5 Underrated Group Sports To Play With Friends

If celebrity reels, social feeds and trending hashtags are any indication, padel and pickleball are all the rage this year. But they’re not the only acts in town. There’s a whole wave of games – some new, some decades old – that is steadily gaining momentum around the world. Some are a twist on the traditional, others are a blend of existing sports – but no matter their origin, they are fast-paced, friendly, full of fun and will keep you coming back for more. 

Sepak Takraw

Like volleyball but different – and hugely popular in Southeast Asia – sepak (Malay for ‘kick’) takraw (the Thai name for a specific woven ball) originated in the 1940s in Penang, Malaysia. The rules are simple: two teams of three players, including a setter, spiker and server, are tasked with hitting the ball to the other side of a five-foot-high net using any body part besides the hands. The opposing team must return it without letting it touch the ground. 

It’s not for the faint-hearted, mind you, with moves such as horse-kicks, bicycle kicks and roll spikes, and there’s a good chance you’ll land on your back during the game. But it’s a whole load of fun, and benefits range from building cardiovascular fitness to improving flexibility and coordination. Crazy, yes? And also exhilarating!

[Photo credit: Republic of Korea/Wikimedia Commons]

Speed Golf

If you think golf is slow, boring and best left to the retirees, then meet its speedier, more fitness-oriented cousin. Having originated in the 1970s in the US, and only later formalised in the 1990s, speed golf is scored based on the number of strokes made as well as the time taken to play 18 holes. 

Every minute counts, so you’ll need to run between shots and regain your composure quickly to ensure an accurate next shot. Remember: putting doesn’t come easy, but after completing 18 holes within a relatively shorter time frame compared to regular golf, you’ll emerge feeling fitter, more energised and visibly satisfied at your accomplishments.

Korfball

A combination of netball and basketball, korfball is a mixed-gender sport played in the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK and Taiwan. Two teams, each comprising four men and four women (attackers and defenders) attempt to shoot the ball through the other team’s hoop without dribbling, running or walking with the ball. It’s no-contact, so tackling, blocking or holding aren’t permitted. Attackers and defenders are also restricted to playing within their respective zones and can only duel/defend against opponents of the same gender.   

As you can tell, it’s highly active, and the major benefit is that you’ll get a great cardiovascular workout and be able to improve your spatial awareness at the same time. Plus it’s perfect for a group of friends or a quadruple date! 

[Photo credit: snater.com/Wikimedia Commons]

Bike Polo

An offshoot of cycle polo, bike polo uses bicycles instead of horses and is an urban hipster rendition of traditional polo. Here, two teams of three chase a street hockey ball, aiming to hit it into the opponent’s goal with mallets while mounted on bikes. Though played on different surfaces, the hard-court version has become popular worldwide, because it’s simple, safe, affordable and inclusive (read the rules here) and can be easily played anywhere from tennis and netball courts to streetside on asphalt. 

As the game demands skilful execution of twists and turns on a bicycle while trying to hit the ball, it’ll undoubtedly improve your control and balance at the same time as you build endurance, muscle tone and strength.  

[Photo credit: Del-Uks/Flickr]

Bossaball

When beach volleyball, soccer, gymnastics and capoeira unite, you get bossaball – a team sport played across a net on an inflatable court with a trampoline on either side closest to the net, accompanied by bossa nova music to keep the fun alive. The brainchild of Belgian tennis player Filip Eyckmans, the sport has been gradually spreading all over the world, from Brazil to Singapore, since its invention in 2004. The rules are closest to volleyball, but there are no restrictions, and you can use any body part as creatively as possible to hit the ball while jumping, bouncing and flipping anytime.  

[Photo credit: micadoX/Flickr]