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)
Kabaddi
Kabaddi is a sport believed to have originated from hunting in India, and it’s like a blend of tag and dodgeball.
One attacker invades the opponents’ territory, and if they manage to touch defenders and then return to their own side, they score points.
The attackers aim to touch as many defenders as possible and get back, while the defenders try to avoid being tagged and prevent the attacker from returning.
Another key rule is that while the attacker is in the opponents’ half, they must continuously chant “kabaddi,” which tests their lung capacity.
It’s a sport notable for its speed, endurance, and the distinctive chant of “kabaddi.”
Pétanque
Pétanque is a ball sport that originated in France.
Players split into teams, such as two-on-two, and take turns throwing balls toward a target ball, competing for points.
Its biggest feature is that you’re allowed to hit and knock away your opponent’s balls with your own.
In terms of rules, it might be similar to curling.
Control is crucial—how close you can get to the target ball and whether you can hit the opponent’s balls.
Incidentally, it’s the sport that inspired boccia, which is well known as an official Paralympic event.
Sepak takraw
Sepak takraw is a sport that evolved from a traditional ball game long loved in Thailand and Malaysia.
Simply put, it’s “volleyball played with your feet.” Under the basic rules, two teams of three players compete across a net to score points.
Watching a video makes it clear: it’s highly acrobatic and incredibly intense! Big moves like the soccer-style overhead kick appear as a matter of course.
It’s a sport where explosive reflexes to strike the ball and the flexibility to kick from any body position are extremely important.
Quidditch
Some of you might have been surprised by the name.
Quidditch is the sport that appears in the globally popular Harry Potter series.
What we’re introducing here is an adaptation that lets you play Quidditch—where characters fly in the story—on the ground.
The rules are like a mix of rugby and tag, but the biggest feature is that every player holds a broom between their legs.
Because your movements are restricted, smart, strategic play is essential.
Tchoukball
Tchoukball is a ball sport that originated in Switzerland.
Its rules are similar to handball and squash.
Players throw the ball into a placed net, catch the rebound, and keep throwing it in again.
It may look simple, but strategy is key.
It’s perfect for when you want to play with multiple people.
First, set up a goal and practice by throwing the ball from close range and catching it.
Incidentally, in Japan, it’s officially played using a handball.
Ultimate
Ultimate, which carries the meaning of “the ultimate,” is a team sport played with a disc where speed and endurance are key.
Players advance the disc through passes, aiming to catch it in the opponent’s end zone.
The excitement comes from the fast-paced, high-level strategy—factoring in wind effects on the disc, choosing passing lanes that avoid defensive interference, and executing precise throws.
Along with teamwork, individual speed and stamina are crucial, making it a sport that truly lives up to its name by testing ultimate physical fitness.
Teqball
Many people like soccer and table tennis, right? So how about trying teqball, which combines the two? The idea is to rally with a soccer ball on a ping-pong table without a net.
Just like traditional table tennis, if the ball doesn’t land on the table or you fail to return it, your opponent scores a point.
And just like in soccer, headers are allowed, but if the ball touches you from the shoulder down to the hand, it’s considered a handball.
By the way, there are not only singles but also doubles and mixed doubles.
Gather some friends and have a lively time playing!