Why you should play contact sports
Explore the benefits of playing collision and contact sports in Nigeria. Discover the benefits of regular physical activity that helps build and maintain a healthy lifestyle and control of body weight.
15 benefits of contact sports you should know
If you are looking for something to try this year to keep you on your toes, then why don’t you try contact sports? Unlike non-contact sports such as golf, contact sports are not only thrilling games (like aviator games) but also powerful tools for personal growth. They are ideal for physical fitness and mental resilience. When you play collision sports, you may encounter both challenges and rewards that extend beyond the field and arena. These sports come with various benefits that can transform your life.
This article review explores 15 benefits of contact sports that you can’t ignore. If you’re curious about how contact sports can elevate your life, continue reading to learn more.
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What is a contact sport?
A contact sport is a kind of physical activity whereby contact among participants is an integral part of the game. The contact may be strategic or forceful as opposed to non-contact sports, where it is minimal or prohibited by the law of the game.
Here, some forms of contact are allowed as they form a critical aspect of the game, e.g. tackling. On the flip side, others are incidental, especially when protecting the ball or vying for aerial challenge. In essence, the degree and nature of contact can depend on different sports.
Keep in mind that safety measures are also adhered to because there are risks of injury. Moreover, referees and officials play an important role in enforcing rules and maintaining a safe environment for all participants.
Different types of contact sports
The table below shows a variety of contact sports and what makes them unique.
|
Sports |
Description |
Unique aspects |
|
Rugby |
A team sport emphasising carrying, passing, and kicking the ball to score tries |
Requires physicality and strategy: teamwork |
|
Boxing |
A combat sport that involves landing punches to score points |
Enhances discipline, endurance, and mental focus |
|
Martial arts |
Comprises judo, taekwondo, karate. |
Build self-defence, agility and respect for traditions. |
|
Football |
Involves physical challenges while playing the ball |
Promotes stamina, coordination, and teamwork |
|
Ice hockey |
A high-tempo game played on ice with physical contact |
Requires speed, coordination, and strategic planning |
|
Field hockey |
A high-energy game with physical difficulties while moving the ball |
Test coordination, speed, and teamwork |
|
Incorporates various martial arts styles in a competitive environment |
Encourages versatility, endurance, and adaptability. |
|
|
Water polo |
A team sport that is played in water which demands physicality. |
Builds cardiovascular fitness and teamwork under challenging conditions. |
Benefits of contact sports
The following are the essential benefits you will get when you play any of the above-mentioned contact sports.
Enhanced muscle strength
Due to the physical nature of contact sports, you can constantly use your muscles to move, block, tackle, or resist opponents. This, in turn, builds your muscle mass and improves strength. As a result, you can develop core and functional strength.
Better cardiovascular fitness
Playing contact sports involves short bursts of high-intensity activity followed by lower-intensity periods of rest. These activities increase the heart rate and promote better blood circulation, thus improving cardiovascular health. Eventually, it eliminates the risk of heart-related issues such as hypertension.
Improved coordination and agility
Contact sports are synonymous with quick decision-making and fast reactions. For example, a boxer must anticipate and dodge punches, while a rugby player must be swiftly required to manoeuvre through opponents.
These activities improve:
Hand-eye coordination
Balance
Reflexes
Enhances respiratory function
Collison sports involve aerobic activities such as jogging and running, which improve lung capacity and respiratory functions. These activities increase lung efficiency and boost the ability to take in and utilise oxygen. Consequently, participants can have better endurance during physical activities.
Stress relief
Participating in any sport can be an ideal way of managing and reducing stress. This is because physical activity in contact sports activates the release of endorphin hormones. This hormone reduces stress, anxiety, and depression.
Boosted self-confidence
Since contact sports allow you to push physical and mental limits, you can build your self-confidence as you overcome challenges and achieve victories. Whether small or big, you may develop a strong sense of accomplishment and self-belief.
Improved discipline and focus
In order to succeed in contact sports, you must meet the need for rigorous training, a strategic mindset, and adherence to rules. This mental sharpness can be transferred to other aspects of life, such as career pursuits and academics.
Teamwork and communication skills
Rugby, football, and water polo depend on teamwork. Therefore, players must learn effective communication skills, understand group setups, and collaborate to be successful. These skills are vital in personal and professional setups.
Develop leadership qualities
As a member of a team, you may land on a leadership role such as captaincy. Players learn how to motivate others, make decisions under pressure, and inspire their teammates. These are important leadership skills.
Building friendships
Contact sports bring together like-minded individuals and develop long-lasting relationships. Training sessions and team-building encourage togetherness and mutual respect.
Handling pressure
One benefit of contact sports is teaching athletes to remain calm and perform effectively under pressure. During critical play in a rugby match, players develop the ability to think clearly and make the right decisions.
Learning sportsmanship
Contact sports allow players to win and lose their matches. Through these ups and downs, athletes can learn how to win victories with humility and defeats with grace. This creates respect for opponents, teammates, and officials.
Resilience and perseverance
The physical and mental difficulties that come with contact sports typically require participants to push through setbacks, fatigue, and injuries. Overcoming these challenges enables players to build resilience and perseverance, which are the foundation for success.
Increased health awareness
In order to perform well, athletes in contact sports must uphold a high level of fitness and health. This can be achieved by:
Better nutrition
Regular exercise
Sufficient rest
In general life, fitness promotes a lifelong commitment to health.
Knowledge of safety protocols
The risk of injuries involved in contact sports makes it essential to learn the safety protocols. Athletes must develop awareness of safety measures such as wearing proper gear, warming up adequately, and understanding injury management.
