Four Alternative Sports For 2022
If you’ve set yourself a fitness goal this new year or are just looking for new fun ways to maintain your activity levels, these alternative sports might be perfect for you. For many, the comradery of group exercise is what motivates us to keep going and the sports we haven chosen are fantastically accessible to all ages and capabilities. Not only that, the social aspects of these sports are beneficial for our mental wellbeing as well as our physical health.
Pickleball
Pickleball is a combination of badminton, tennis and table tennis where two or four players hit a perforated polymer ball over a net, using solid wooden or composite paddles. The sport has seen immense uptake over the pandemic, especially in the US, and it’s popularity is growing here in the UK, too. Pickleball is incredibly accessible and where tennis might take hours of lessons to attain a certain level of proficiency, Pickleball can be picked up from just playing after an hour or so. One reason why it’s great for any age, or fitness level is the fact that the game is mostly played underarm with underarm serves.
For more information and to find a club near you, click here.
Korfball
Originating from the Netherlands, Korfball combines elements from netball, basketball (korf is Dutch for basket) and handball. A mixed-gendered sport, teams are made up of four males and four females who are organised into two “divisions”, defence and attack, which are in turn composed of two males and two females. The two divisions switch every two goals and you’re not allowed to mark someone of the opposite gender to you. Working as a team, you must get the ball through the “Korf” to score goals. What’s more, you can score from behind the Korf, highlighting the need for communication and teamwork that makes Korfball a mentally stimulating accessible sport!
For more information and to find a club near you, click here.
Ultimate Frisbee
In Ultimate Frisbee, mixed gendered teams of seven try to catch a flying disc in “end zones” to score goals. Broadly similar to football and American football, Ultimate Frisbee has a few key differences that set it apart. Players are not allowed to run whilst in possession of the disc and there are no referees. Instead, the game relies upon players to familiarise themselves with the rules of Ultimate Frisbee, particularly the first rule in the book; the Spirit of the Game rule. The Spirit of the Game encompasses knowledge of the rules, communication skills, respect for others and sportsmanship. It is these core values that makes Ultimate Frisbee what many to consider to be the ultimate team sport.
For more information and to find a club near you, click here.
Walking Football
The beautiful game but at a walking pace! Walking Football is exactly what is says on the tin and with some other key differences to Association Football. For one, Walking Football is a non-contact sport. Players are allowed to tackle but must not come into contact with another player. Additionally, games are usually played 6-a-side and have similar rules in that regard to 6-a-side Association Football. For instance, the ball cannot go over head height and free kicks are indirect. These elements add up to a much lower impact version of football that is great for those with long standing injuries or for older individuals. The slower aspect of the game greatens the importance of the tactical side of the sport and a need for communication and teamwork.
For more information and to find a club near you, click here.
So, there are four alternative sports you may not have considered trying. They each have great benefits on our physical and mental wellbeing whilst also being incredibly accessible for all ages and capability levels. If you feel it’s not the right time for you to try a new sport as you’re suffering from chronic or acute pain, learn how to manage your pain in our most recent blog.
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