Kicking a ball is at the heart of many popular sports around the world. Whether it’s for fun, fitness, or competition, these sports bring excitement to players and fans alike. From soccer, which is played in almost every country, to unique games like footgolf, kicking a ball connects people globally.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 amazing sports where the main action revolves around kicking a ball. You’ll learn the rules, see interesting stats, and discover which sport might be perfect for you.
Read also: List of Sports With Ball in the Name: Discover the Top Choices
1. Soccer (Football)
The World’s Favorite Sport
- Overview: Soccer is played by over 250 million players in more than 200 countries, making it the most popular sport worldwide.
- How to Play: Two teams of 11 players aim to score goals by kicking the ball into the opposing team’s net.
- FAQs:
- Q: What size ball is used?
A: A standard size 5 ball. - Q: How long is a soccer game?
A: 90 minutes, divided into two 45-minute halves.
- Q: What size ball is used?
- Fun Fact: The FIFA World Cup attracts over 3 billion viewers every four years.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Players | 11 per team |
| Ball Size | 5 |
| Popular Tournaments | FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League |
2. Futsal
Indoor Soccer’s Cousin
- Overview: A fast-paced version of soccer played indoors with five players on each team.
- Key Difference: The ball is smaller and heavier, making it less bouncy.
- Benefits: Improves foot skills and quick decision-making.
- Stats: Brazil and Spain dominate international futsal championships.
3. Rugby
A Different Take on Ball Kicking
- Overview: In rugby, players kick the ball to score points or gain territory.
- Kicking Types:
- Drop goals
- Conversions
- Penalty kicks
- Example: England’s Jonny Wilkinson won the 2003 Rugby World Cup with a legendary drop goal in the final minute.
4. Australian Rules Football (AFL)
Where Kicking is Everything
- Overview: Played on an oval field, this sport combines elements of soccer and rugby.
- Unique Rule: Players must kick the ball to pass or score.
- Popularity: Australia’s most-watched sport, with over 6 million fans attending games annually.
5. American Football
Not Just About Throwing
- Kicking Role:
- Field goals
- Kickoffs
- Punts
- Fun Stat: The longest field goal recorded in the NFL was 66 yards by Justin Tucker in 2021.
6. Gaelic Football
An Irish Classic
- Overview: A blend of soccer and rugby, Gaelic football is played with 15 players per team.
- Scoring:
- Kick the ball into the net for 3 points.
- Over the crossbar for 1 point.
- Popularity: Watched by millions during Ireland’s All-Ireland Football Championships.
7. Kickball
Childhood Nostalgia
- Overview: Similar to baseball but played with a rubber ball that’s kicked instead of hit with a bat.
- Who Can Play: Perfect for kids, families, and casual sports enthusiasts.
- Fun Fact: It was invented in the U.S. in the early 20th century as a playground game.
8. Footgolf
The Perfect Blend of Golf and Soccer
- Overview: Players kick a soccer ball into oversized golf holes in as few kicks as possible.
- Popularity: Growing rapidly worldwide, with international tournaments held annually.
- Why Play?: Combines the strategy of golf with the fun of soccer.
9. Sepak Takraw
Asia’s High-Flying Kicking Sport
- Overview: A traditional Southeast Asian sport where players kick a rattan ball over a net.
- Skill Level: Requires gymnastics-like flexibility and precision.
- Popularity: Especially popular in Thailand and Malaysia.
10. Beach Soccer
Soccer Meets Sand
- Overview: A more relaxed and fun version of soccer, played on sandy beaches.
- Key Differences: Fewer players (5 per team) and shorter match durations.
- Popularity: Played recreationally worldwide and competitively in events like the Beach Soccer World Cup.
11. Freestyle Football
Art and Sport Combined
- Overview: Freestyle football focuses on performing tricks and stunts with a soccer ball using feet, head, and other parts of the body.
- Why It’s Popular: It’s a blend of creativity and skill that often features in street performances and competitions.
- Key Competitions: The Red Bull Street Style Championship showcases the best freestyle footballers globally.
12. Korfball
Kicking Meets Teamwork
- Overview: Though korfball mainly involves throwing, players can kick the ball to move it strategically.
- Popularity: Particularly common in Europe, especially the Netherlands.
- Fun Element: Teams are mixed-gender, promoting inclusivity.
13. Padel Soccer
A Niche Yet Growing Trend
- Overview: Played on smaller courts with walls, padel soccer incorporates soccer skills in a unique, confined space.
- Benefit: Great for training precision kicks and quick reflexes.
14. Pelota Mixteca
An Ancient Ball-Kicking Tradition
- Overview: This Mexican sport has roots in indigenous culture and is played with a heavy ball that players kick or hit using hand-wrapped gloves.
- Why It Matters: Preserves cultural heritage while offering a physical challenge.
15. Street Soccer
Soccer, But Anywhere
- Overview: Played in urban areas, street soccer often uses smaller goals and fewer players.
- Why It’s Fun: No strict rules—just creativity and skill.
- Impact: Helps players refine close control and quick decision-making.
Statistics on Sports Where Kicking is Central
| Sport | Key Skill Focus | Biggest Event |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | Teamwork, accuracy | FIFA World Cup |
| Sepak Takraw | Agility, flexibility | King’s Cup Sepak Takraw World Championship |
| Footgolf | Precision, strategy | Footgolf World Cup |
| Futsal | Speed, control | FIFA Futsal World Cup |
| Rugby | Power, accuracy | Rugby World Cup |
FAQs Continued
Q: Are all kicking sports competitive?
A: No, some like kickball and beach soccer are often played just for fun.
Q: Can I play ball-kicking sports casually?
A: Absolutely! Games like footgolf and kickball are beginner-friendly and don’t require advanced skills.
Q: What’s the most physically demanding kicking sport?
A: Rugby and sepak takraw require significant strength, endurance, and agility.
The Global Love for Kicking Sports
Ball-kicking sports unite people from diverse backgrounds. Soccer is loved on every continent, rugby fuels rivalries, and sepak takraw showcases cultural heritage.
| Sport | Continent with Highest Popularity |
|---|---|
| Soccer | Europe, South America |
| Gaelic Football | Europe (Ireland) |
| Sepak Takraw | Asia (Thailand, Malaysia) |
Conclusion
Sports where you kick a ball offer endless excitement, creativity, and connection. From soccer’s global fame to niche games like sepak takraw and footgolf, these sports have something for everyone. Whether you’re a casual player, a competitive athlete, or just a fan, kicking sports provide entertainment and a way to stay active.
Explore these games, pick up a ball, and kickstart your journey into the thrilling world of sports!
