In general, there are two types of sporting competitions – sporting activities and games. Sporting events are generally governed by some set of unwritten rules or traditions, which ensure fair play, and enable consistent adjudication of the outcome. In popular sports, statistics of performance are regularly collected, and this data can be openly declared or announced in the local newspaper, sport show or sports radio. Competitions are designed to bring about a common goal – to win, be victorious, or come close to winning, whatever the circumstances. A competition is normally a structured, well orchestrated event with the aim of producing a reasonable result in the best possible circumstances.
Among the wide variety of available sports competitions there are two broad categories: athletic and motor skills competitions. The main differences between these two categories are the degree of physical activity involved, and the level of skill required. Some sports involve only one or few parts of the body, such as swimming and cycling, while others involve several major body parts. Athletic events require vigorous physical activities, often involving a lot of running and climbing, whereas motor skills competitions require skill rather than body strength.
The majority of adolescents take part in some kind of athletic activity during their formative years. This can include playing various sports such as basketball, softball, soccer, hockey, wrestling, track and field, or any other physical activity where the participants use various parts of their bodies. Most adolescents also engage in other types of recreational sports, which can include track and field, bowling, golf, baseball, tennis, swimming, gymnastics, fencing, aerobics, surfing, karate, sailing and cycling. In the United States, in the high school and college years, most students participate in at least one sport. For example, football players are expected to be able to tackle, block and catch the ball, while basketball players use their size and body strength to hit the ball on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court.
Sports may require a lot of stamina and endurance, so most athletes get plenty of rest between athletic events. The amount of rest between competitive sports events varies according to the sport. In many sports, such as baseball, basketball and soccer, players get only two or three days of rest before playing another game. On the other hand, in winter sports such as ski and snowboarding, players may take up to six days off to recuperate completely between competitive events. Pro athletes usually have very little rest between sporting events, as they continue to train even when their competition is over. Pro athletes spend several hours a day, if not all day, training hard and recovering from practices and events.
Skateboarding is one of the few recreational activities that don’t require a great deal of rest between sporting events. As long as a skater has good balance and control, she will be fine. However, the ankles and knees are often the first areas to become sore after any type of skateboarding activity. Many people who have been skateboarding for some time report bruises and other injuries occurring in their early days. Many of these individuals have found that the most enjoyable part of being a skateboarder is the fact that they can simply “go”.
Even though there are some inherent risks associated with extreme sports, the benefits far outweigh any negative aspects that may arise. Sports enthusiasts who enjoy the mental and physical challenge of recreational sports and physical activity should seriously consider participation in a sport that requires minimal contact with the ground. Sports like skateboarding, BMX, dirt biking and snow boarding have grown in popularity in recent years. These activities provide an opportunity for individuals to participate in a fun physical activity and do so in relative safety. Individuals who love sports and the challenge and excitement they present are likely to make positive choices when choosing an activity to participate in.