Like most people, when you hear “sports,” you think of football, basketball, and baseball. There are several lesser-known sports that you may love.
Whether you’re looking for something to watch or participate in, these four underrated sports are gaining popularity in the United States.
Pickleball
If you haven’t heard of pickleball yet, it’s probably only a matter of time before it becomes mainstream. Pickleball is a paddle sport played on a badminton court with paddles and a plastic ball similar to those used for wiffle ball. It’s easy to learn, fun to play, and all ages and abilities can enjoy it.
The game, created in 1965 as an activity for children while their parents relaxed on the beach, combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Today, pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in America, with over 3 million players nationwide and more than 16,000 pickleball courts across the country.
Ultimate frisbee
Ultimate frisbee is a fast-paced team sport that combines elements of soccer and football, but you use a frisbee instead of a ball. It originated in 1968 at Columbia High School in New Jersey and has grown steadily in popularity. There are now thousands of ultimate frisbee leagues worldwide and professional teams competing for championships each year. Many people love ultimate frisbee for its spirit—or sportsmanship—which emphasizes respect between players on both teams regardless of who wins or loses.
Fencing
Fencing dates back thousands of years but has been steadily gaining popularity since its introduction into modern Olympic games over 100 years ago. Fencing involves two competitors fighting with swords (foils) or daggers (epees). It’s one of the most technical Olympic sports due to its focus on strategy rather than strength or speed.
In recent years fencing has seen increasing numbers of participants thanks to new technology, such as electronic scoring systems. This technology makes it easier for beginners to learn how to fence competitively.
Cornhole
Cornhole is a backyard game that you play by throwing bean bags at a raised platform with a hole in the center. It has quickly become one of the most popular outdoor games in the United States, and all ages can enjoy it. Cornhole tournaments are taking place all over the country, with professional cornholers competing for cash prizes. Knowing the cornhole rules and mastering the game is a great way to bring family and friends together for outdoor fun while enjoying a competitive challenge.
As you can see, plenty of underrated sports are gaining traction in the United States. These sports offer more chances for people of all ages and abilities to get involved and enjoy a diverse range of activities. So if you’re looking for something new and exciting, one of these may be the right fit for you.
