Sports refers to physical activities that involve a degree of physical exertion and competition. Some sports include tennis, softball, baseball, swimming, golf, soccer, basketball, rugby and softball. Many forms of competitive athletics and some games like netball or baseball are known as sports. An athlete in sports is also known as a sportsperson.
Some people engage in sports because of a physical desire, for example to gain weight or to build muscles. Sports are popular all over the world, especially among teenagers. Some athletes in sports develop their athletic activity through working with a personal trainer, enrolling in classes or through observing professionals.
The definition of a sport can be broadened to include non-physical contact sports, including gymnastics, badminton, table tennis, swimming and synchronized swimming. Another category is “sport specific” – these are sports where the participant’s physical skill is used in the training of another person, for example in weightlifting. But the most common reason for participation in sports is to enjoy the physical activity and to compete with other individuals. Most of us think that the word “sport” implies participation in a game or a physical contest, but this is not necessarily the case. Sport is a generic term that can include any activity in which there is competition or attempt, where the participants derive pleasure from using a particular body part, or where the participants compete against others.
To understand the concept of sports, you need to consider the general nature of human interaction. Humans interact with each other in many situations, not only in physical activity but also in relationships. Sports involve the application of certain mind-body strategies, use of technical skills, and use of superior physical strength and skills. So the mind-body relationship is important when we talk about sports, but we should keep in mind that sports do not necessarily require the participation of the physical body.
If you do not have the physical conditioning required by typical sports, then the above definition of sports may not apply to you. Even if you have no athletic ability, or if you have a history of concussions, you can still participate in some sports. Sports can help you to build up your self-esteem, improve your self-confidence and your ability to concentrate and focus. Sports help to build up your level of skills in areas such as speed, endurance, and agility. Some sports help to develop your competitive spirit, improve your spatial intelligence, improve your mental skills, and some even help you learn about the use of your skills in a real-life setting.
The next time you hear the word “sport”, don’t be surprised if you think of football, hockey, volleyball or basketball. These are sports that have been very popular for centuries, and the meaning of the term has changed quite a bit over the years. Today the meaning of the term sport has a very different meaning, probably reflecting the fact that there are many different types of sports. As you study professional sports, you will see that all of them involve physical activity and most of the games involved using skill.
