Getting into team sports as an adult may be one of the best things you can do for yourself. It’s a great way to work on your fitness, give you an excuse to hit the gym, meet new friends, and spend more time socializing. There are benefits to your physical and mental health, and it can be an effective way to make new friends when you move to a new city or when you’re at a new stage in your life.
It can feel intimidating to start any new activity, even if you already know the basics of the sport. Here’s how you can overcome your hesitation and get into the world of team sports as an adult.
Define Your Goal
Before you join a league, you should know why you want to start playing a team sport. Is it to get more active in your weekly routine? Is it to make friends and be more social? Is it to find an outlet for your sense of competition?
Knowing what you want to get out of a team sport will help you find the right league and right team. If you have more socially-oriented goals, look for a league that’s less about competition and more about having fun. It doesn’t hurt to start in a more recreational league anyway. If you find yourself chomping at the bit to play better and harder, then you’ll know you’re ready to move on.
Start with the Basics: Learn How to Play
With some leagues, coming in with just a basic understanding of the game can be enough to get started, but no one wants to be so bad they’re holding the team back. Even in leagues where it’s all just for fun, no one wants to stick out.
Although most intro classes for sports tend to be aimed at young kids, there are programs for adults out there. Check your local parks and recreation programming, as they may run beginner sports classes for adults. If not, you can always go online for training drills and tips for developing your skills.
Get the Right Gear
When you join a league, you need to show up prepared with the right equipment. If you’re just trying a sport out and not too committed yet, you may be reluctant to spend a lot of money on brand-new equipment.
It’s fair to save more expensive purchases for later when you’re fully committed to the sport. For now, you can save money by shopping for used sports equipment instead.
Try Different Sports
If your first choice doesn’t work out, don’t worry. There are tons of fun sports you can try, as well as sports that run through different seasons. There’s always something different going on, whatever the weather.
In addition to team sports, you can also get plenty of mental and physical health benefits from solo sports like rock climbing or boxing.
Picking up a sport as an adult can be a deeply gratifying activity. You can be more active, meet new people, and feel more confident in yourself as a result.
