Socially Distanced Sports N’ Fun

Include this article in your Skills Builder Journal. It could help you develop... 

So, you’re back to school or college, and while there will be new regulations in place when it comes to how you learn and how you play...it doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! Here’s our list of the best socially distanced sports and fun to try with your pals…

Cycling

Whether it’s to or from school/college cycling is not only a great way to get your daily exercise, but it’s also a super easy way to stay socially distanced and hang out with your pals at the same time. 

Footgolf

Seriously, as strange as it sounds, footgolf is a real sport! It combines the skill and accuracy of golf with the fun of football. Just put a series of hoops (could be made from socks, paper, string or whatever you have lying around) on the ground at different lengths and then take turns trying to kick a ball into them! Make it interesting with different sized hoops and even different types of balls. make points for the holes, or give points for the least amount of kicks. 

Tennis or Badminton

The only thing you really need to change when it comes to playing tennis or badminton is that you won’t be able to shake your opponent's hand at the end of the match. Luckily, a net works as a natural distancer between you and who you’re playing with! And, if you aren’t able to play on a real court, you can easily create a makeshift one by just making a line on the ground - using your bags, jumpers, or even with chalk. It’s safer to play one on one here, however you could always mix it up a bit by playing in rounds - form a (socially distanced) queue on either side of the court and take it turns to hit the ball and tag another team mate in to hit the next one.

Dynamic Stretch Games

Recently, Man United FC released a guide to playing football from a safe distance. It’s full of different ways to practice your skills, such as dynamic stretch games. Everyone stands in their own (distanced) square or spot with a ball. One person acts as the coach and shows different dynamic mobility stretches you can do with the ball. Each stretch is done for ten seconds, making sure the movements - where possible - are done with a rhythm and pace so you’re always on your toes. Things like bouncing the ball to your thigh for your hip flexors or the ball to your foot for hamstrings. 

Dance

Small-sized dance classes may have reopened, but you can always make up your own routine with your pals at school or at home. Check out challenges on TikTok or follow tutorials by Lucie Fink, Kyle Hanagami or Popsugar Fitness on YouTube!

True False Run

This one is best if you plan a little bit ahead of time! Tell everyone to come up with a number of crazy sounding facts - the weirder the better, and some true, some false. Then, place two markers on the ground - one saying True, the other saying False. Take it in turns to shout out a fact. Everyone else must then run to the marker they think is right. Award points to the correct answers. First to ten wins! (You could also play a more intense version where if you get it wrong, you’re eliminated…)

What games have you been playing? Let us know @NCS!