If your football days are long over—or never were—and you’re hesitant to join a hockey team without a pair of skates, you can still get in the game—or at least some kind of game. Here’s our list of fun, social sports that will quench your thirst for playful competition this year. You might even meet a few new friends or drinking buddies in the process.
Venti Views/Unsplash
Pickleball
Pickleball is a sport that’s been growing in popularity in recent years due to its simple setup and low-key equipment, but it’s actually been around since the 1960s. The game itself is easy to pick up and can be a bit engrossing. It’s like a combination of ping pong and tennis, but without the overhead smashes and crazy running back and forth all over the court—but don’t worry, you’ll still get in a great workout.
You can play it with two or four people; all you’ll need are paddles, balls, and a net to get a game going. The paddles are similar in shape to ping pong paddles, but about twice the size, while the balls have holes in them like whiffle balls, making each stroke lower impact compared to regular tennis. The badminton-style court should be around 20 feet across and 44 feet long, while the net should be between 34 to 36 inches high. Many parks, rec centers, and health clubs now have pickleball courts to play on, so if you’re looking to play, search in your local area or check in with your gym/club to see if they have a court to use. But if you don’t have access to one, don’t worry. You can order a pickleball set and play in your driveway, backyard, or park.
Games are usually played to 11, with a team needing to win by 2. Points are scored only by the serving team. The serving player must hit the ball underhand and contact with the ball has to be from waist level or below. Following a serve, the other team must let the ball bounce once before returning it, and same the serving team when it’s hit back, but after those two bounces, players can then hit the ball for a return before it hits the ground. The area within the first seven feet on each side of the net is considered a “no-volley zone” so that players don’t smash the ball like in regular tennis. For the full official rules, you can check out this explainer from USA Pickelball. Need a place to play? You can search here for options nationwide. The website will give you all the available pickleball courts in your local area, as well as the schedule, cost to play, and any relevant contact information. You also can search by location and find information on leagues, tournaments, courts, lessons and events from the Global Pickleball Network.
John Kofi/Unsplash
Ultimate Frisbee
It’s more than just the game you saw people playing on the quad at college. Ultimate Frisbee—or as many players call it, “ultimate”—is a non-contact sport that has some pretty straightforward rules. Similar to American football, you have two teams, and points are scored when one team catches the frisbee in the opposing end zone. At the start of the game, the teams start on opposite sides of the field, with one team throwing the disc to the other team, similar to a kickoff in football. The offensive team can’t run with the frisbee—players can pass it to teammates from either a standing position (and one pivot step), or within three steps after catching the frisbee if they don’t come to a complete stop. The offensive team loses possession of the frisbee if the disc is caught by a defender, it hits the ground, or if it goes out of bounds.
Field measurements from USA Ultimate are 70 yards long, 40 yards wide, with end zones 20 yards deep, but not everywhere you play may have space like that. If you’re playing with friends or in a social league, you can make your own measurements with markers on the field for the bound lines and end zones at the distance you’d like to play. Looking for places to play or leagues to join? The USA Ultimate website has a map with links to all 50 states, providing websites for local leagues.PickupUltimate.com also has links and information for pickup/social games happening around the country. You also can try searching for local clubs or competitions in your area and games that may be organized by Community Center or Parks Departments in your town or city. There are also semi-professional leagues like the American Ultimate Disc League and the Premier Ultimate League, highly competitive local leagues, national competitions, and college teams—and in 2028, it’ll even be eligible to become an Olympic sport.
BluIz60 / Shutterstock
Flag Football
Miss your pee wee or high school football days? With flag football you can get back in on the action without having to worry about getting smashed over the middle by an oncoming linebacker. There’s no need for tons of equipment or even helmets. All you need to play is a football, a flag belt, and maybe some cleats—or at least some solid running sneakers. The rules are basically the same as regular football, but instead of tackling or making contact with players, you pull the flag off the opposing players’ belt to make the tackle. You also can decide to play full no-contact or with some contact, meaning light blocking when plays are in action, but that’s something you can decide with your crew of players before starting a game. Another advantage of flag football is you don’t need as many players as you do with traditional football. Many leagues do 7-on-7 or 8-on-8 games, but even if you have less players, you still can play a fun, competitive game with just four or five people per side.
Most teams are made up of a quarterback, receivers, a running back and lineman on offense; the defense will usually match up 1-on-1 with each receiver, while one or two players stays close to the quarterback, depending on how you set your “rushing” rules. In some flag football leagues, quarterbacks are not allowed to run and can only either pass the ball forward or hand it off to a running back, but those rules can be tweaked based on your preference. Some people will set a “rushing clock” between 5-10 seconds, meaning that until that time is up, the quarterback can’t run past the line of scrimmage, but the defense also can’t go after the quarterback. But once that timer is up, the defense can try and snatch the quarterback’s flag for a sack.
