Physical activity during small-ball sports offers various interesting games. These small-ball sports include table tennis, badminton, cricket, and sepak takraw.
The types of small balls commonly used in these sports include shuttlecocks, table tennis balls, and cricket balls in different sizes and play styles.
By learning about different types of small-ball sports, you can choose the right activity based on your interests and needs.
Do you want to know more about the types and how to play small-ball sports? Let’s dive into this article and find the right sports for you!
What Are Small-Ball Sports?
Small-ball sports are a branch of exercise, played as games in which a small ball is the main object.
Small-ball games often use tools such as rackets, sticks, and bats.
Typically, small-ball sports require many players and are played in teams.
Many types of small-ball sports are popular worldwide and often have their own national or international championships.
Read also: 10 Types of Large Ball Sports You Should Know
Types of Small-Ball Sports
After learning what small-ball sports are and their benefits for the body, you may want to learn about different kinds of small-ball games.
Here are several types of popular and interesting small-ball games that you could try:
1. Baseball
Baseball is a two-team game, with each team made up of 9 players with different tasks.
A match needs at least 1 referee, supported by 7 judges who monitor the whole game.
Baseball relies on accuracy when hitting the ball and running speed. Each time you hit the ball, you must run to a base before the fielders catch it.
Baseball is quite popular in Indonesia, even though this game did not originate in this country. Additionally, the Indonesian national team has competed several times in international leagues.
Baseball leagues have become a prestigious event for youngsters in Inter-high school and intercollegiate competitions nationwide.
2. Sepak Takraw
Next is sepak takraw, a traditional sport that is popular in Southeast Asia.
This game combines two sports, football and volleyball. Therefore, players use their feet and are not allowed to use their hands.
Sepak takraw is usually played on a badminton court and uses a special rattan ball.
3. Cricket
Cricket, or rounders, is a sport similar to baseball. However, cricket uses a small ball wrapped in leather, which is not perfectly round.
Cricket is a small-ball sport played outdoors by two teams. Each team consists of 11 players.
This small-ball game originated in England and became very popular, especially in South Asia, such as India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
The bowler throws the ball freely to test the batter's skill. Afterward, the team member who hits the ball will run to the base.
In cricket, bases are the places where other players stand by, located in each corner of the field.
4. Billiards
Billiards is a game played on a special table with holes at its corners and a set of balls on top.
The player must hit the white ball using a cue stick to push the target ball into one of the holes.
However, the white ball should not be pushed into any hole.
In Indonesia, billiards is popular and has become a social activity when hanging out with friends.
5. Hockey
Hockey is a game played by two teams of 11 people on a field, using sticks and a small round ball.
The rules are fairly simple: each player uses a special bent stick to move the ball.
Later, both teams compete with the small ball and race to score as many goals as possible.
In snowy countries, this sport is played with several modifications where the ball is flat-shaped, and the stick is longer.
Every player must also wear protective clothing and a helmet. Hockey is a popular game in America, South Africa, Australia, India, Canada, Pakistan, and New Zealand.
Read also: 8 Beginner-Friendly Exercise Tips to Make Every Move Count
6. Badminton
Badminton is a branch of sport that uses a strung racket as a striker and a ball made of goose feathers with a rubber pad at the bottom (shuttlecock). This small-ball sport requires fast, one-step movements and jumping while hitting.
Badminton is played in two categories: singles and doubles. In doubles, the court is larger than in singles.
7. Tennis
Tennis is a game similar to badminton. Tennis players hit the ball so it crosses the net and bounces on the opponent's side of the court.
Lawn tennis is played between two people in singles and can also be played in doubles.
Tennis match categories consist of men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles, and mixed doubles.
8. Ping Pong (Table Tennis)
Ping pong, or table tennis, is a small-ball sport that almost everyone likes.
The rules of ping pong are similar to lawn tennis: you hit the ball over the net so it lands on the opponent's side of the table.
This ping pong game can be played individually or in teams (maximum 2 people).
9. Shot Put
Shot put is an athletic branch that involves strength and technique. In this game, an athlete must throw or "put" a bullet-shaped metal ball as far as possible from the throwing point. The shot is usually made of iron or other heavy metals, with weights that vary by the athlete's gender and age category.
10. Golf
Golf is a sport in which players hit a small ball into a hole located far away. Therefore, its players require high concentration.
A golfer not only requires skill in hitting the ball, but also expertise in reading wind direction.
If you haven't had the chance to play golf on a real course, you can create one yourself in your front yard. Prepare 1 golf stick and several golf balls. Then make small holes at several points with distances that you can adjust yourself.
You and your family can play golf on that mini field. Exciting, isn't it?
Benefits of Small-Ball Sports
Small-ball sports have many benefits. First, you can relieve stress without getting overly exhausted because this branch of sport tends to be light.
Second, you can build self-confidence, especially when playing against an opponent.
Furthermore, this type of sport can also build body dexterity and agility because the game requires high concentration.
You can also stretch your body through various small-ball game branches with light movements that help muscles relax.
Finally, you can have a healthier, fitter body without excessive fatigue, which can make life much happier.
That concludes the list of fun small-ball sports branches. Which one do you like the most?
Whatever your favorite sport, don't forget to meet your body's fluid needs by drinking plain water regularly. When you exercise, your body will sweat and lose fluids.
So, choose #AQUADULU to help meet your body's fluid needs during exercise. AQUA is a drinking water brand trusted by Indonesians for more than 50 years.
Prepare AQUA products according to your needs, such as AQUA 600ml, which has practical packaging so it is easy to carry anywhere, especially if you want to go exercising.
So, don't forget to put an AQUA 600ml bottle into your sports bag, okay!
