Athletes at all levels from middle and high school to college, to professional play one sport or multiple sports with eyes focused on winning and, ultimately, an individual or team championship. Student-athletes play to earn a Letter in their favorite sport or other sports which looks great on a resume or when applying for an athletic scholarship. Others play to earn either an individual or team trophy, medal, or another award. Many play with loftier ambitions of playing Major League baseball, or in the NFL, NBA, NHL, or in the Olympics.

Putting Athletics In Perspective

How many, however, simply play a sport or sports for the fun of it purely for the sake of enjoyment? As you’ll note from the previous paragraph, the words “play” or “playing” are frequently mentioned and for a good reason. After all, as a verb, “play” is defined as leisure, recreation, entertainment, diversion, amusement, pleasure, distraction, and, of course, f-u-n. Picture an athlete or a group of athletes celebrating a touchdown, home run, or jumping up and down after capturing a state championship? That’s the essence of having fun. Conversely, sports also have an agonizing side with individual and team disappointments and sadness from losing, enduring or overcoming injuries, making a costly error, fumbling or dropping the ball, or throwing a game-changing interception.

Nonetheless, the bottom line of this article is to have athletes from Little League to the Majors realize that “playing” a sport is to appreciate the experience truly. At the end of a game or season, win or lose, every athlete should always be mindful that the fundamental reason they’re out there “playing” on the field, wrestling mat, basketball, tennis or volleyball court, golf course, or hockey rink is to enjoy what they’re doing. They should also recall as youths how they “played” at their neighborhood “playground” a place to have fun. Their particular sport’s “playground” should be the football, baseball, lacrosse or soccer field, for instance, or some other athletic site.

If any athlete is discouraged with their sport, bored, or feels pressured or overstressed by coaches, parents, or peers to succeed, then they’re no longer “playing” a sport or sports, but toiling at it. That’s the signal that sports are no longer fun. Instead of doing what brings happiness or fulfillment on the athletic stage, it might be time to pursue or “play” something else away from sports, perhaps music, art, cooking, acting, or take up a hobby.

It’s All About “Play” in The Sports World

Think of the various ways “play” appears in sports vocabulary as a verb, noun or adjective serving as a constant reminder that the word exemplifies something positive and enlightening. Here are examples besides athletes playing a sport or sports: An athlete plays a position or positions on a team; the ball is in play (stays in bounds) or out of play (a foul ball); the ball is playable (it can be fielded or caught during a baseball or softball game); a team makes the playoffs; a play by play sports announcer; playing a doubleheader, one game or a round of golf.

Playing Sports Is A Great Social Outlet And Diversion From Academics

Another joyful aspect derived from playing sports is making friends and meeting new teammates, supporting and cheering for them, and relishing the camaraderie on and off the field. For student-athletes, playing sports also provide a distraction from school work – taking one’s mind off an upcoming exam, for example. How often have athletes reported loving playing with their teammates and playing for a coach or coaches? Even through grueling practices, athletes savor the opportunity to play and temporarily put life’s other demands such as academics and other commitments out of their minds while focusing on their favorite sport.

Delighting in the Excitement of Sports

Athletes and spectators alike have witnessed and felt the thrill and tension of a close game. Imagine the excitement of being on the sidelines, dugout, stands, or viewing a tight sports event in person or on television. A tied championship or playoff game that goes into extra innings or overtime is a sight to behold – with players participating either in the game or on the sidelines, or fans watching from the stands or on TV – on the edge of their seats awaiting the outcome. The electrifying climax is an athlete scoring the winning goal in soccer or hockey; kicking the game-ending field goal, shooting the game-winning basket as the buzzer sounds; or driving in the winning run. Those scenarios are other illustrations of play or fun from sports – momentarily distracting those involved from the challenges, difficulties, or otherworldly matters. This was and is still represented by sports continuing during the pandemic the past two years as athletes and sports fans want and need that diversion from any negativity surrounding them.

Playing Sports Also Provides Life Skills On and Off The Field

While having fun playing a sport they love, as a bonus, athletes derive these valuable life skills: Experiencing teamwork; learning good sportsmanship; gaining confidence; seeing positive results from their efforts in practices or the weight room; socializing and interacting with peers and adults (coaches, managers); time management (being on time for team meetings, practices, games, and weight room sessions); developing physical assets needed not only for their sport(s), but also in daily life (e.g., core balance and stability, strengthening muscles, bones and joints, building endurance, and increasing muscle size); staying physically fit from sports practices and games, and dealing with and overcoming adversity (e.g., a season-ending injury, or a season-ending loss, or poor performance).

Repeat: “Let’s Play Ball” and “Have a Ball” While Doing It!

Athletes may have fond memories of gathering neighborhood friends and heading to the playground for a basketball game or baseball/softball diamond, playing a game of touch football, or practicing soccer kicks. Whether they continue playing competitive scholastic, amateur, or professional sports, hopefully, this article has reinforced the message that they’re “Having a Ball” while playing despite the ups and downs of athletics. And, so, it’s also worth remembering this inspiring famous quote from the late, great Hall of Fame baseball player Ernie Banks, who, upon entering the clubhouse one day and looking around seeing a downtrodden cast of players, stated: “It’s a beautiful day for a ball game. Let’s play two!”

Reference

1 USA Today. (January 24, 2015). “Ernie Banks’ Legacy Extends Far Beyond Mr. Cub Status” (by Paul White).