There are many different sports in English, and each has its own name, rules, and way of playing. Some are fast and active, while others need focus or teamwork. You’ll find sports played indoors, outdoors, on snow, or in water. This post helps you learn 100 different types of sports in English with pictures. These names are helpful when talking about games, school activities, hobbies, or watching events on TV.
In This Page
Outdoor Sports Names Played on Grass, Tracks, or Courts
These sports take place outside in open environments like fields, stadiums, or tracks. They often require space for running, throwing, or team play.
- Football
- Baseball
- Cricket
- Rugby
- Track Running
- Long Jump
- Shot Put
- Discus Throw
- Basketball (Street)
- Tennis (Outdoor)
List of Indoor Sports in Halls or Gym Settings
Indoor sports are played in enclosed areas such as gymnasiums or halls. These settings allow for year-round play and controlled conditions.
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Badminton
- Table Tennis
- Handball
- Judo
- Karate
- Squash
- Gymnastics
- Futsal
Names of Water and Underwater-Based Sports
Water sports happen on or under the water and may involve racing, swimming, or riding waves using various equipment.
- Swimming
- Diving
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Water Polo
- Surfing
- Sailing
- Windsurfing
- Scuba Diving
- Jet Skiing
Snow and Ice Sports Types for Cold Environments
These sports are played on snowy or icy surfaces. Many are seasonal and require winter gear or equipment like skates and skis.
- Ice Hockey
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Speed Skating
- Bobsleigh
- Luge
- Figure Skating
- Biathlon
- Curling
- Cross-Country Skiing
Sports Names That Use Balls in Play
These ball sports involve throwing, kicking, or hitting a ball during the game. Some are individual, while others are team-based.
- Football (Soccer)
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Softball
- Volleyball
- Dodgeball
- Handball
- Golf
- Netball
- Table Tennis
Types of Racket and Paddle Sports with Nets
These sports require a racket or paddle to hit a ball or shuttlecock over a net. They test coordination and timing.
- Tennis
- Badminton
- Table Tennis
- Pickleball
- Paddle Tennis
- Squash
- Racketlon
- Beach Tennis
Contact and Combat Sports Names in English
Contact sports involve physical interaction between players. Many are based on self-defense techniques or controlled fighting styles.
- Boxing
- Wrestling
- Judo
- Karate
- Taekwondo
- Kickboxing
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Sumo
- Muay Thai
Precision Sports Names That Require Aim
These sports test a player’s ability to focus and hit targets accurately. Many involve throwing or shooting.
- Archery
- Shooting
- Darts
- Axe Throwing
- Disc Golf
- Bowling
- Curling
- Bocce
Running, Jumping, and Track Events List
These events focus on speed, distance, or height. They’re common in athletic competitions and test different types of movement.
- Sprinting
- Hurdles
- Middle Distance Running
- Long Jump
- Triple Jump
- High Jump
- Pole Vault
- Marathon
- Relay Race
Artistic Sports Types with Movement and Rhythm
These sports mix athletic ability with performance. They include elements of dance, balance, and artistic form.
- Artistic Gymnastics
- Rhythmic Gymnastics
- Trampoline
- Aerobics
- Baton Twirling
- Ice Dance
- Synchronized Swimming
Power and Weight-Based Sports Types in English
These sports are all about strength and lifting ability. Athletes lift weights or use body power to compete.
- Weightlifting
- Powerlifting
- Strongman
- Tug of War
- Hammer Throw
- Shot Put
- Deadlift
Adventure and High-Risk Sports Names
Adventure sports offer thrill and excitement. They often involve heights, speed, or natural terrain.
- Rock Climbing
- Mountain Biking
- Skateboarding
- BMX
- Free Running
- Skydiving
- Paragliding
- Wakeboarding
- Snowmobiling
Traditional Sports Names by Region or Country
These are culturally significant sports tied to specific regions. They reflect history, customs, and heritage.
- Kabaddi
- Sepak Takraw
- Sumo
- Hurling
- Capoeira
- Buzkashi
- Basque Pelota
- Pato
Animal-Based Sports Types and Their Names
These sports involve animals either for speed, skill, or partnership. They’re often held outdoors or in arenas.
- Horse Racing
- Polo
- Show Jumping
- Rodeo
- Bull Riding
- Camel Racing
- Dog Agility
Strategy and Thinking-Based Sports Names
These sports require planning, logic, and mental focus. They’re less physical and more about skill and decision-making.
- Chess
- Go
- Checkers
- Bridge
- Mahjong
- Esports
Motorsports and Vehicle-Based Racing Sports
Motorsports involve racing with engines—cars, bikes, or boats. They combine speed with control and reaction time.
- Formula 1
- Rally Racing
- Kart Racing
- Motorcycle Racing
- Jet Boat Racing
- Motocross
Aerial and Airborne Sports Types in English
These sports happen in the air. They may use parachutes, gliders, or other flying methods.
- Skydiving
- Parachuting
- Hang Gliding
- Wingsuit Flying
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Paragliding
Summer Olympic Sports Names in English
These sports are featured in the Summer Olympic Games. They range from racing to martial arts to team events.
- Athletics
- Swimming
- Boxing
- Fencing
- Judo
- Rowing
- Basketball
- Gymnastics
- Cycling
Winter Olympic Sports Types and Events
Winter Olympic sports are held on snow or ice. They include fast-paced events and judged performances.
- Ice Hockey
- Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Curling
- Bobsleigh
- Figure Skating
- Speed Skating
- Skeleton
- Luge
Adaptive and Paralympic Sports Types with Names
These sports are adapted for athletes with disabilities. They follow special rules and use modified equipment.
- Wheelchair Basketball
- Sitting Volleyball
- Goalball
- Boccia
- Para Swimming
- Para Powerlifting
- Para Athletics
FAQs about Types of Sports
The main types include outdoor sports, indoor sports, water sports, winter sports, ball games, combat sports, and racing sports. Each group has different rules and settings.
You can learn them by looking at organized categories with pictures. Grouped sports lists help you remember names like archery, basketball, or skiing by activity type.
The Olympics include sports like athletics, swimming, gymnastics, judo, and cycling in the Summer Games, and skiing, ice hockey, and snowboarding in the Winter Games.
Cultural sports include kabaddi from South Asia, sumo from Japan, capoeira from Brazil, and hurling from Ireland. These sports often reflect local customs and history.
Yes, some examples include horse racing, polo, bull riding, and dog agility. These involve animals and are often judged or timed for speed and skill.
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