Have you ever wondered how many sports that start with the letter H exist? No? Well, now you’re thinking about it, and you’ll see, it’s an unexpected playground. From handball to hurling, including disciplines you may have never heard of, I’m taking you on an entertaining yet instructive overview. Buckle up (or tie your sport laces), here we go!
Handball: more than just a simple ball sport
Ah, handball! This fast-paced sport where everyone runs, jumps, and above all, throws missiles at lightning speed. If you grew up in France, you’ve surely heard about the Experts, that national team that thrilled millions of fans.
A bit of history (but I promise, it will be quick)
Handball has its origins in Germany and Denmark at the end of the 19th century. Initially played with 11 players outdoors, it quickly adapted to gyms to become the dynamic sport we know today, played 7 against 7.
The essential rules
Alright, are you ready? Here’s the survival kit of handball rules:
- A match lasts 60 minutes, divided into two halves of 30 minutes.
- The goal? Score goals by throwing the ball by hand into the opposing goal. Easy to say!
- You can take 3 steps without dribbling, then you must pass or shoot.
- Contact allowed? Yes, but moderately. This isn’t rugby, you know.
Why is it cool?
Because it’s a sport where you’re never bored. The score climbs quickly, surprises are frequent, and everyone is running in all directions. Plus, it develops speed, agility, and a sense of teamwork that’s unbeatable.
Hockey: on ice, on grass… and even on rollerblades!
Hockey is a bit like the chameleon of sports. It adapts to all surfaces: ice, grass, indoor, or even on rollerblades. No matter the version, one thing is certain: it’s fast and hits hard!
The different variants
Here’s a little table to see things more clearly:
| Type of Hockey | Surface | Key Equipment | Particularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice Hockey | Ice | Skates + stick | Ultra fast, physical |
| Field Hockey | Artificial grass | Stick + hard ball | Olympic sport |
| Indoor Hockey | Parquet | Stick + light ball | More technical version |
| Roller Hockey | Smooth floor | Rollerblades + stick | No physical contact allowed |
The rules (in express mode)
- Two teams face off to score goals by propelling a ball or puck into the opposing goal.
- The game is marked by frequent line changes (especially in ice hockey).
- As for contact, it depends on the version: in ice hockey, it can be tough, while in roller hockey, it’s lighter.
Why try hockey?
If you like speed, high adrenaline, and sports where strategy counts as much as technique, hockey is for you.
Weightlifting: lifting heavy with style
When we talk about weightlifting, you probably imagine mountains of muscles lifting loaded bars like mules. But this sport is much more than brute strength. It’s a true technical discipline where precision counts as much as power.
An Olympic sport with class
Weightlifting has been part of the Olympic Games since 1896 (yes, it’s not recent!). The two main movements are:
- The Snatch: you lift the bar in one go, from the ground to above your head. A fluid and explosive move.
- The Clean and Jerk: a two-part movement where you first lift the bar to your shoulders before pushing it over your head.
What it brings you
Beyond performance, weightlifting develops coordination, flexibility (yes, even if it doesn’t seem obvious), and self-confidence. Lifting more than your own weight gives you wings!
Equestrianism: the art of bonding with your horse
Equestrianism is not just about jockeys racing against each other. It’s a world of its own where the relationship with the animal is at the heart of the practice. Whether you are a fan of show jumping, dressage, or racing, there’s something for everyone.
The flagship disciplines
- Show jumping: clearing bars without knocking them down, in record time.
- Dressage: an elegant ballet where the horse executes precise figures.
- Flat racing: pure speed, guaranteed thrills.
Why is it exciting?
Because you are not alone. It’s a team of two: you and your horse. It requires a real connection, patience, and a lot of perseverance.
Hurling: the Irish sport that blows your mind
If you’ve never heard of hurling, get ready to discover one of the fastest sports in the world. Originating from Ireland, this explosive mix of lacrosse, hockey, and Gaelic football is played with a stick called hurley and a tiny ultra-fast ball, the sliotar.
The rules in turbo mode
- 15 players per team, on a large field.
- The goal? Send the sliotar into the opposing goal or over the posts to score points.
- You can run with the ball, strike it in the air, or pass it to your teammates.
What makes this sport unique
It’s ultra fast, intense, and spectacular. In Ireland, it’s a religion, with stadiums packed to the brim for the big finals. Imagine a match where the ball can reach 160 km/h… Yes, you read that right.
In summary: one letter, sports, passions
You see, the letter H hides unexpected treasures! Whether you prefer ball sports, ice sports, weightlifting, or bonding with a horse, there’s definitely a H sport for you. So, ready to put on your sneakers or skates?
If you enjoyed this article, don’t hesitate to share it with your friends on social media. Maybe they’ll discover their future favorite sport too. And if you want to explore more, feel free to check out our other sports guides to get even more inspired!
Céline, a passionate blogger about news and travel, I decode the trends that make the world buzz. Whether it’s exploring hidden corners of the planet or analyzing the hottest topics in the news, I share my discoveries here with a curious and authentic perspective. Join me to travel through words and ideas!
