Sports are a great way to stay fit, have fun, and socialize with others. However, not all sports are equally easy to learn and play. Some sports require a lot of skill, equipment, or training, while others are more accessible and beginner-friendly. In this article, we will rank the top 10 easiest sports to play, based on factors such as the rules, the skills, the equipment, and the physical demands of each sport. We will also provide some tips and benefits for each sport, so you can choose the one that suits you best.
10. Cricket
Cricket is a bat-and-ball game that originated in England and is popular in many countries, especially in the Commonwealth. Cricket is played by two teams of 11 players each, on a large oval-shaped field. The aim of the game is to score more runs than the other team, by hitting the ball with the bat and running between the wickets, or by dismissing the opposing batsmen.
Cricket is an easy sport to play because:
- The rules are simple and straightforward. You only need to know the basics of batting, bowling, and fielding, and you can start playing right away.
- The skills are easy to learn and improve. You don’t need to be very athletic or coordinated to play cricket, as long as you can swing the bat, throw the ball, and catch the ball. You can practice these skills with your friends or family, or join a local club or academy.
- The equipment is minimal and affordable. You only need a bat, a ball, and some protective gear, such as gloves, pads, and a helmet. You can also use a tennis ball or a soft ball instead of a cricket ball, and improvise the wickets with sticks or stones.
- The physical demand is low to moderate. Cricket is not a very strenuous sport, as you can play at your own pace and take breaks between the overs. However, it can also be a good workout, as you can burn calories, improve your endurance, and strengthen your muscles.
9. Basketball
Basketball is a team sport that originated in the United States and is popular worldwide. Basketball is played by two teams of five players each, on a rectangular court with a hoop at each end. The aim of the game is to score more points than the other team, by shooting the ball through the hoop, or by preventing the other team from doing so.
Basketball is an easy sport to play because:
- The rules are simple and intuitive. You only need to know the basics of dribbling, passing, shooting, and defending, and you can start playing right away.
- The skills are easy to learn and practice. You don’t need to be very tall or strong to play basketball, as long as you can handle the ball, shoot the ball, and move around the court. You can practice these skills by yourself, with your friends, or with a coach.
- The equipment is minimal and accessible. You only need a ball and a hoop, which you can find in most parks, schools, or gyms. You can also use any flat surface as a court, and improvise the hoop with a basket, a bucket, or a ring.
- The physical demands are moderate to high. Basketball is a fast-paced and energetic sport, where you can burn calories, improve your cardiovascular health, and enhance your agility, coordination, and balance.
8. Golf
Golf is an individual sport that originated in Scotland and is popular in many countries. Golf is played on a large course with 18 holes, each with a different layout and difficulty. The aim of the game is to hit the ball with a club into each hole, using as few strokes as possible.
Golf is an easy sport to play because:
- The rules are simple and flexible. You only need to know the basics of hitting the ball, counting the strokes, and following the etiquette, and you can start playing right away. You can also adjust the rules to suit your skill level, such as using a handicap, a tee, or a mulligan.
- The skills are easy to learn and master. You don’t need to be very fit or fast to play golf, as long as you can swing the club, hit the ball, and walk the course. You can learn these skills from a book, a video, or a professional.
- The equipment is varied and customizable. You only need a set of clubs, a bag, a ball, and a tee, which you can buy or rent from a golf shop or a course. You can also choose the type, size, and number of clubs, depending on your preference and ability.
- The physical demand is low to moderate. Golf is not a very demanding sport, as you can play at your own pace and take breaks between the holes. However, it can also be good exercise, as you can burn calories, improve your posture, and increase your flexibility.
7. Bowling
Bowling is a recreational sport that originated in ancient times and is popular in many cultures. Bowling is played on a long and narrow lane, with 10 pins at the end. The aim of the game is to knock down as many pins as possible, by rolling a ball along the lane.
Bowling is an easy sport to play because:
- The rules are simple and universal. You only need to know the basics of rolling the ball, scoring the points, and following the etiquette, and you can start playing right away. You can also play with different variations, such as candlepin, duckpin, or five-pin bowling.
- Bowling does not require any special equipment or skills. You can play bowling with a simple ball and pins, or even with ramps for people with mobility issues.
- Bowling is a fun and social activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. You can play bowling with your friends, family, or even strangers at a bowling alley.
- Bowling is a low-cost and convenient sport that does not take up much space or time. You can play bowling at any time of the year, indoors or outdoors, and for as long as you want.
- Bowling is a sport that can be adapted to different levels of difficulty and competition. You can choose from different types of bowling balls, lanes, and scoring systems to suit your preferences and abilities.
6. Badminton
Badminton is a racket sport that originated in India and is popular in Asia and Europe. Badminton is played by two or four players, on a rectangular court divided by a net. The aim of the game is to hit a shuttlecock with a racket over the net, and make it land in the opponent’s court, or force the opponent to hit it out or into the net.
Badminton is an easy sport to play because:
- The rules are simple and clear. You only need to know the basics of serving, hitting, and scoring, and you can start playing right away. You can also play with different formats, such as singles, doubles, or mixed doubles.
- The skills are easy to learn and apply. You don’t need to be very powerful or skilled to play badminton, as long as you can swing the racket, hit the shuttlecock, and move around the court. You can learn these skills from a friend, a teacher, or a coach.
- The equipment is minimal and inexpensive. You only need a racket, a shuttlecock, and a net, which you can buy or borrow from a sports shop or a school. You can also use any flat surface as a court, and improvise the net with a rope, a tape, or a string.
- The physical demands are moderate to high. Badminton is a fast and dynamic sport, where you can burn calories, improve your aerobic fitness, and enhance your reflexes, speed, and accuracy.
