The Health Benefits of Playing Sports
Sport (or physical sport) is any form of generally competitive physical activity that, through organised or casual competition, attempt to use, develop or maintain skill and/or physical ability while offering entertainment for participants, and at times, spectators. While most commonly associated with contact sports, sport can also take the form of regular games of golf, tennis, swimming, racquetball, ice hockey, and boxing; competitive dance occasions such as salsa and belly dancing; outdoor activities such as bungee jumping; and more. Some forms of sporting activity are specifically intended to develop specific skill sets. For example, bowling is a game of bowling, and while most people would consider it a game of bowling, the rules and techniques of the game are much different from those of regular bowling, as it is an indoor game that is entirely dependent upon the proper form of the bowler’s hand and wrist motion. In addition, most sports require specific skill sets and fitness levels and therefore require a specific type of physical activity.
With the advent of globalization and the integration of a wide variety of cultures into mainstream society, there has been growing interest in sports from all across the globe. With this increased interest, there has also been growing concern over the issue of fairness in sporting competitions, especially in non-traditional sports such as gymnastics, rowing, basketball, softball and table tennis. To ensure fair competition and to promote teamwork, development and growth within sport, international sports governing bodies have been formed. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) for example, is responsible for the management of the Olympic Games, with the organizing committee responsible for the sports events themselves. As a leader in the realm of non-traditional sports, the Olympic movement ensures that sport meets a social, educational and psychological context, thus ensuring fair competition and advancement of the sport.
Most other sports fall into one of four main categories: team sports, individual sports, recreational sports with physical fitness as the focus. Team sports refer to sports that require a number of people to work together towards a common goal. This sports can include basketball, softball, football, hockey and track and field, among many others. For example, hockey players are required to form a team to perform against another team. Likewise, track and field refer to the games of long distance running, cycling, swimming and socket and jumpers.
Individual sports, such as running, swimming, basketball and track and field each require different types of physical skills. In swimming, for example, the competitor needs to be both swift and acrobatic in order to win the race and maintain their position on the podium. Similarly, basketball requires the player to have great physical strength, vertical jumping skills and the ability to create good contact. Track and field is an even tougher game requiring the athlete to have great speed, athletic ability and great physical dexterity. However, despite their particular characteristics, all sports require the same principles of play and use physical fitness to victory.
Since there are various types of sports, it is important to know which type of sport you enjoy playing. A sport you really like may be more competitive than others. Competitive physical activity has many benefits. For one, it helps relieve stress and gives you a competitive edge because it improves your health, reduces health risks such as injury and improves mental and physical dexterity.
The popularity of certain sports also increases the demand for sports activities. It is not uncommon for a child to be encouraged to participate in sports, especially if the sport they love is very popular. Children have shown positive changes in their health due to participation in sports. Studies have also shown positive health benefits to athletes and non-athletes alike.