Playing sports regularly is a great way to keep fit and in shape. There are plenty of sports out there to play no matter where your interests lie. It is also a good way to make friends and connect with people through a common interest. Here is a list of a few of the more popular sports that are not only fun but help maintain fitness.
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Volleyball
Volleyball is one of the more energetic sports on this list. It involves two teams of six people, divided by a net where the aim is to try and ground the ball on the opposition’s side. It is one of the most popular sports in the world with an estimated 900 million people enjoying a game. Volleyball has been an official Olympic event since 1964 and the sport’s origins date back to 1895 in Massachusetts where it was derived from badminton by a physical education director. The game was refined early on with moves such as the spike and a ‘three hits rule’ introduced in the Philippines in 1916. It is particularly popular in Brazil who have most recently been the favorite to win during the Olympics. Japan and South Korea are also top contenders and have been since the inception of the sport.
Basketball
Basketball is another worldwide popular sport and is especially big in the United States, where NBA tournaments are played. It is an active sport with two teams of 13 scoring points by shooting a basketball through a mounted hoop. Players in control of the ball must bounce it every few feet otherwise they are cited for traveling. The game requires strong tactics, with a head coach designing plays that will work best depending on who their opponent is. This means NBA betting odds should be looked into if taking a punt on the games. Interestingly, the sport was invented by a Canadian in 1891. It is another fun way to meet people and make friends.
Soccer
Probably the most popular sport in the world, soccer is mostly known as football outside of Australia and the United States. But whatever it is called, it is played in pretty much every country on the planet and has legions of fans all over the world. The basic premise of the sport is that two teams of 11 people each have to kick a ball into the opposing team’s goals, which are guarded by a goalkeeper. It is a low contact sport although contact can sometimes occur when vying for the ball. It is played on a large rectangular field with the size anywhere from 50-100 yards in width and 100-130 yards in length.
Swimming
Many people swim for the fitness benefits the sport provides. It is a great way to keep mobile and strong and helps to rehabilitate from certain injuries in a low impact environment. It is also good for consistent endurance. Many people compete professionally and it is a major Olympic sport with countries like the United States and Australia being among the best in the world. There are many different variations of swimming strokes, including freestyle, backstroke, and butterfly. There are swimming venues in pretty much every town and city in the world so if you are interested, take a look into it and join a program.
Playing sport is a great way to keep fit, whether you are reaching for professional status or just enjoy a bit of friendly competition.
