In te ano, two teams face each other across an open area. Players throw the woven ball hard and high, and the opposing team must catch it above their heads with both hands raised — not at chest or waist height like in most ball games. The higher the catch, the better. Points are scored for successful high catches and the game is known for its fast pace and excitement.
The ball itself is carefully made by hand. Strips of pandanus leaf — from a type of palm tree — are woven together with coconut fibre to create a ball that is firm but not too hard. Making the ball is a traditional craft, and knowing how to weave one is a skill passed down through families. On small islands without sports shops, making your own equipment from natural materials is a long-standing tradition.
Te ano is played at community gatherings and festivals, and it brings together people of all ages. Watching experienced players is impressive — the throws are powerful and the catches are athletic. The game also appears during Tuvalu Day celebrations, when the islands celebrate their national identity with sport, dance, and feasting.