As the end of 2019 draws near, we reflect on the things we have achieved this year and the goals to put on our to-do-list for next year! Now some people don’t like the pressure of making New Year’s Resolutions (images come to mind of that gym membership you didn’t use much)! The thing is, goals are about trial and error, so whatever your ambitions may be, put them back on your 2020 list.

 

Plenty of us like the idea of improving our health or trying new things to enrich our lifestyles. Perhaps you like the idea of taking up a new sport? For those looking for an alternative to the traditional football or tennis routes, why not try one of these four fab alternatives in 2020.

 

Stand-up paddleboarding

 

Stand-up paddleboarding or SUP is essentially an alternative type of surfing, the difference being that you use a paddle to move instead of just your body. Another difference is that SUP doesn’t necessarily have to involve any substantial waves; it’s often practiced on still waters. The idea is to balance on the board and then propel yourself along using the paddle. SUP is an amazing sport because it gives you a full-body workout. You’ll improve your balance and core strength plus the water adds a nice therapeutic quality. There’s even SUP yoga to try (essentially yoga on a paddleboard) for those keen yogis out there.

Futsal 

 

Futsal is a type of soccer that has several distinct differences to traditional soccer. It can generally be viewed as a version of soccer that is scaled-down and played on an indoor court. Futsal is a 5 a side game, and the ball is a ‘low bounce’ ball instead of a normal-sized soccer ball. Another difference is that in futsal, it’s possible for the ball to leave the court of play. Many see this as an advantage because, unlike in indoor soccer, there is no wall bouncing allowed. A lack of wall bouncing means that players can perfect their passing skills. Futsal requires pin-point passing demands quick reflexes; for those looking for a new indoor ball challenge- this could be the one to try! Who knows, you might even make a team and be on the lookout for futsal uniforms! 

 

Handball

 

In handball, players can throw or handle the ball using their hands and cannot touch the ball with their feet. The aim of the game is to score by throwing the ball into the goal of the opponent. Usually, games consist of 7 players per side, including the goalkeepers. Once you get possession of the ball, you can shoot, pass, or keep possession. On keeping possession, a player can dribble or take three steps without dribbling. It’s a really fast-paced game, so you’ll get the adrenaline pumping and improve your cardiovascular health too.

 

If you like the sound of any of these, 2020 could be your year for an alternative sport. Trying new sports activities not only improves your health, but can mean you’ll gain new skills and make a few new friends too. With a more active lifestyle, you could decrease your chances of mobility or health problems as you get older.