Organized leagues and clubs for flag football have been growing in recent years, with ones in New York City like NYC Flag Football, which has multiple league options, local ZogSports leagues, as well as games, clinics and tournaments run by the NYC Parks department. If you’re located in LA, the Department of Recreation and Parks has an adult flag football league. Another great resource is GotFlagFootball.com, which provides a database nationwide where you can search by state to find flag football league options in your area. The NFL itself has been investing in the sport, creating leagues for kids around the country, but they also have resources you can use on their NFL Flag website if you want to start your own league; it’s got gear you can order, official rules, and playbooks. If you want to take a step up and try your hand at being a professional, there’s the American Flag Football League, which started in 2017 and has a men’s and women’s division.
Shutterstock
Ball Hockey
If you’re into hockey, but don’t want to deal with getting skates and having to actually find an ice rink to play on, ball hockey is for you. Instead of playing on ice, all you need is a stick, ball, and some protective gear, since you can play on foot without any skates. You’ll need a little bit more equipment than some of the other sports here, but much less compared to traditional ice hockey or street hockey. Usually, players will have hand gloves/covers, shin guards, and a helmet, with goalies wearing a full set of protective gear. You can find leagues and organized clubs around the country like Ball Hockey League in North Hollywood, which offers tournaments and pickup games, New York Street Hockey group, which holds weekly games in Queens, and a ZogSports weekly floor hockey league in NYC. There’s also a national organization in USA Ball Hockey, which has resources, events around the country, tournaments and much more that can help you get involved. If you aren’t joining a league and just want to play with friends, you can order a ball hockey set yourself on websites like Amazon that usually come with a collapsible net, multiple balls, and multiple sticks you can play with.
Courtesy Image
Volleyball
Whether it’s on the beach, in the park, or indoors, volleyball is one of the most fun and social sports you can pick up. Gear is minimal: You just need a net and volleyball. It’s a great workout, as volleyball has quick spurts of jumping, lateral movements, and cardio. It takes teamwork to help set up a shot and there isn’t a better feeling on the court than when you time your jump perfectly and block your opponent’s shot right back into them. The best way to get started is to just go out and play. Look up whether your gym, local park, or community center has a league you can join and, in many cities, you can search for fields or courts that are available. Through sites like ZogSports, you can search for volleyball leagues in multiple cities, including New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. In most cities, with a few clicks, you’ll be able to find yourself a game, and maybe a new weekly hobby. For example, in New York City you can find a full list of all the volleyball facilities on the NYC Parks website. Some leagues also host tournaments and other season-long groups that are a bit more competitive than just a weekly pickup game. The New York Urban Volleyball League hosts clinics and takes participants of all skill levels, while Big City Volleyball offers indoor and outdoor games, leagues, and clinics all around the city. If you’re looking for something a bit more competitive,you can find a wide range of indoor competitions and beach volleyball events taking place around the country through USA Volleyball.
Wan San Yip;Unsplash
Dodgeball
If any of these sports will make you feel like a kid again, it’s dodgeball. It also might be the easiest one to get started, as all you need to play is a dodgeball and a few other people to compete with. Playing can help you build agility and upper body strength, and before you know it you’ll be able to pinpoint your throws with perfect accuracy. To find leagues or games to play in, search for events in your community; check out local parks or rec centers; or seek out organized leagues like ZogSports in New York City and the World Dodgeball Society in Los Angeles. No matter where you live, you’ll likely be able to find a league, similar to ones like FXA Dodgeball in Virginia, the Chicago Sport & Social Club, and Miami Dodgeball. If you want to take things up another level like Vince Vaughn and his Average Joe’s team in Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, there’s the National Dodgeball League, which has teams around the country, as well as USA Dodgeball.
Courtesy Image
Soccer
Soccer has been a growing sport in the U.S. for over a decade and that’s also extended to pickup leagues around the country. Joining a soccer league in your city or area is a great way to meet people and stay active if you’re itching to play an organized sport. The equipment is minimal, too; all you’ll need are some shin guards, cleats, and a soccer ball. Most parks have a soccer field you can play on and many leagues offer night and weekend games so you can fit things into your busy schedule. If you’re in New York City, there are a bunch of places you can find pickup games and casual leagues, including at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 5, which has an incredible view of the Manhattan skyline while you play. You can find information about availability of the field on the park website here. There’s also Pickup Soccer NYC, which is all-season and NYC Footy, which offers 5-on-5, 6-on-6, and 7-on-7 leagues all around the city. You can also search for games and leagues around the country through websites like Meetup, which has a searchable list based on city and region. The United States Adult Soccer Association also holds local, regional and national competitions during the year and offers rules and resources as the official governing body of adult soccer in the country.
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
Courtesy image
1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
Marius Bugge
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Marius Bugge
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
Marius Bugge
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top. Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
