Minor sports! A roundup of intriguing venture sports
There are many major sports that are popular worldwide, like soccer and baseball, but did you know there are also lesser-known “minor” sports quietly gaining fans in the background?
There are lots of these minor sports—sometimes called venture sports—that each have their own deep appeal, whether it’s unique rules or unusual equipment.
In this article, we’ll introduce a range of such minor sports that are sure to pique your interest—ones that will make you want to watch match videos or even try playing them yourself!
We’ve gathered a wide selection, from sports you may have never heard of to ones you know by name but aren’t quite sure what they’re like.
Enjoy!
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Minor sports! A roundup of intriguing venture sports (1–10)
Combat
You’ve seen juggling before, right? Well, there’s actually a sport that turns it into a competitive match.
It’s called ‘Combat.’ Like regular juggling, you use three clubs—nothing unusual there.
But in Combat, you’re allowed to knock the opponent’s clubs out of the air or strike them with your clubs to interfere.
Hitting an opponent’s club mid-juggle is extremely difficult, but when you pull it off, it’s incredibly satisfying.
Start by practicing your juggling first.
Wiffle ball
Wiffle ball is a sport based on baseball, with modified equipment that enhances the gameplay.
The key feature is the ball’s holes, which cause it to move unpredictably due to air resistance when thrown.
It’s even said that anyone can throw a “magic” pitch, and the focus required to track the ball’s erratic movement—sometimes unpredictable even to the pitcher—is part of the excitement.
While it’s a game that can be enjoyed with just a pitcher and a batter, it’s also played competitively with rules similar to baseball.
Frescobol
Frescobol is a ball sport that uses rackets and was born in Brazil.
Looking at the equipment, you might think of hanetsuki, tennis, or badminton.
However, frescobol isn’t about scoring points against an opponent; instead, teams of two compete by how many consecutive rallies they can sustain.
You stand about seven meters from your partner and start playing.
Your score is based on the number of successful hits, with deductions and bonuses applied for things like dropping the ball or hitting too hard.
It’s a sport where practice and teamwork are crucial.
Minor Sports! A Roundup of Captivating Venture Sports (11–20)
snowscoot
One sport drawing major attention nationwide, with events being held all over, is the snowscoot.
It looks like a snowboard fitted with bicycle-style handlebars.
It’s generally treated like skis or a snowboard, so you can enjoy it on the slopes.
Once you try it, you’ll likely find the ride addictive.
That said, it can pick up speed, so don’t let your guard down.
If possible, start with a trial event and get some instruction.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can enjoy it with confidence.
Korfball
Korfball is gaining attention as a sport played by mixed-gender teams.
Its rules are similar to basketball but without dribbling.
Teams must be coed, and marking or making physical contact with the opposite sex is prohibited.
As a result, teamwork and strategy are even more important.
Another major difference is that there is only one goal used.
This means it can be played in a slightly smaller space than a basketball court.
Also, shots from behind the court are allowed.
footbag
Footbag is attracting attention as an easy way to get more exercise.
It involves using only your feet to kick a beanbag-sized ball high into the air and to catch it.
The ball is made of a soft material, so you can play in small spaces, even indoors.
By the way, the most popular discipline is called freestyle, where players freely showcase their tricks and performances.
Give it a try!
Timbersports
Do you know about Timbersports? It’s a sport created in the United States in 1985, and believe it or not, there’s even a professional league.
The goal is to cut through logs as quickly as possible, and there are several events depending on the tools used.
There’s also a unique event where competitors climb a tree and cut only the upper part.
To get started, you’ll need to prepare some logs, but give it a try if you get the chance.
And once you’ve mastered it, be sure to enter a competition!