GET ON THE BALL
GET INVOLVED IN SPORT AND NET YOURSELF SOME FUN FAMILY FITNESS, SAYS NEIL BARDSLEY
BALL games are a great way to help you and your family make friends, build confidence and get fit at the same time. One of the best things about them is that they’re also really accessible, often activities that can be enjoyed in the park or back garden, as well as in more formal sports ground and leisure facility settings.
The problem is, when you say ‘ball games’ people often only think of specific activities – usually football or, certainly at this time of year, tennis. Both fantastic activities for body and mind but not to everyone’s liking.
But the truth is that there are plenty of other ball sports worth considering, each with their own specific personality. Finding the right one to boost your activity levels might just be a matter of exploring some options you haven’t thought of yet. With that in mind, here are my top three suggestions to ‘get the ball rolling’.
NETBALL
NETBALL is a sport making a huge comeback in this country, and for good reason.
The game involves a lot of short, sharp bursts of energy and is a good way to get high-intensity activity into your weekly exercise.
This type of activity helps build endurance, burns higher rates of calories, boosts your metabolism and is good for heart health. Around 98% of people who play netball are women – but this doesn’t mean it’s a ‘girly’ or less intense sport. In fact, unisex teams are increasingly common.
So what about the rules. Well, there are seven people in a netball team, each restricted to movement in specific areas of the court.
The ball is passed by throwing and, unlike basketball, there is no dribbling or moving your feet once you’re in possession of the ball – though you may pass the ball to a fellow player by bouncing it (once) on the floor.
Most netball teams are very inclusive, welcoming any size, shape or age to play. There are even ‘walking netball’ games for those with limited mobility, recovering from injury or simply looking for a slower paced experience.
Netball is also great for mental agility and focus. It’s a fast-paced game with a lot of tactical shots – requiring you to keep your brain sharp and concentrate on what all members of your team are doing.
If you do want to get involved, the first place to check is your national netball website, where you can look for local teams in your area. Many sports and leisure centres also have their own teams or netball sessions.
BASKETBALL
THIS is an active, fast-paced, non-contact team sport where points are scored by shooting the ball into a hoop.
It is typically played by teams of up to 12 (with five on each side allowed on the court at any one time), but one-on-one match-ups can be equally fun and beneficial for health – all you need is a hoop and you are ready to go!
Like netball, the ball is passed around the court by throwing. Unlike netball, players may also move around the court with the ball as long as they keep bouncing it, more commonly referred to as dribbling.
The game requires high-levels of energy for small amounts of time – but as players can move more freely around the court, it can provide a good cardio workout and help increase your stamina.
There are loads of ways to get yourself or you family involved. Some secondary schools already teach basketball as part of the curriculum.
If not, local sports club and leisure centres might have a team – or a court you can book to play informally with friends, family or colleagues. If you want to find your nearest basketball facility, use the Basketball England/Wales websites.
There are many forms of accessible basketball, including deaf and wheelchair basketball – meaning everyone can get involved in this fun, high-energy sport.
VOLLEYBALL
VOLLEYBALL is in the top three most-played team sports in the world and its frenetic pace and health benefits means it’s gaining popularity in the UK too.
Volleyball players need to jump and hit volleyballs over a net with their hands – helping to tone muscles, improve circulation and strengthen bones.
Unlike basketball and netball, where you score points by shooting the ball through a hoop, the main objective in volleyball is to stop the ball hitting the ground anywhere on your side of the net. You score points by getting the ball to hit the ground on your opponent’s side of the net.
Although we don’t always have the weather for it, there are beach volleyball sites across the UK, with standard indoor and outdoor courts also available to play on. Although a net strung across the back garden is also a great place to start!
If you have limited movement or a disability, sitting volleyball is another inclusive way to play the game – players sit in their part of the court and play with a lower net.
Volleyball is often taught in secondary schools, however, if you and your family want to take up the sport, check out volleyball websites for clubs and events you can take part in.
Neil Bardsley is sport development manager at Life Leisure, lifeleisure.net