5. Table Tennis/Ping Pong
Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is a racket sport that originated in England and is popular worldwide. Table tennis is played by two or four players, on a table divided by a net. The aim of the game is to hit a small ball with a paddle over the net, and make it bounce on the opponent’s side of the table, or force the opponent to miss or return it out or into the net.
Table tennis is an easy sport to play because:
- The rules are simple and consistent. You only need to know the basics of serving, hitting, and scoring, and you can start playing right away. You can also play with different styles, such as offensive, defensive, or all-round.
- The skills are easy to learn and improve. You don’t need to be very strong or athletic to play table tennis, as long as you can hold the paddle, hit the ball, and react to the opponent’s shots. You can practice these skills by yourself, with a partner, or with a robot.
- The equipment is minimal and accessible. You only need a paddle, a ball, and a table, which you can find in most homes, offices, or clubs. You can also use any flat surface as a table, and improvise the net with a book, a box, or a ruler.
- The physical demand is low to moderate. Table tennis is not a very demanding sport, as you can play at your own speed and intensity. However, it can also be good exercise, as you can burn calories, improve your hand-eye coordination, and stimulate your brain.
4. Volleyball
Volleyball is a team sport that originated in the United States and is popular in many regions. Volleyball is played by two teams of six players each, on a rectangular court divided by a net. The aim of the game is to hit a large ball with any part of the body over the net, and make it touch the ground on the opponent’s side of the court, or force the opponent to make a fault.
Volleyball is an easy sport to play because:
- The rules are simple and logical. You only need to know the basics of serving, hitting, and blocking, and you can start playing right away. You can also play with different variations, such as beach volleyball, indoor volleyball, or grass volleyball.
- The skills are easy to learn and execute. You don’t need to be very tall or muscular to play volleyball, as long as you can pass the ball, set the ball, and spike the ball. You can learn these skills from a teammate, a trainer, or a video.
- The equipment is minimal and affordable. You only need a ball and a net, which you can buy or rent from a sports shop or a park. You can also use any flat surface as a court, and improvise the net with a rope, a cloth, or a fence.
- The physical demands are moderate to high. Volleyball is a lively and energetic sport, where you can burn calories, improve your muscular strength, and enhance your jumping, timing, and teamwork.
3. Swimming
Swimming is an aquatic sport that originated in ancient times and is popular in many climates. Swimming is performed by one or more individuals, in a pool, a lake, a river, or an ocean. The aim of the game is to move through the water, using different strokes, such as freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, or butterfly.
Swimming is an easy sport to play because:
- The rules are simple and flexible. You only need to know the basics of breathing, kicking, and stroking, and you can start swimming right away. You can also swim with different goals, such as fitness, recreation, or competition.
- The skills are easy to learn and master. You don’t need to be very fit or fast to swim, as long as you can float, glide, and propel yourself in the water. You can learn these skills from a friend, a teacher, or a guide.
- The equipment is minimal and optional. You only need a swimsuit, a cap, and a pair of goggles, which you can buy or borrow from a swimming shop or a pool. You can also swim without any equipment, as long as you are comfortable and safe in the water.
- The physical demand is low to high. Swimming is not a very demanding sport, as you can swim at your own pace and level. However, it can also be a great workout, as you can burn calories, improve your cardiovascular health, and enhance your flexibility, endurance, and balance.
2. Cycling
Cycling is a wheeled sport that originated in France and is popular in many terrains. Cycling is performed by one or more individuals, on a bicycle, a tricycle, or a unicycle. The aim of the game is to ride on the road, the track, the mountain, or the BMX, using different types of bikes, such as road bikes, mountain bikes, or BMX bikes.
Cycling is an easy sport to play because:
- The rules are simple and adaptable. You only need to know the basics of pedaling, steering, and braking, and you can start cycling right away. You can also cycle for different purposes, such as transportation, leisure, or sport.
- The skills are easy to learn and advance. You don’t need to be very fit or skilled to cycle, as long as you can balance, control, and maneuver your bike. You can learn these skills from a parent, a friend, or an instructor.
- The equipment is varied and available. You only need a bike and a helmet, which you can buy or rent from a bike shop or a station. You can also choose the size, shape, and color of your bike, depending on your preference and ability.
- The physical demand is low to high. Cycling is not a very demanding sport, as you can cycle at your own speed and distance. However, it can also be great exercise, as you can burn calories, improve your leg strength, and enhance your stamina, coordination, and confidence.
1. Running
Running is a natural sport that originated in prehistoric times and is popular in all cultures. Running is performed by one or more individuals, on any surface, such as grass, pavement, or sand. The aim of the game is to move on foot, using different speeds, such as jogging, sprinting, or marathon.
Running is the easiest sport to play because:
- The rules are simple and personal. You only need to know the basics of breathing, stepping, and pacing, and you can start running right away. You can also run with different objectives, such as health, fun, or challenge.
- The skills are easy to learn and perfect. You don’t need to be very fit or fast to run, as long as you can walk, run, and rest. You can learn these skills from yourself, a partner, or a coach.
- The equipment is minimal and optional. You only need a pair of shoes, a shirt, and a pair of shorts, which you can buy or wear from a sports shop or a closet. You can also run without any equipment, as long as you are comfortable and safe.
- The physical demand is low to high. Running is not a very demanding sport, as you can run at your own pace and time. However, it can also be great exercise, as you can burn calories, improve your heart health, and enhance your mood, energy, and self-esteem.
You just called sports easy? Go run 12 miles and run at a fast pace. Swim as though you practice everyday like the others? Go and dribble a ball and score when 20 people are are trying to stop you? You don’t understand how hard sports are. There is no such thing as an easy sport. Am a swimmer and I train everyday to get where I am!