Team Sports That Keep You in the Game
Walking soccer, croquet, and cardio drumming are fun team activities for adults
by Catherine Gannon Taintor
September 2022
CROQUET
Over 4.5 million people are playing croquet in the US. Why are older adults flocking to the game of croquet? Is it because we enjoy a wine and wicket party or like playing zombie croquet? Maybe we love dressing up in all white? Why should the Bridgerton family (Netflix) have all the fun?
You play the game using a mallet to maneuver a wooden ball through a series of wickets. The fun comes in when you hit another player’s ball called a “roquet” and send it skyrocketing. This entitles you to two extra strikes. (And the fun of sticking it to your opponent.) The game is also played competitively.
Tournament croquet
Tournament croquet is sometimes referred to as “chess on grass” because it involves strategy, skill, and tactics. At the same time, it is easy on the body and the knees. It is also a great replacement sport for many older adults with back problems. In some clubs, older adults are allowed to bring their walkers onto the grass court and then hit the ball with their mallets.
Croquet is played in many retirement communities and country clubs throughout the United States. Most clubs hold at least one tournament a year.
You can start a club and join the USCA United States Croquet Association to learn about tournaments and the rules book. As a member of the USCA, your club has access to traveling instructors, a network of croquet clubs, and assistance with local club events.
Croquet variations
Variations of croquet include: Extreme Croquet, played on rough terrain; Golf Croquet, in which the first ball to go through the hoop wins the hoop; and Gateball, the Japanese version of croquet played with 3 gates and a center pole. In the case of the Bridgerton family, there was mud wrestling involved.
Famous fans of croquet
What do Harpo Marx, George Clooney, and Brad Pitt have in common? They are all famous fans of croquet. In 1979, Harpo Marx, Darryl Zanuck, and Sam Goldwyn were all inducted into the Croquet Foundation of America’s Hall of fame.
CARDIO DRUMMING
Cardio drumming is a low-impact exercise that combines drumming with aerobic exercise. It involves hitting a pair of drumsticks in the air or on an exercise ball propped up by buckets to the beat of the music. The exercise can be performed sitting or standing.
Carrie Ekins developed the program after she suffered a hip injury. Her program, “Drums Alive,” combines aerobic dance with drum rhythms. It can help improve balance in older adults by improving postural control. This could help reduce falls in older adults.
Cardio drumming raises your heartbeat and helps improve balance and coordination. It can also strengthen muscle groups like your abs and core.
Cardio drumming is not just healthy, it’s also uplifting and fun. It all depends on how much we feel the music as we drum along and move our bodies.
WALKING SOCCER
Many older adults who played soccer during their youth have never lost their love of soccer. They loved the competition and the friendships formed with teammates. As we age, running becomes more difficult, and head-butting risks brain injury. A new form of soccer called “Walking Soccer” is easier on the knees and minimizes the risk of brain injury in aging adults. As a result, many people with chronic health issues such as arthritic knees and hips, Parkinson’s, heart issues, rheumatoid arthritis, MS, and joint replacements play Walking Soccer.
In Walking Soccer:
- There is no running allowed.
- It’s played with a futsal ball.
- The ball can go no higher than six feet.
- There is a no-heading rule.
Players can walk as much as four to five miles in a game. This may explain why walking soccer improves stamina, balance, and strength.
Walking soccer is wildly popular in the United Kingdom (There are over 2000 teams competing in the UK). Teams are emerging in the United States and Canada. Walking soccer is a safer and less physically difficult game than running soccer.
To find out about walking soccer leagues in your area or to start a walking league contact the US Adult Soccer Association USASA.
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL BENEFITS OF GROUP PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Remaining active as you get older, can strengthen your muscles and bones, and reduce risks such as falls and heart disease. In addition, group physical activity can help you make friends and connect with teammates. Also, many people enjoy the competitive nature of group sports. Moreover, physical activity and sports benefit you mentally. When you exercise you stimulate endorphins that make you feel happier and more relaxed. It reduces stress and depression.