Sport facts for kids

Association football is one of the most popular sports in the world. In this image, a striker is shooting the ball to score a goal.

Sport is an activity where people compete using their physical skills. Think of games like netball or basketball. People who play sports professionally are called athletes. Many people enjoy playing sports with their friends or joining a team. They often have coaches who teach them how to improve their skills and play better. Sports can be played indoors or outdoors, and you can play them alone or as part of a team.

For young people, sports are super important! They help you grow in many ways: physically, mentally, and emotionally. Playing sports helps you stay fit and healthy.

Lots of people also love to watch others play sports. These people are called fans. Some fans watch games on television, while others go to big places like stadiums to see the action live. These fans are known as spectators.

What Kinds of Sports Are There?

There are so many different sports to choose from! They can be grouped into different types based on how they are played.

Athletics

100m race record holder Usain Bolt (in yellow, right) and other runners, Moscow, 2013.

Athletics is a group of sports that includes running, jumping, and throwing. It's often divided into two main parts:

Track Events

These events happen on a running track:

• Sprints: Short, fast races.
• Middle distance races: A bit longer than sprints.
• Long distance races: Very long races, like the Marathon.
• Walking races: Races where athletes must always have one foot on the ground.
• Hurdle races: Running over obstacles.
• Relays: Teams of runners pass a baton.
• Steeplechase: Running over hurdles and water jumps.
• Cross-country races: Running over natural terrain.

Field Events

These events involve jumping or throwing:

• Triple jump: Jumping three times in a row.
• Pole vault: Using a long pole to jump over a high bar.
• High jump: Jumping over a high bar without a pole.
• Hammer throw: Throwing a heavy metal ball attached to a wire.
• Discus throw: Throwing a heavy disc.
• Javelin throw: Throwing a long spear.
• Shot put: Pushing a heavy metal ball as far as possible.

Team Sports

Women's volleyball team of a U.S. university.

In team sports, groups of players work together to win. Some popular examples include:

• Association football (also known as soccer)
• Baseball
• Softball
• Basketball
• Badminton
• Cricket
• American football
• Australian Football
• Canadian football
• Gaelic football
• Rugby league football
• Rugby union football
• Flag football
• Polo
• Volleyball

Individual Sports

These sports are usually played by one person competing against others or against themselves to achieve a goal.

• Golf
• Rowing
• Sailing (sport)
• Surfing
• Swimming
• Skiing (like Freestyle skiing or Ski jumping)
• Figure skating
• Diving
• Shooting

Combat Sports

A shoulder throw at Judo rank graduation, Japan

Combat sports involve two people fighting each other, often with specific rules and safety measures.

• Boxing
• Fencing
• Judo
• Wrestling

Other Sports and Activities

Many other activities are also considered sports, focusing on strength, skill, or performance.

• Acrobatics
• Bodybuilding
• Gymnastics (including Rhythmic gymnastics)
• Motor sports (like Auto racing)
• Bobsled
• Dance
• Colorguard
• Marching band
• Esports: These are video game competitions, which are now recognized as a type of sport.

Related Topics

• Exercise: Staying active and fit.
• Healthy lifestyle: Living in a way that keeps you well.
• List of water sports: Sports played in or on water.
• Physical fitness: How strong and healthy your body is.
• Sports commentator: People who describe sports events on TV or radio.
• Strength training: Exercises to build muscle.

Images for kids

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  Sport in childhood. Association football, shown above, is a team sport which also provides opportunities to nurture physical fitness and social interaction skills.

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  The International Olympic Committee recognises some board games as sports including chess.

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  Show jumping, an equestrian sport

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  Roman bronze reduction of Myron's Discobolos, 2nd century AD.

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  Motorised sports have appeared since the advent of the modern age.

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  Swimmers perform squats as warm-up exercise prior to entering the pool in a U.S. military base, 2011

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  International level female athletes at ISTAF Berlin, 2006

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  A runner gives a friendly tap on the shoulder to a wheelchair racer during the Marathon International de Paris (Paris Marathon) in 2014.

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  Spectators at the 1906 unofficial Olympic Games

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  These lights at the Melbourne Cricket Ground indicate the decision the third umpire makes following a review.

See also

In Spanish: Deporte para niños