Sports types vocabulary that covers various categories of sports, helping learners describe and discuss different kinds of athletic activities in English.
Sports types vocabulary helps you name and describe different kinds of athletic activities. This guide covers categories like team sports, individual sports, water sports, and extreme sports. Building this vocabulary lets you talk about your favorite activities, understand sports news, and join conversations with confidence.
Team sports involve groups of players working together to compete against another team. These sports are great for learning teamwork and communication.
| Sport | Gender/Plural | English Example | Example in English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soccer / Football | — | I play soccer on the weekends. | I play soccer on the weekends. |
| Basketball | — | She is on the basketball team. | She is on the basketball team. |
| Baseball | — | They watch baseball every summer. | They watch baseball every summer. |
| Volleyball | — | We play volleyball at the beach. | We play volleyball at the beach. |
| Rugby | — | Rugby is popular in many countries. | Rugby is popular in many countries. |
| Hockey | — | He plays hockey after school. | He plays hockey after school. |
| Cricket | — | Cricket is a major sport in India. | Cricket is a major sport in India. |
| Water Polo | — | Water polo is very demanding. | Water polo is very demanding. |
| Handball | — | Handball is fast-paced and exciting. | Handball is fast-paced and exciting. |
| Lacrosse | — | Lacrosse combines speed and skill. | Lacrosse combines speed and skill. |
Nosotros jugamos ___ en la playa.
We play ___ at the beach.
volleyball
'Volleyball' is commonly played at the beach. 'Hockey' and 'cricket' are not typical beach sports, and 'tennis' is usually played on courts.
___ es popular en muchos países.
___ is popular in many countries.
Rugby
'Rugby' is widely popular in many countries. 'Lacrosse' has a more regional following, while 'tennis' and 'golf' are individual sports.
Individual sports focus on personal skill and performance. These sports often require self-discipline and concentration.
| Sport | Gender/Plural | English Example | Example in English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennis | — | She plays tennis every morning. | She plays tennis every morning. |
| Golf | — | He plays golf with his friends. | He plays golf with his friends. |
| Boxing | — | Boxing requires strength and strategy. | Boxing requires strength and strategy. |
| Swimming | — | Swimming is good for the whole body. | Swimming is good for the whole body. |
| Running | — | Running improves cardiovascular health. | Running improves cardiovascular health. |
| Cycling | — | They go cycling in the countryside. | They go cycling in the countryside. |
| Gymnastics | — | Gymnastics demands flexibility. | Gymnastics demands flexibility. |
| Skiing | — | Skiing is popular in winter. | Skiing is popular in winter. |
| Archery | — | Archery tests focus and precision. | Archery tests focus and precision. |
| Martial Arts | — | Martial arts teach self-defense. | Martial arts teach self-defense. |
Water sports take place in or on water, ranging from relaxing activities to adrenaline-pumping adventures.
| Sport | Gender/Plural | English Example | Example in English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surfing | — | He loves surfing at the beach. | He loves surfing at the beach. |
| Kayaking | — | We went kayaking on the lake. | We went kayaking on the lake. |
| Scuba Diving | — | Scuba diving reveals underwater worlds. | Scuba diving reveals underwater worlds. |
| Sailing | — | Sailing depends on the wind. | Sailing depends on the wind. |
| Water Skiing | — | Water skiing is thrilling. | Water skiing is thrilling. |
| Jet Skiing | — | Jet skiing is very fast. | Jet skiing is very fast. |
| Rowing | — | Rowing builds upper body strength. | Rowing builds upper body strength. |
| Paddleboarding | — | Paddleboarding is peaceful and fun. | Paddleboarding is peaceful and fun. |
| Snorkeling | — | Snorkeling lets you see fish up close. | Snorkeling lets you see fish up close. |
| Cliff Diving | — | Cliff diving requires courage. | Cliff diving requires courage. |
___ depende del viento.
___ depends on the wind.
sailing
'Sailing' relies on wind to move. The other water sports use human power or engines.
Extreme sports involve high risk and adrenaline. They are for thrill-seekers who love adventure and challenge.
| Sport | Gender/Plural | English Example | Example in English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skydiving | — | Skydiving feels like flying. | Skydiving feels like flying. |
| Bungee Jumping | — | Bungee jumping is not for the faint-hearted. | Bungee jumping is not for the faint-hearted. |
| Mountain Biking | — | Mountain biking takes you off-road. | Mountain biking takes you off-road. |
| Rock Climbing | — | Rock climbing builds strength and focus. | Rock climbing builds strength and focus. |
| Windsurfing | — | Windsurfing combines surfing and sailing. | Windsurfing combines surfing and sailing. |
| Paragliding | — | Paragliding offers stunning views. | Paragliding offers stunning views. |
| Skateboarding | — | Skateboarding is popular in cities. | Skateboarding is popular in cities. |
| Snowboarding | — | Snowboarding is a winter favorite. | Snowboarding is a winter favorite. |
| BASE Jumping | — | BASE jumping is one of the most extreme sports. | BASE jumping is one of the most extreme sports. |
| Motocross | — | Motocross riders perform incredible jumps. | Motocross riders perform incredible jumps. |
Paralympic sports are competitive events for athletes with disabilities, showcasing incredible skill and determination.
| Sport | Gender/Plural | English Example | Example in English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelchair Basketball | — | Wheelchair basketball is fast and exciting. | Wheelchair basketball is fast and exciting. |
| Goalball | — | Goalball is a sport for visually impaired athletes. | Goalball is a sport for visually impaired athletes. |
| Para Swimming | — | Para swimming includes many classifications. | Para swimming includes many classifications. |
| Sitting Volleyball | — | Sitting volleyball is played on a smaller court. | Sitting volleyball is played on a smaller court. |
| Boccia | — | Boccia tests precision and strategy. | Boccia tests precision and strategy. |
| Wheelchair Racing | — | Wheelchair racing is incredibly competitive. | Wheelchair racing is incredibly competitive. |
| Para Cycling | — | Para cycling includes both track and road events. | Para cycling includes both track and road events. |
| Powerlifting | — | Paralympic powerlifting focuses on upper body strength. | Paralympic powerlifting focuses on upper body strength. |
| Adaptive Skiing | — | Adaptive skiing allows athletes to compete on the slopes. | Adaptive skiing allows athletes to compete on the slopes. |
| Para Taekwondo | — | Para taekwondo is a fast-paced martial art. | Para taekwondo is a fast-paced martial art. |
Knowing sports types vocabulary helps you talk about a wide range of activities, from casual games to professional competitions. Whether you’re describing your favorite sport, joining a conversation, or reading about athletic events, this vocabulary gives you the words you need. Keep practicing and exploring new sports to expand your English even further!
Flashcards (1 of 50)
- Sport: Soccer / Football
- Gender/Plural: —
- English Example: I play soccer on the weekends.
- Example in English: I play soccer on the weekends.
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
