ball artifacts found in Pyu city-states |
| 1953 | Burma Athletic Association formalizes first chinlone rulebook |
| 2013 | Chinlone featured at the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Naypyidaw |
How a game works
Six players stand in a 22-foot circle and cooperatively pass a woven rattan ball to keep it aloft. Only one player moves into the center at a time to perform complex trick sequences while the outer players maintain rhythm and keep the ball in play. Teams aim for fluid execution rather than defeating an opponent.
Scoring in one line
Traditional chinlone has no score or opponent; modern competitive demonstration events judge teams on technical difficulty, artistic grace, and continuous play duration.
Where it came from
Originating in Myanmar over a millennium ago, chinlone developed as a non-competitive royal performance and village pastime. Its movements borrow heavily from classical Burmese dance and traditional martial arts.
Chinlone today
Chinlone remains deeply embedded in Burmese culture, featured prominently at Buddhist pagoda festivals. While competitive offshoots like sepaktakraw introduced nets and opposition, traditional chinlone preserves its focus on collective harmony.
Run a Chinlone tournament
Brackets, fixtures and standings in your browser — 30 min.
FAQ
Is chinlone the same as sepaktakraw?
No. While both use a woven rattan ball, chinlone is a non-competitive cooperative circle game without a net, whereas sepaktakraw is a competitive net sport.
What is the chinlone ball made of?
The ball is woven by hand from natural rattan cane, measuring around 5 inches in diameter and making a distinct clicking sound when struck.
Are hands allowed in chinlone?
No, players cannot touch the ball with their hands or arms. It must be kept airborne exclusively with the feet, knees, heels, and thighs.