a group of beginner adult athletes holding different sports gear

Feeling the urge to immerse yourself in adult sports but worried you’re too much of a beginner?

Adult sports leagues are your playground, tailor-made for rookies like you. Whether it’s rugby, hockey, or a throwback to kickball or dodgeball, you’ll find no shortage of camaraderie and fun. Choose a sport that aligns with your fitness goals and interests, like shopping for the perfect pair of shoes (or cleats)—but with less return hassle. Online directories and community centers are treasure troves of beginner leagues waiting to be discovered.

If you’re ready to transform weekdays or weekends into game days and put adulting aside for a bit, Adults Play Sports is here to help. 

Key Takeaways

Beginners Can Play Adult Sports, Too

Joining an adult sports league is a fantastic way for beginners like you to immerse yourself in athletics and enjoy a supportive, fun environment. Picture yourself stepping onto the field or court, surrounded by fellow enthusiasts who are just as eager to learn and play.

Adult sports leagues cater to all skill levels, making them perfect for those new to the game. As an adult athlete, you don’t need to worry about being the star player from day one. Instead, focus on enjoying your time playing the sport, the camaraderie, and the opportunity to improve.

Think of adult sports leagues as a playground for grown-ups, where the stakes are low, but the fun is high.

How To Determine Which Sport To Play As A Beginner

Choosing the right sport as a beginner can feel like picking the perfect ice cream flavor—there are so many tempting options, but you want to find the one that truly satisfies you. Do you want to play a team sport or a solo sport? Are you looking for a casual, not overly athletic sport? Or are you looking for a traditional sport that welcomes newbies but one that you can evolve as an athlete?

Start by evaluating your skill level and fitness goals; it’s no use jumping into a marathon if running a mile leaves you gasping for air.

Assess Your Skill Level

Before starting a new sport, take some time to honestly assess your current fitness level and past athletic experience. Think of it as checking your car’s fuel gauge before a road trip; you wouldn’t want to run out of gas halfway, right?

If you’re interested in playing a sport that requires endurance, it’s essential to evaluate your general fitness—how far can you jog before feeling winded? If you aim to play a sport like soccer and can’t run for more than two minutes, you’ll be discouraged before you start. Work up to getting yourself somewhat in shape first, and you’ll feel better when you attend your first practice or game.

Next, consider your past athletic endeavors. Were you a high school basketball star, or did you avoid gym class like it was the plague? Your history plays a significant role in your comfort level and learning curve. Maybe you’ve got a knack for coordination, or perhaps you resemble a baby giraffe on ice skates—no judgment here!

Reflect on your physical strengths and weaknesses. Are you more agile, or are you built for brawn rather than cardio? Knowing these traits will help you pinpoint a sport where you can shine and, more importantly, enjoy yourself.

Take Our Quiz

If you feel overwhelmed about deciding on a sport, take our interactive quiz to simplify the process. 

Answer a few insightful questions and you’ll discover a sport that aligns seamlessly with your interests, fitness level, and social preferences.

Why wander aimlessly through the vast world of adult sports when you can find your ideal match in minutes? Whether you’re a closet competitor with a penchant for team dynamics or someone seeking solitary serenity through individual sports, our quiz has you covered.

Think of it as a matchmaking service for your athletic alter ego.

Beginner-Friendly Adult Sports Options

chain link fence with "sports zone" sign on it

Many community parks and recreation leagues offer beginner-friendly adult sports. Then there are social sports leagues that offer less intense sports like kickball, dodgeball, and cornhole. 

Kickball, that playground classic, transforms into a social spectacle in these leagues. It’s like a cocktail party with a side of cardio—you’ll be laughing so hard you won’t notice you’re exercising.

If you’re more of a traditionalist, check out rugby, softball, roller derby, or hockey. While these sports may sound intimidating for a beginner, there are many leagues which specifically invite brand new adult athletes to check them out.

Social Sports Leagues

Social sports leagues offer beginners a welcoming environment to try new activities and make lasting connections.

These leagues aren’t just about the games; they’re about community bonding through weekend tournaments that bring everyone together, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support. You’ll find that post-game socials provide golden networking opportunities, turning casual acquaintances into potential professional connections.

Skill-building clinics are another gem within these leagues, offering a supportive environment where you can hone your abilities without the intimidating pressure of high-stakes matches. It’s like having a personal cheerleading squad, pushing you to improve while celebrating your every little victory.

In this microcosm of fun and fitness, you’ll discover more than just a pastime – you’ll find a community ready to welcome you with open arms and perhaps a themed costume or two.

There are plenty of local social sports leagues, as well as regional and national ones as well.

Kickball Leagues

Kickball leagues offer a perfect blend of fun and fitness for novice athletes keen to join a welcoming and inclusive team sport. Imagine a childhood favorite evolving into an adult pastime—kickball brings that nostalgic charm wrapped in fun and exercise.

Kickball rules are straightforward and simple. You score runs by kicking the ball and rounding bases, much like baseball but with fewer complexities. The inclusive nature of kickball means everyone, regardless of skill level, has a chance to shine and enjoy.

Traditional Team Sports For Adults

Female rugby players from opposing teams, with one team in a lift formation and a couple players reaching for ball

Team sports like rugby, hockey, and softball enable novice athletes to dive into friendly competition while developing essential teamwork skills. You’ll get a feel for what it’s like to work together on a common goal–winning. But if you don’t win, you’ll also learn (hopefully) to lose gracefully and work to improve for your next matchup.

If hockey intrigues you, be sure to look for leagues that offer beginner clinics–many do. Some even offer adult learn-to-skate programs if you don’t know how. Check out one of our featured athletes who started hockey in his forties, overweight and out of shape, and it changed his whole mindset.

Non-Athletic Sports

While competitive team sports are an excellent way to build up your fitness and your teamwork, non-athletic sports like cornhole and Bocce ball provide a more relaxed yet equally engaging alternative for beginner athletes. Imagine a sunny afternoon filled with backyard games and casual competition where the pressure’s off, but the fun’s at an all-time high. Cornhole and Bocce ball aim more for recreational fun rather than rigorous exercise.

Cornhole, for instance, is an outdoor pastime that involves tossing bean bags onto a slanted board. It’s perfect for leisurely sports enthusiasts who want to engage in friendly gatherings without breaking a sweat. Bocce ball falls into that same category. It’s a casual game of throwing balls at a target ball to see which team can get closest.

three friends playing cornhole in a grassy field
Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik

These easygoing sports not only promote physical activity but also serve as a fantastic medium for socializing. So, why not swap the gym for a sunny park and some fun hobbies? You’ll find yourself enjoying the game and maybe even making a few new friends along the way.

Where to Find Adult Sports Leagues

Finding the right adult sports league can be as simple as exploring online directories like ours, where you can filter options specifically for beginners. This is by far the quickest and easiest way for you to find a league that’s right for you. Our directory includes sports-specific leagues, social sports league, local parks and recreation leagues, and more.

image of aps directory search filters
Visit our directory and open filters to search by beginner sports

If you don’t find what you’re looking for in our directory, here are some other places to search for beginner adult sports:

  • Community Centers: Often the heart of local activities, community centers usually offer a plethora of sports leagues for adults. They’re a fantastic starting point for beginners.
  • YMCA/YWCA, JCC: These organizations often offer adult sports for newbies.
  • Social Media Groups: Platforms like Facebook often have groups dedicated to local adult sports leagues. A quick search can uncover hidden gems in your area.
  • Local Parks and Recreation Departments: These departments usually organize seasonal sports leagues, offering everything from softball to ultimate frisbee.

With these resources, finding a league that matches your skill level and interest becomes a breeze.